Silver and Black Report

The Oakland Raiders took Monday off and will get back to work today as they plan to wrap up training camp within the next three days.

Chaz Schilens, who has been sidelined the last two years during the summer, may miss action at the start of the campaign as he did in 2009. Head coach Tom Cable informed the media yesterday that the wide receiver may need an arthroscopic procedure on his knee.

“I’m very concerned. It’s been a tough road for him,” Cable said. “We get through the foot thing now and something else has kind of reared up on us. We’ll take care of it and get him back as soon as we can.”

Here is some other excerpts form his conference call:

Cable:  ”The long run [Matt Forte] concerned me obviously. We got cut out of the gap and didn’t play it very well from the back side. That concerned me in that it was really something that could have been prevented. We just didn’t play it very good. I felt like defensively we played team defense for about two-thirds of the game. But about a third of the time just breakdowns here and there. We had a couple of missed assignments, guys not running to the ball, guys came out of coverage on the one touchdown we gave up we took our eyes off the man in man coverage. Things like that. fortunately they’re all things we can definitely fix. I’m excited about that. I’d rather it just happen.”

How is Samson Satele?

We probably won’t know more until this afternoon some time. I know they will do an X-ray today and look at it in depth. But we’ll know more this afternoon.

On Kamerion Wimbley:

I think he is who we thought he was. He played outside linebacker at Cleveland. That’s what he’s been known for. He’s done a fine job with it here. Our plan all along as we talked about was to use him on third down in terms of rushing the passer. He showed up the other night. That’s exciting for our team. He’s exactly what we thought. He’d be a guy who could rush the passer in passing situations and play the Sam linebacker on the other downs.

On the fullbacks:

We’re getting some nice play out of Marcel Reece. He’s improving definitely. Even if you take away the screen play to him he made a nice run on. I just like where he’s going as a blocker. He’s becoming more and more physical with each game. He certainly understands now what we’re asking him to do. He’s been good in pass protection. I think he’s improving and that’s good to see. Manase Tonga, he has shown some things being physical and assert himself that way and caught the ball well the other night. It was good to get Luke Lawton back in the mix. He’d been out for quite some time. I feel like there’s good competition there.

On Rolando McClain:

I’ve seen great awareness. I’ve seen good speed to the ball. I’ve seen excellent pass defense. I’ve seen a guy who is around the ball in the run game. Probably he would be the first to tell you, he needs to pull the trigger a little bit more. But his recognition at the speed of it and getting to the ball has been excellent. The thing that I’m most pleased about is he’s done a nice job of getting us liked up and adjusting and then the pass defense. He’s been more than we thought.

***********

Stevie Brown is earning his way onto the roster. He notched his second interception in as many games and Oakland is happy they hit the nail on the head with his selection in April.

“Certainly, from the time he got here in (offseason workouts) and minicamp and all through camp to this point, he has shown that ability to be around the ball,”  Cable commented.

Isaiah Ekejiuba, who? Slade Norris is cementing his name on special teams. “This is great for us,” Norris said. “Coming into training camp, we knew we had a great team that could do something special, and so far we’re proving it.”

Jim Zorn on Jason Campbell and what he can do in Oakland:

“Watch him,” Zorn said at the Ravens’ training camp. “If they protect him and they give him an opportunity to move the chains and move the ball and not have to go to drastic schemes to protect him, absolutely he’s going to be fine.

“Now, his big growth has got to continue to be decision-making . . . He does have a lot of talent. . . . He’s learned a lot in a couple years.”

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

In the season finale, the Oakland Raiders (5-10) will play host to the Baltimore Ravens (8-7). And it’s a simple formula for the Ravens – win the game and you’re in the playoffs. Oakland has lost five of the six meetings against Baltimore, the last time being a 29-10 thrashing in which they allowed 192-yards rushing during week-eight of the 2008 campaign.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

It will be Charlie Frye again under center, as Tom Cable continues to reiterate how the journeyman gives his club the best chance to win as oppose to the mega-bust in the making JaMarcus Russell.

Frye may have the services of Darrius Heyward-Bey and Brandon Myers this week. Both took the field during Wednesday’s practice session and Tom Cable stated that either might have a chance to see a reserved role on Sunday.

Justin Fargas (knee) and Langston Walker (ankle) don’t look as promising as they sat out during mid-week practices.

