Silver and Black Report

Shane Lechler and Richard Seymour were the only current members of the Oakland Raiders to be named on the National Football League’s All-Decade team.

The full squad was announced tonight prior to the Pro-Bowl in Miami and it also included former Raiders Randy Moss, Warren Sapp and Charles Woodson.

Lorenzo Neal who was with the team during the summer and waived prior to the season also made the squad.

Lechler is a five-time Pro Bowl selection, five-time first-team All-Pro and a two time second team All-Pro.

In his 10-season with the Raiders, the former 5^th round pick has averaged 47.3 yards per punt and a 38.6 net average.

Moss spent the 2005 and 2006 seasons in the Bay Area.

He compiled 102 receptions for 1,558 yards and 11 touchdowns after being acquired for Napoleon Harris, a 1^st round selection and a late round pick.

After Oakland traded him to New England, Moss found his stride again after a dominant start to his career in Minnesota and tallied 23 touchdown grabs, setting the league single season record.

Woodson was Oakland’s 4^th overall selection in the 1998 draft. The six-time Pro Bowl selection was the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year with the Silver & Black.

He donned the Raider colors from 1998-to-2005.

This past season, he was voted the AP NFL defensive Player of the Year.

Woodson has 45 career interceptions.

Sapp spent 4-years with the Raiders. The boisterous defensive tackle tallied 19.5 sacks while in Oakland.

Seymour just finished his first season with the Raiders after being acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots.

NOTES

• Seymour is a three-time Super Bowl Champion with the Patriots (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX). He has been selected to five Pro Bowls and is a three-time first team All-Pro.
• Sapp is a four time first team All-Pro and a Super Bowl Champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (XXXVII). He was also selected to the NFL’s 1990s All-Decade Team. The former first rounder out of the University of Miami won the 1999 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. He ended with 96.5 career sacks.
• Moss was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the year (1998), has been a seven time Pro Bowl selection and was the Pro Bowl MVP in 2000.

Oakland Raiders punter Shane Lechler was selected for the Associated Press All-Pro team.

The 33-year old received 48 out of a possible 50 votes from a panel of sports writers. It is Lechler’s 5^th all-pro selection after punting 96 times for an average of 51.1 and landing 30 of those kicks inside the 20-yard line.

Lechler enjoyed his best season as a pro, nearly breaking Sammy Baugh’s single season mark for gross punting average.

“It’s a good honor, something to be proud of, I really appreciate it. I’m truly humbled and honored.” Lechler stated on the official Raiders web site. “It’s an honor [to be part of the Raiders tradition of great punters], They’re all good guys who just went out and did their jobs on Sundays. That’s what I’m proud to be a part of.”

Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha was chosen as a 2^nd team All Pro.

Former Raider Charles Woodson was on the first team along with Darrelle Revis of the New York Jets.

“Being selected an All-Pro for the third time in my seven-year career with the Raiders is the most humbling honor of all,” Asomugha said. “I’m very proud to continue to carry the torch for a long line of Raiders cornerbacks that have had great success in this league. I’m truly honored and proud to be recognized.”

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

Nnamdi Asomugha and Shane Lechler will represent the Oakland Raiders once again on the AFC Pro Bowl squad in January.

It will be Lechler’s fifth designation as a member of the all-star team and Asomugha’s third selection. The punter currently leads the NFL in punting with a 51.1 average while flirting with Sammy Baugh’s record 51.4-yard average from the 1940 season.

“I looked it up when I first got in the league and I’m still chasing him,” said Lechler earlier in the year.

Asomugha continued his stellar play at cornerback all season, drawing many praises as one of the better defenders in the entire league.

In February, the Raiders inked Asomugha to a three-year deal, making him the highest paid defensive back in league history.

“I am excited and happy for the Raiders who have been selected for the Pro Bowl,” Raiders Head Coach Tom Cable was quoted on their official web site. “It’s tremendous that they are being recognized as the best at their positions. They deserve it and the Raiders organization is proud of them. The Raiders have rich history and tradition and these players exemplify what it means to wear the Silver and Black.”

Zach Miller, who has improved his statistics in back-to-back-to-back seasons since entering the NFL, was chosen as an alternate. He currently leads the Raiders in receptions (59) and yards receiving (767) and is one of the better all around tight ends in the league.

Richard Seymour was also picked as an alternate with his 4-sacks playing along the interior of the defensive line. Oakland acquired his services from the New England Patriots for a first round pick in the 2011 draft.

The Pro Bowl will be played in South Florida on January 31, 2010.

ANALYSIS

Asomugha is Oakland’s best player and one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He won’t garner league MVP recognition like Charles Woodson or Darrelle Revis, but he has been an upper echelon talent in this league for a few years now. When it is all said and done, Lechler may be the greatest punter who has ever donned a jersey. No one is better than he is and rightfully should draw Ray Guy comparisons as his career winds down. Miller can block, pass catch and is a model citizen. Other tight ends may be more dynamic, but he is reliable and highly productive on a terrible offense and for an attack that has very little weapons to draw attention away from his abilities. Yet he continues to get better and better. Seymour added a new element to the Raiders front seven in 2009. But the key will be whether or not Oakland can keep him around for a few more campaigns. His contract will be up, and the Raiders may be forced to designate him their franchise player this off-season. Seymour has not talked about his future in Silver & Black, but many signs point to him not yearning to stick around. May a huge contract at his age – something the Raiders are not afraid to do is dole out money to veterans – be enough to keep him?

On Sunday, the Oakland Raiders (5-9) face the Cleveland Browns (3-11). It will mark the 18^th meeting between both clubs with the Silver & Black leading 10-7. In their last meeting, Oakland blocked a late field goal to capture a 26-24 victory. The Browns are on a two game winning streak, something the Raiders will try to achieve with a road win – a feat that has been highly elusive in the short Tom Cable era.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

What to Expect on Offense:

The Raiders are moving forward with Charlie Frye. The passer cleared all tests after his concussion and has been practicing with the squad. Bruce Gradkowski has improved per Cable, but there is very little chance for him to see any action.

Justin Fargas is expected to miss the game on Sunday, which means more of the tandem of Michael Bush and Darren McFadden. Zach Miller has been limited during the week. There is a chance he may play, especially with Brandon Myers (concussion) looking like he may be inactive. Rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey will be sidelined once again and will probably not see action again this season.

With Cleveland allowing 149.6 yards per game on the ground, expect Oakland to support Frye with a heavy load of Bush and McFadden sprinkled in all over in varying formations.

What to Expect on Defense:

“We love that guy from when he was here,“ stated Thomas Howard about his former coordinator, Rob Ryan. “You always have a place in your heart for a guy like that. He drafted me and was my coordinator. But, hey, we’re on opposite sides of the field this Sunday and we’re getting after him. Like he said, it’s bedlam.”

This is a different defense than what Ryan last saw when he was their leader.

One key has been their ability to rough the passer, and Greg Ellis has been a huge part of that.  He was limited in practice again this week, but as I stated a few weeks ago, the Raiders will take it easy on him during the week and unleash the veteran on game day.

Don’t expect the Raiders to let up on their pass rush. They’ll continue to bring the heat with extra defenders in hopes of facilitating mistakes out of Derek Anderson.

What to Expect on Special Teams:

Shane Lechler sounded very confident this week when talking about his squad’s ability to lock down the dangerous Joshua Cribbs.

“We’re going to do exactly what we did to [Devin] Hester, what we did to Dante Hall four years ago when he was at Kansas City,” Lechler reported this week. “ When you do (try to avoid the returner) it goes to show that you don’t trust your guys. I’m willing to put my guys up against anybody. I like my guys. My punt team is outstanding, they play their butt off every Sunday.”

CLEVELAND BROWNS

What to Expect on Offense:

Jerome Harrison’s 286-yard three-touchdown performance against the Kansas City Chiefs was epic. He broke Jim Brown’s team record and now faces a 30^th ranked rush defense that can allow big chunks on the ground and big games from unknown rushers.

Derek Anderson will start for Brady Quinn, but some his thoughts this week were with the looming change atop the organization, as Mike Holmgren agreed to take over as team president recently.