What to Expect:

It’s the last game of the year, so its time for Cable to throw the kitchen sink at the Ravens and open up the offense. Chaz Schilens has been a nice spark since coming off his injury and the combo of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush in the backfield could provide enough diversity to make some plays against the Ravens 3^rd ranked defense. Since there is no tomorrow for the Silver & Black, they should display ‘Wildhog’ formations with McFadden and let Frye air it out against a team that will desperately need the win to continue their season.

On Defense:

“It doesn’t motivate me to be no spoiler,” defensive Greg Ellis said yesterday. “I want to be the one that’s going there and somebody’s trying to spoil my stuff.

Ellis has enjoyed a solid season with the Raiders, although knee injuries have hindered his availability to practice during the week. His ability to get to the passer this week will be of importance against Joe Flacco.

Oakland’s rush defense will be put to the test by Pro Bowl bound Ray Rice, who has paced the Ravens offense with 1,269 yards on 240 carries for a stellar 5.3 yards a carry average, 7 touchdowns and leading the team with 74 catches.

What to Expect:

Again, the Raiders have no tomorrow after Sunday, so John Marshall’s bunch should blitz alter their coverage’s and try to confuse Flacco and the Ravens offense. In recent weeks, we’ve seen solid outings from the front-seven in trying to slow the bleeding versus the run. Baltimore averages 130 yards per game on the ground and will pound away all game in order to make big plays in their aerial attack.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

On Offense:

When the Ravens win, Flacco is usually upright and making plays. The second year pro wants to take his team to the playoffs once again and if he does, it will behind the strength of their offensive line and their ability to pave lanes for Rice and protect their franchise passer.

“We just have to execute better,” left guard Ben Grubbs stated this week. “When you watch the film, there’s no special remedy to our problems. Literally, it’s sometimes about taking the right step or using our hands better. It could’ve been a different game. So we just have to focus on the little things, which could lead to big things.”

Jared Gaither has missed has missed the last three-games but could be available Sunday. “We’ve just got to block them. That’s as simple as it is,” he said.

What to Expect:

Ravens want to punish the Raiders’ front seven to slow down their rush and make Flacco’s play action more effective. In Baltimore’s eight wins, their passer has been sacked 14-times. During their seven losses, he has been taken down 18-times.

On Defense:

Ray Lewis still remains the emotional leader of this organization and this week, he has set the tone in regards of going into Oakland and coming out of there with a playoff berth.

“We don’t overlook anybody,” he said. “I don’t care what their record is or what their situation is.

“Everything is about beating the Raiders. Period. We will be ready.”

Ed Reed – who has been out of action with a groin injury – could play. Reed talked about an ESPN report that stated he would play Sunday, saying, “[Reporters] seem to know the decision before I even make it. It’s funny, but none of it is right. I don’t really pay no mind to it.”

“Honestly, it will be a game-time decision,” Reed said.

What to Expect:

The Ravens defense will play on emotion and with determination to get them into the post-season. But if they are down early, will they begin to panic or make mistakes that Oakland can capitalize on? If the Ravens just bring some consistent heat and don’t allow the Raider rushers to dominate on the ground, this game will be over and decided before the start of the 4^th quarter.

GAME NOTES

• “It’s a good group,” Raiders coach Tom Cable commented about his defensive line during a conference call with the Baltimore media. “We’ve got Richard Seymour and Greg Ellis and Matt Shaughnessy at the end spot and then inside with Gerard Warren and Tommy Kelly and Desmond Bryant. And they kind of offset each other and compliment each other in different ways.”
• In one of the most mind numbing moves of the season, Oakland decided to place receiver/returner Nick Miller on injured reserve this week. This after he was diagnosed with shin splints and later with a tibia fracture but remained on the roster and inactive list on gamedays all season. Slade Norris was also place on IR. Safety Jerome Boyd and end Greyson Gunheim will take their places.
• After the game in Baltimore last year, I spoke to Thomas Howard and he stated, “But I felt we did pretty well against the run. The pass is what hurt us. A couple of big pass plays; one to [Williams] and the one to Flacco.” The Ravens ran for 192-yards that day.
• A loss will give Oakland their 11^th defeat, continuing their NFL worst seventh straight season with at least 11 or more.

KEY MATCH UPS

Where is Ray Rice?

The Raiders need to be aware of this multi-faceted star. If he runs wild, the Ravens roll.

Cable vs. the Ravens defense

What does the coach implement this week to combat this tough defense? And more importantly, how does he get his team to perform at a high level to close out another terrible season?

PREDICTION

Ravens 27 – Raiders 9

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. If sold out per NFL blackout rules, 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 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, January 3, 2010, 4:15 p.m. ET | Oakland Alameda County Coliseum, OAK, CA

Home Team: Oakland Raiders (5-10) Home: 2-5 Road: 3-5

Road Team: Baltimore Ravens (8-7) Home: 6-2 Road: 2-5

LINE: Ravens are a 10.5 point favorite

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

QUARTERBACK: C-

Bruce Gradkowski ended the game 18-of-35 for 200 yards one touchdown and no interceptions. Many times, he had to get rid of the football under the gun, which affected his accuracy. On back-to-back plays to open the game – on 2^nd and 6 and 3^rd and 6 – he was not able to set up his feet or release the ball cleanly to keep the drive alive. A few times, Oakland attempted to stretch the field and Gradkowski stated after the game, “There were plays there to be made downfield and I didn’t make them.”

His elusiveness helped the Raiders on their scoring drive and in total; Gradkowski’s feet helped him tally 30-yards rushing. Oakland’s passer misfired on plays that could have been converted which would have moved the chains.

RUNNING BACKS & FULLBACKS: B

Justin Fargas’ first half was superb. He ran hard and gained big chunks, compiling most of his team leading 63-yards rushing. Darren McFadden finished the game with 6 carries for 23 yards, but he was mostly used as a receiver, getting split out wide in one-to-one match-ups with the Cowboys’ cornerbacks. On 2^nd and 5 on the Raiders’ first drive, he hauled in a quick slant for 16-yards. McFadden had 4 catches for 43-yards.

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS: D

Zach Miller recorded 5 grabs for 73-yards in the dual between two of the top tight ends in the NFL. Miller on national television demonstrated he ranks right up there with Jason Witten (5 rec. 107 yards) and was one of the few bright spots for the Oakland offense. Chaz Schilens outstretched on a 3^rd and 4 on the game’s third drive but could not haul in a make able reception. On the Raiders next possession, he ran a sloppy slant that the defender broke up on a 3^rd and 4. Schilens ended with 2 receptions for 32-yards. Darrius Heyward-Bey finally hauled iin his first professional touchdown. “I tried to help the cause with that play,” Heyward-Bey commented, “but when you lose, it’s all that matters. You want to win at the end.” The rookie had a nice block on McFadden’s best run of the game – a sweep for 12-yards.

OFFENSIVE LINE: D

Right tackle Cornell Green left the game for a few plays with an injury and was replaced by Langston Walker. He eventually went back into the game. Cooper Carlisle’s holding penalty thwarted any movement on Oakland’s second drive. The front looked good early in opening holes for their rushers, but did very little at times to keep Gradkowski’s pocket clean or his passing lanes paved. They allowed three sacks.

DEFENSIVE LINE: F

Dallas ran up 195 rushing yards against this defense. It all headed downhill after Tashard Choice’s 66-yard run to open their third drive in the 1^st quarter. To the defenses credit, they did hold the Cowboys to a field goal on that drive. But on the very next Dallas possession, Felix Jones erupted on a 46-yard scamper for a score. “What is Rule No. 1 in Pop Warner?” nose tackle Gerard Warren pose to reporters after the game. “Stop the run.”

LINEBACKERS: C

Trevor Scott had a stellar game at weak side linebacker. Due to injuries on this unit, Oakland mixed it up placing the defensive end in coverage situations and giving him the opportunity to use his instincts in space. Scott could’ve had an interception on a 3^rd and 9 in which Tony Romo carelessly tossed the football away,  on a 2^nd and 13, he dissected a screen and closed in on the pass catcher for a 4-yard loss and he ended with two-sacks when he pass rushed. “A few days ago they said they wanted me to start at (Will) this game so I was like, `all right, let’s run with it,’ ” Scott was quoted. “If it’s an opportunity to get on the field, so be it. Some guys don’t feel comfortable in a two-point stance, so if they stick with it, great.”  Sam Williams was beat a few times by Witten.