“I think it’s an audition for everybody,” said Anderson, who will try to impress his new boss now that Quinn is out with a foot injury. “We’ve all got to continue to do good things and make plays and just play and do the things we’ve been doing the last few weeks.”

What to Expect on Defense:

The Browns utilize a 3-4 scheme under Ryan and head coach Eric Mangini. And they have been wildly inconsistent, playing stellar against the Steelers once week and then looking like a sieve versus a feeble Chiefs attack.

Linebacker Matt Roth has been a pleasant surprise lately. He recovered a fumble and recorded a key sack last weekend. “Matt’s been great. I think he’s done an excellent job in terms of fitting in with the group. The guys seem to really enjoy having him here. He’s tough,” stated his head coach.

What to Expect on Special Teams:

Cribbs versus the special teams of the Raiders – it doesn’t get better than that. “Every single time I touch the football I’m like, ‘Hey, I’m going to go. Not just good field position, but this is going back to the house,’” Cribbs said. “My eyes light up, it’s like a kid on Christmas Day every time I get the ball.”

He now holds the NFL record for 8 kickoff returns for touchdowns. He may be able to add more scores in a different role, as a defender, per Mangini in the near future.

“He is a physical tackler. He is very aggressive. He has good ball skills in terms of his ability to locate the ball, pluck the ball. He’d be great with interceptions. He’d be a dangerous returner if he got a pick. I don’t think it’s going to happen short term, it could be something that evolves.”

GAME NOTES

• The Browns have won six of the last eight meetings versus Oakland.
• In Oakland’s five-wins, their margin of victory is an average of 2.8 points.
• “He was one of the only coaches that stuck by me when I was in the beginning of my career trying to learn the new position,” Nnamdi Asomugha said of Rob Ryan. “The amount of confidence he had in me was huge and it did a lot for my development as far as growth with the cornerback position. I owe a lot to him and he knows that already so it’s going to be great seeing him. He’s a favorite of mine.”

KEY MATCH-UPS

Cribbs vs. Oakland’s cover teams

Every time the ball is kicked to Cribbs, there is excitement and anticipation he will do something special.

Which Run Defense implodes?

Both teams can put out awful efforts stopping the run. With a record breaking rusher that came out of nowhere on one side and a talented duo on the other side, this could be a game decided in the trenches and by rushers.

PREDICTION

Raiders 23 – Browns 20

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Don Criqui providing play-by-play and former NFL performer Randy Cross handling color analysis. The game will air locally on KPIX Channel 5. The game will also air in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13 as well as on KHSL in Chico, KION in Monterey and KJEO in Fresno. 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 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 cited directly from the official Oakland Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, December 27, 2009, 1:00 p.m. ET | Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cle., OH

Home Team: Cleveland Browns (3-11) Home: 1-5 Road: 2-6

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (5-9) Home: 2-5 Road: 3-4

LINE: Raiders are 3-point underdogs

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

OAKLAND, CA — Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha speaks about former Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan and about playing against the Cleveland Browns this Sunday:
video management, video solution, video streaming

Linebacker Thomas Howard touches on what it took to defeat the Denver Broncos last week and about Rob Ryan’s ‘prank’ phone call:
video management, video solution, video streaming

Always uber-cool, Shane Lechler briefly discusses about kicking to the dangerous Cleveland returner Josh Cribbs (Off camera, the Raider punter said that he will not kick away from Cribbs just before I began recording):
video management, video solution, video streaming

Richard Seymour chatting about the challenges the defense faces against the Cleveland Browns:
video management, video solution, video streaming

On Thanksgiving Day, the Oakland Raiders (3-7) will face the Dallas Cowboys (7-3). It’s the first time the Silver & Black play on this national holiday since 1970. Oakland is 3-2 on Thanksgiving, have a 6-3 lead in the regular season series versus the Cowboys and have a three game winning streak against Dallas.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

For less than a week, Bruce Gradkowski has a team and fan-base convinced that he is deserving of the starting quarterback job in Oakland. This second start will determine how well he plays when the spotlight is on and when the football world has their eyes focused on this traditional afternoon of pigskin.

Oakland rarely has prospered after wins since 2003, especially on offense where they become latent and produce very little in blowout losses. This season, opponents have outscored the Silver & Black 61-3 a week after they come off victories.

But Gradkowski is making those around him more comfortable, giving them confidence with his vigor and a win while under center on Sunday. It helps that Robert Gallery is now healthy, Chaz Schilens is back on the field and Darren McFadden’s presence has to be accounted by opponents.

What to Expect:

Dallas is one of the better run-stuffing units in the league, allowing 100.6 yards per game (7^th in the NFL). The Raiders didn’t really move the chains on the strength of their ground game versus Cincinnati, so Tom Cable may feel more confident in opening up the playbook and letting Gradkowski shoulder some of the burden that JaMarcus Russell could not with a more complex pass game. McFadden should get some looks in the ‘Wildhog’ formation to loosen up the Dallas defense.

On Defense:

Greg Ellis will face his old teammates after spending 11 seasons in Dallas. “You can’t play on one team forever,” commented Ellis, who leads the Raiders with 5-sacks. “You enjoy the years you were there. I told Jerry I wish we had won the big one while I was there. We didn’t, and he felt like it was time to make a decision.”

Oakland’s defense stifled the Bengals last week, and during their wins this season, it’s been the pressure applied by the front four, which has made life difficult for opposing offensive linemen, and the quarterback they are trying to protect.

The Raiders need to stay away from allowing big yardage on the ground, allowing big plays when defending the pass and tackling better around the line of scrimmage.

What to Expect:

The Cowboys are the 8^th ranked rushing team in the league. Oakland is the 30^th ranked rush defense in the NFL, but at times they made big plays behind the line of scrimmage against the Bengals and when the defense is at its best, they limit the long chain moving drives that has haunted them in their losses. Defensive coordinator John Marshall stated on the difficulties trying to get the run defense back to a respectable level, “Well it appears that way so far with the results. I’m really shocked, as a matter of fact. I’m surprised. We just keep working at it. There’s reasons why, which I won’t go into right now, but we just got to keep working at it.”

DALLAS COWBOYS

On Offense:

The status of Pro-Bowl tight end Jason Witten may not be known until game-time. “I won’t say it’s severe, but it’s something that worries us about him being able to play this week,” commented Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips on Tuesday.

Dallas’ offense has struggled in their last two games, scoring 14 points combined, averaging 69.5 yards on the ground while coughing up the football five times. Witten’s sprained left foot will not help, especially after they loss right tackle Marc Colombo a few weeks back with injuries to his leg and ankle.

What to Expect:

Dallas has allowed six-sacks in their last two games. Oakland can bring the heat off the edges and along the interior of the trenches. So the Cowboys have to get their running game going against a team that many times allows big chunks of yards in the ground. Tony Romo’s elusiveness and ability to throw on the run could help, especially if he is able to buy time to find his targets on broken plays down the field. And against CB Chris Johnson, Dallas may be able to re-route their receivers or big plays.

On Defense:

This unit is being asked to win games at this point due to a struggling offense who is getting beat up. “I think that is the heart and soul of the team right now, that defense,” receiver Patrick Crayton was quoted on Sunday. “The way they are keeping us around in games, it’s amazing. It has been a true blessing for our offense.”

DeMarcus Ware is one player Oakland’s protection packages have to key on as he has tallied 7-sacks in 2009 and 60.5 so far in his 5-year career.

Terrence Newman is playing very good football and this week, he shrugged off the scuttlebutt about his sideline happening with secondary coach Dave Campo.

“I’m kicking Don out,” Newman stated, joking that the scuffle will be hyped and promoted by his owner. “We’re going to have Jerry promoting it. We might have to move this whole thing to Cowboys Stadium. That’s it! Pacquiao-Mayweather at Cowboys Stadium. Yeah. It’ll be Pacquiao-Mayweather and it’ll be Campo-Newman. We’re going to make it happen. I’m telling you.”

What to Expect:

Dallas has to apply pressure on Gradkowski and force him into mistakes. Oakland’s targets aren’t consistent threats, so Dallas’ front seven can take chances with blitzes and varying attacks. If Oakland becomes too one-dimensional on offense and can’t mix in a few runs, the young talent around Gradkowski may not be able to make enough plays to keep them in the game.