SECONDARY: F

Miles Austin torched this unit for 7 receptions, 145 yards and 1 touchdown. Nnamdi Asomugha was the victim a few times on man-to-man coverage. Michael Huff started the game nicely on a 3^rd and 24, breaking up a pass intended for Roy Williams and then on the next Cowboy possession on 2^nd and 9, jarring a pass out of Austin’s grasp with a solid hit. Romo had a field day with his 18 completions for 309 yards. Tyvon Branch had a beat on a deflected ball that could’ve been an interception for a touchdown, but Trevor Scott gave chase as well and both took each other out on the play.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B

The anemic return units continued with their struggles. Gary Russell did very little to add some pop to the kickoff returns as Oakland looked for a change of pace after trying Jonathan Holland in that spot for a few games. Shane Lechler punted nine-times for a 54.8 average. His season average is now 51.9 – keeping him ahead of Sammy Baugh’s single season record.

COACHING: D

On defense, it was nice to see the Raiders pressure from the linebacker spot and John Marshall mixing up the formations and disguising the coverages. But many times, the attacks along the line of scrimmage led to big plays due to the Raiders being out of position.  Not too much praise though can be given especially after Dallas racked up 494 total yards of offense. Tom Cable has altered his game plan and feels more confident with Gradkowski at the helm of the offense. The Raiders are mixing up more passing a play, but at times, that has taken away from their bread and butter – running the football.

GAME NOTES

• Jon Alston was placed on injured reserve, ending his season, after suffering two concussions in four weeks. Rookie Slade Norris was activated in his place after spending the majority of the season on the practice squad.
• CB John Bowie, forever linked as the player selected with a 4^th round pick acquired from the Patriots in the Randy Moss trade, was waived this week. His final stats with the Raiders – 2 tackles.
• Greg Ellis did not finish the contest due to swelling in his knee. “I don’t know what happened. I just know swelling, a lot of pressure, going down my leg, going down my knee down my shin and my calf. I don’t know if I did something during the game,’’ Ellis stated. “It started off swelling some but that’s to be expected coming off the scope but when we started playing, it was just killing me.”

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Sebastian Janikowski’s second half kickoff is a touchback and the 49ers will begin at the 20-yard line.

Michael Robinson, in at RB now, gets 4 yards on the first play. Nate Davis, in at QB now, hands off to Robinson, and the rusher gets 12 yards. Ricky Brown slows the bleeding with a nice tackle around the line scrimmage after the defense clogs up the right side. On 2^nd and 7, Robinson continues to pound on the Raiders for 6 yards. On 3^rd and 1, San Francisco picks up the 1^st down with a run up the middle. On a pitch to the edge, Robinson tallies 8 yards. Robinson on the ensuing play, cut backs against the grain, and picks up another 1^st down after the run was shut down on the play side. Robinson again on the edge gets a big gain after Slade Norris blows a tackle around the line of scrimmage. DT Ryan Boschetti is getting manhandled in the interior.

Ricky Manning makes a nice tackle on 3^rd and 7, stalling Robinson for no gain. Joe Nedney on the ensuing play misses a 51-yard field goal.

Bruce Gradkowski opens the half at QB for the Raiders and bootlegged for 9 yards. Michael Bush gets the first down in the next play with a short run. Gradkowski goes 36 yards down the seam to the rookie TE Brandon Myers on the next play. On 2^nd and 8, Gradkowski connects with Myers again to the SF 2 yard line. Oakland faced a 3^rd and inches there, and the quarterback sneaked in for a new set of downs to the 1-yard line. Louis Rankin got the call on the next play and was not able to get in the end zone. Gradkowski rolls out on a play-action bootleg and finds Myers again, this time for a touchdown that gives the Raiders a 14-3 lead. The rookie tight end looked smooth and agile during the drive, while Gradkowski looked confident running the team for a second straight week, going 3-for-3 for 44 yards on the drive.

Boschetti plows over a 49er OL on the first play of the next drive, as San Francisco has no gain to start the next drive. Morlon Greenwood had good coverage on J.Finley on the next play, but the 49ers gained 8 yards on the play. The Raiders again pressure Davis and force the young passer to throw away the football. Davis hits J.Hill for 13 yards with Jerome Boyd in coverage. On 2^nd and 7, Norris blitzes from the OLB spot and forces the 49er passer into an incompletion. On 3^rd and 7, Norris again blitzes and forces the QB out of the pocket, but the 49ers torch the secondary for 26 yards on the pass to D.Walker. Robinson then continues to bulldoze the Raider run defense for a run of 22 yards. Greenwood tackles Robinson as he rushes inside the OAK 5-yard line.