GAME NOTES

• Richard Seymour is expected to play on Thursday after sustaining a lower back injury against the Bengals. Linebacker Jon Alston on the other hand looks to be dinged after his second concussion this season. Special teams ace Isaiah Ekejiuba will not play either, so the Oakland linebacker unit is very thin right now.
• Darrius Heyward-Bey broke the 100-yard barrier this past Sunday with his seventh catch of the season. The rookie first rounder now stands at 103-yards receiving.
• If Witten can’t play, fans will miss seeing two of the better tight ends in the league. Zach Miller has 34-receptions for 495 yards and 2 scores. Witten has compiled 54-grabs for 481 yards and 1 touchdown.
• Phillips is just 1-6 in his career against the Silver & Black, including 0-5 while with the Broncos (1993-94) and 1-1 while with the Bills (1998-2000).
• Shane Lechler commented on the low-hanging scoreboard in Dallas, “If that guy in Tennessee can hit it, I can hit it.” He continued, “I’m not going to go for it. If it’s there, it’s there.”

KEY MATCH-UPS

Gradkowski’s targets vs. the Dallas pass coverage & pass rush

Gradkowski needs time to pass and his targets to finally make plays for their passer. I don’t expect Oakland’s ground game to run for 120+ yards, so they’ll need another big effort from Schilens, Miller and another player in their aerial attack.

Tom Cable vs. Wade Phillips

It’s time for Cable to open up the playbook and let it loose. He has all his weapons on offense healthy and on the road on national television, Oakland should make a statement with creative and exciting play calling.

PREDICTION

Cowboys 17 – Raiders 16

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Jim Nantz providing play-by-play and former NFL player Phil Simms handling color analysis. The game will air in the Bay Area on KPIX Channel 5 and in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13. 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 cited from the official Oakland Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Thursday, November 26, 2009, 4:15 p.m. ET | Cowboys Stadium, TX

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (3-7) Home: 2-4 Road: 1-3

Home Team: Dallas Cowboys (7-3) Home: 4-1 Road: 3-2

Line: Raiders are a 13.5 point underdog

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders probably have the two strongest legs in the entire league. Coincidentally, one kicks with his right, the other with his left.

Punter Shane Lechler and place kicker Sebastian Janikowski have been pounding on footballs since 2000, when both were picked by Oakland within the same draft class.

Lechler, an All-Pro four times in his career is arguably enjoying his best season as a pro. This after Oakland inked him to a contract during the off-season that they dubbed, “the greatest ever awarded to a punter in the history of the National Football League.”

At 33, Lechler’s 44.0 net punting average is way above his NFL record for a season (41.2). His 52.3 average is currently higher than the league record for a year set in 1940 by Sammy Baugh (51.4). And game-by-game, regardless of the consistent losing and ineptness on the field, Lechler’s greatness is displayed on the field.

Lechler is a major component of this team; a captain and a respected member who is one of the few holdovers from when they last had a winning record.

“He’s obviously earned it, and he’s respected,” coach Tom Cable stated earlier in the season. “He doesn’t just go out there and kick the ball and then go put his hat on and stand around and do nothing. He’s into this team.”

Janikowski is not as decorated or renowned in league circles like his teammate. But his mighty left leg has been on display since his college days. That powerful limb impressed Oakland enough to use their 17^th overall pick in 2000 on the former Florida State Seminole.

And since, he’s earned the franchise record for highest field goal completion percentage and possesses the top spot for career points in Oakland.

Last season, he booted the longest field goal in team history, a 57-yard kick in overtime to beat the New York Jets. In 2005, the Raiders inked him to a $10.5 million five-year extension, which at that time was the most in league history for a place kicker.

So far, he’s been Mr. Perfect in 2009. The hefty kicker is a perfect 12-for-12, including 7-out of-7 from 40-to-50+ yards out. Janikowski has converted on his last 19 field goals, dating back to November 16, 2008, topping his previous best of 17 straight.

The two are one of the few bright spots on this struggling club.

One will likely be in another Pro-Bowl while the other will probably go home without accolades as soon as the season is over.

But for one campaign; both appear to be at their prime, making a case that the  two most  powerful legs in the NFL reside in Oakland.

Lechler and Janikowski won’t be two reasons why Oakland is looking down the barrel of another double digit lost campaign.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

MVP (Offense)

Zach Miller, TE

28 receptions 421 yards 15.0 avg. 1 TD

It’s quite impressive to put up those numbers on a team ranked near the bottom of every offensive team category like the Raiders are. Plus, he’s their only legitimate threat on offense, yet he still gets open and produces at an adequate level. Imagine if he was on a well-rounded offense, with complementary talent around him and an accurate passer? His blocking is top notch, Miller’s effort is never in question and he is legitimately one of the better tight ends in the conference.

Honorable Mention: Robert Gallery, LG

Since he broke a bone in his right leg Sept. 20 against the Kansas City, the offensive line has not been the same. He is Oakland’s best lineman.

Least Valuable Player LVP (Offense)

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

5 receptions 74 yards 14.8 avg. 0 TD

The seventh overall pick in the 2009 draft has been non-existent. Oakland took him in hopes of pairing his blazing speed with JaMarcus Russell’s huge arm. Instead, they have a un-polished receiver who gets mugged at the line of scrimmage, does not run clean routes and cannot get open; one of the main reasons to why this offense has struggled. Until he can get open on shorter routes and become a skilled route runner, no one will fear his track star velocity.

Honorable Mention: Javon Walker, WR

Walker has said he is ready to play several times this season. Oakland has consistently placed him on their inactive list. He’s banked a lot of money since signing with the team in 2008. At this point, we are all just waiting for the season to end so we can see the two part ways.

MVP (Defense)

Nnamdi Asomugha, CB

Pro-Bowl bound once again…

Honorable Mention: Richard Seymour, DL: 28 tackles 4 sacks 1 FF

His arrival changed the dynamics of the front-four. Yes they have struggled versus the run, but Seymour’s ability to apply pressure has made this defensive line a tough one to defend.

LVP (Defense)

Chris Johnson, CB

When you play opposite Asomugha, opponents will test you. But he’s been torched way too often and has played inconsistent football, not worthy of the $4 million signing bonus and $3.825 million per season average salary he got from Oakland after a brief stint as a starter last season.

MVP (Special Teams)

Shane Lechler, P

Lechler’s 44.0 net punting average is way above his NFL record for a season (41.2). His 52.3 average is currently higher than the league record for a year set in 1940 by Sammy Baugh (51.4).

Pleasant Surprise

Michael Huff, S 27 tackles 9 PD 3 INT

Took over the starting job a few weeks into the season with his solid play defending the pass. Early in the campaign, Huff looked like the playmaking safety the Raiders thought they were getting coming out of Texas.

The ‘I am Mr. Perfect’ Award goes to…

Sebastian Janikowski, K

The hefty kicker is a perfect 12-for-12 so far in 2009, including 7-out of-7 from 40-to-50+ yards out.

Biggest Disappointment(s)…

JaMarcus Russell, QB 48.4 completion% 38.3  QB rating 2 TD 9 INT

He looks overwhelmed, has been inaccurate, with no sense of leadership and a feeling from the fan-base that he may not be able to carry this moribund franchise.

Darren McFadden, RB 47 carries 146 yards 1 TD 2 lost Fumbles

The speedy running back missed four contests and has not been the dynamic presence Oakland wanted when they used the 4^th overall pick on him in the 2008 draft.

Best Rookie

Louis Murphy, WR 16 rec. 232 yards 1 TD

Wildly inconsistent from play-to-play, but he plays with fire and looks to be a keeper.

Rookie to look out for the rest of the season…

Matt Shaughnessy, DL

Has played well in spurts and recorded a sack versus the Chargers.

Best Moments…

1. Zach Miller’s 86-yard touchdown catch and run, aided by two stellar blocks by rookie Louis Murphy, during the Raiders 13-9 victory against the Eagles.
2. Murphy’s 57-yard reception on 4^th and 14 late in the 4^th quarter to give Oakland a 20-17 lead versus the Chargers in week-one.
3. Todd Watkins’ 28-yard reception on 3^rd and 15, late in the 4^th quarter to extend a Raiders’ drive. Two plays later, McFadden scored to give Oakland a 13-10 victory in Kansas City.