The 3^rd quarter ends with the Raiders leading 14-3.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

NEW YORK — SBReport takes a look back at the Oakland Raiders’ draft class and the outlooks for each player in Silver & Black:

Round 1, Pick 7 (7) – Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR Maryland

The Oakland Raiders coveted Heyward-Bey’s attributes and big play potential. At the time of their selection, not one wide receiver had come off the board. This lead to the overwhelming critique of the pick especially considering that Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin were recognized as superior talents than the speedster out of Maryland. Oakland got their guy and only time will tell whether or not he will be the downfield menace that will help JaMarcus Russell stretch the field. But what can be questioned is the value they got with this pick and how they probably could’ve traded down and paid Heyward-Bey less while picking up an extra pick or two.

The draft is a crap-shoot, and it’s hard to find out other team’s intentions. So you can see the Raiders approach in taking Heyward-Bey at no. seven. The possibility of trading down and then having another club take the player you covet is a risk. But with Crabtree going to San Francisco at 10, and Maclin going 19 to Philadelphia, it would have been profitable and realistic for the Silver & Black to move down below their seventh slot and still take their target. With the economy influencing personnel decisions since the start of the off-season, it would have been economical for the Raiders to make this move. The only question remains is whether or not any teams would have been interested in moving up?

PROS: Speed and big play potential. Gives the Raiders a receiver that can chase down bombs from Russell.

CONS: Very raw, not a precise route runner and still needs a lot of polishing to become a number one go to target in the NFL. And when you take a receiver with the seventh overall pick, he better become a top flight pass catcher.

Round 2, Pick 15 (47) – Mike Mitchell, SS Ohio

Another player Oakland had high on their draft board. Many suggested that he was a second day pick at best, or an un-drafted free agent candidate at the time of the selection. Rumors circulated that the Bears were locked in on Mitchell with the 49^th pick, so Oakland nabbed a talent they have high hopes for. Mitchell has speed, can clobber ball carriers and is expected to compete immediately for the starting SS spot. He said prior to the draft, “It’s so weird that I’ve been flying under the radar, and at times it’s been frustrating,” he said. “I’ve been playing well, I’ve never been in trouble, I truly believe I’m a good person with a good heart.

“If you ask people about Mike Mitchell, they’ll tell you he’s a hard worker and a great leader. He’s a guy who’s going to give 110 percent every time he steps on the field whether it be a workout or anything regarding football, he’s always putting his best foot forward. And I’m definitely proud of that.”

Michael Huff has been a bust so far, but if he can re-energize his career at FS under a new coordinator, the only players standing between Mitchell and a place in the starting line-up will be Hiram Eugene and Tyvon Branch.

PROS: Good character, adds more quickness and toughness to the defensive backfield.

CONS: From a small school, did not face elite competition, and when you step up to the NFL, the game gets faster and more complex. Can he handle that, or is he just a physical specimen?

Round 3, Pick 7 (71) – Matt Shaugnessy, DE Wisconsin

Tom Cable adds a tough competitor in Shaugnessy, as Oakland continued to fill voids on their roster with position specific selections. He will be a project at end and is similar to Jay Richardson in that he won’t bring a lot of heat off the edge, but can fight along the trenches and wrap up ball carriers around the line of scrimmage. He lacks explosion and because of his size, Shaugnessy will get pushed around early in his career. Oakland took a shot at Trevor Scott last season and found a high motor end that tallied 5 sacks. But that was in the 6^th round, and when you take a player in the 3^rd round, teams expect them to contribute or not be so much of a project as Shaugnessy is.

Shaughnessy reportedly talked to Raiders’ defensive line coach Dwaine Board, who told him the Silver & Black expects him to work hard and compete for a spot in the rotation.

PROS: Will work hard, add toughness and with the right coaching, can become a reliable edge defender.

CONS: Oakland still does not have a starting caliber end opposite Derrick Burgess. The are questions whether or not Scott can handle being an every down defensive end, Richardson is pedestrian and Shaugnessy needs to be groomed for a year or two before you see what he can do at the pro level.

Round 4, Pick 24 (124) – Louis Murphy, WR Florida (From New England)

It was good to see Oakland address their weak wide receiver unit in