Worst Moments…

1. The 38-0 shellacking in front of the home crowd versus the New York Jets, a week after beating the Eagles.
2. 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.
3. Russell being pulled after going 6-for-11 for 61 yards with 2 interceptions and a lost fumble against the Jets.

We should see more…

Mike Mitchell, SS

Hiram Eugene should not see the field, and Mitchell should share more time with Huff and Tyvon Branch as the season winds down. It’s time to see what the rookie can do in extended action.

Justin Fargas, RB

Fargas runs harder and has more determination than any of the other Raider rushers. McFadden’s explosiveness is needed when he is healthy, so that means less of Michael Bush.

Chaz Schilens, WR

Ok, so how much longer do we have to hear that is almost ready to play? Once he is active, Schilens and Murphy should be the starters. Heyward-Bey’s role needs to be simplified and his reps should be shrinking.

Blackouts

Fans are not filling those seats and why should they with the product Oakland has put out since 2003?

Father Time is creeping on…

Greg Ellis, DE

Since his knee started acting up, the defensive end’s production has slowed down. The bye was needed, but will it rejuvenate him?

We miss you…

Johnnie Lee Higgins, PR

The return units have been abysmal. And Higgins has not been the game breaking player he was in 2008.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders (2-5) will try to pull off an upset on Sunday and avoid a 13^th straight loss at the hands of the San Diego Chargers (3-3) before they hit the bye week. It will be the 100^th meeting between both clubs, with the Silver & Black holding a 54-43-2 advantage since they began play in 1960. Both teams faced in the season opener and San Diego pulled off a 24-20 victory with a late rally on Monday Night Football.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Some things have changed; others have not for Oakland since their last meeting with the Chargers. The Silver & Black ran for 148-yards that evening while manhandling the front-seven of the San Diego defense. Oakland has not been able to duplicate that feat since, as the offensive line has gone through some changes and Justin Fargas is now the starting rusher.

Robert Gallery will not return until after the bye week, Darren McFadden may begin to start running next week and Chaz Schilens, who missed practice on Thursday, is listed as doubtful and not likely to play, making his new target date for seeing action in two weeks.

Oakland’s best receiver in 2009 has been Louis Murphy. And against the Chargers, the rookie had 4-catches for 87-yards and a score. But he couldn’t finish practice on Thursday with a sore hip and he won’t be at full strength for Sunday when he plays.

What to Expect:

San Diego has allowed 137.7 rushing yards per game (28^th in the NFL) so far in 2009. But can Oakland mimic their performance from week-one when they ran the ball down the Chargers’ throats? Tom Cable will go with Mario Henderson (LT), Chris Morris (LG), Samson Satele (C), Cooper Carlisle (RG) and Khalif Barnes (RT) for a second straight week. That group will not intimidate the Chargers nor will they push around a defense that is steadily improving. Fargas is tough and will grind out yardage, but it won’t be enough to carry an offense that ranks last in the NFL in total yards per game and last in passing productivity.

On Defense:

After allowing 316 rushing yards to the Jets, the Chargers will try to take advantage of a Raider run defense that is currently allowing 169.7 ground yards per game. “Just keep your butt in that chair, and everything will be fine,” stated Tom Cable, explaining that his defensive has not been disciplined in their responsibilities. “It’s up to each man to do that, and we didn’t do a very good job of it.”

“It is such a basic thing and, obviously, we need to do a better job in practice,” commented defensive lineman Richard Seymour. “Maybe we make practice live (tackling).”

In the season opener, Oakland held the Chargers to 77 yards rushing (21 in the first half), with physical play, disciplined gap control and linebackers and safeties that jolted through San Diego’s blocking schemes.

What to Expect:

San Diego is ranked 31^st in the league rushing the football. But they have a player known to have career games against the Silver & Black and a shifty rusher that can add to the tackling woes of the lackluster defense. The Raiders need to keep that San Diego tandem at running back controlled. If not, it will be another blowout defeat.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

On Offense:

The Chargers have had a tough time running the football. But the cure for their running woes may be the Silver & Black. LaDainian Tomlinson has made a career of torturing the Raiders and is a week removed from having his best outing of the season, when he tallied season high 23-carries for 71-yards against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Meanwhile, the San Diego passing attack is one of the best in the league. Led by Philip Rivers (1,787 passing yards, 59.2 completion %, 96.1 QB rating, 10 TD and only 3 INT), the Chargers are moving the ball at will via the pass and have a wide array of targets to his disposal.

Vincent Jackson (29 rec. 561 yards 4 TD), Antonio Gates (34 rec. 474 yards 2 TD), Darren Sproles (19 rec. 259 yards 2 TD) and Malcom Floyd (9 rec. 187 yards 1 TD) can all break games open along with veteran Chris Chambers.

What to Expect:

San Diego will get their 100+-yards against the Raiders on the ground. But they’ll also mix it up and take advantage of Chris Johnson’s struggles. The Raider cornerback gives up a lot of big plays and has been the weak link in the secondary. The safeties also can be exposed, and when you have one of the best tight ends in the league, its safe to say that getting targets open in the secondary will be an easy task for the Chargers.

On Defense:

San Diego ranks 21^st in points allowed per game (23.8), 28^th in rushing yards allowed (137.7) and 11^th in passing yards allowed per contest (194.7).

The secondary has been re-shuffled in recent weeks and after a solid performance against the Chiefs, defensive coordinator Ron Rivera seems to be happy in the direction they are going. “I think it is a little more physical than it used to be,” Rivera said of the defensive backfield. “There’s a different presence when you have a physical safety. Kevin Ellison is an aggressive, physical guy who brings something extra to what we want to do defensively.”

And what’s the key the rest of the year for this unit?

“Pressure on the quarterback,” cornerback Quentin Jammer said. “We’ve always been a pressure team, and getting back to that has allowed us to play better as a secondary. We got pressure last week and covered well. One game doesn’t mean much on its own, but it is something to build on.”

What to Expect:

The Chargers have looked at what the Jets did to the Raiders and will try to bring the heat with their front-seven. There is no fear of the inaccurate JaMarcus Russell hitting his un-productive targets. So letting Shaun Phillips run wild (2-sacks last week) and un-leashing Shawne Merriman will be on the agenda for the Chargers.

GAME NOTES

• “We know we let one slip away the first game and we don’t want that to happen again,” Zach Miller said of their Monday night match-up week-one “I think we were so physical up front, we were able to get the push on the offensive line and open up holes and then that opened up the play-action game. Once we were hitting the play-action they were complementing each other really well. I think that was a key part.”
• Phillips has 9.5 career sacks versus Oakland.
• Shane Lechler’s 45.0 net punting average is way above his NFL record for a season (41.2). His 52.2 average is currently higher than the league record for a year set in 1940 by Sammy Baugh (51.4)

KEY MATCH-UPS

Which team is able to run the football more consistently?

If the Raiders can, they’ll stay in this game. If they can’t, it will be another blowout defeat. San Diego may not need a strong ground game to win this contest. But if they rush for over 100-yards, chances are, this won’t be a close game going into the 4^th quarter.

Michael Huff and Tyvon Branch vs. Gates

The San Diego offense is at its best when they have the best tight end in the league producing at a high level. Oakland has athletes that can stay with him, but can they slow him down enough to ground a powerful aerial attack?

Which unit is Special?

Sproles can be a dynamic return man. Oakland has missed all the productivity that Johnnie Lee Higgins provided last season. Which one can give their respective team great field position, or points off returns?

PREDICTION

Chargers 27 – Raiders 10

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Dick Enberg providing play-by-play and former NFL player and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Fouts handling color analysis. The game will air in the Bay Area on KPIX Channel 5. The game will also air in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13 as well as on KHSL in Chico, KION in Monterey and KJEO in Fresno. 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 cited from the official Oakland Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, November 1, 2009, 1:05 p.m. PT | Qualcomm Stadium, SD, CA

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (2-5) Home: 1-3 Road: 1-2

Home Team: San Diego Chargers (3-3) Home: 1-2 Road: 2-1

Point Spread: Oakland 16 point underdogs

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist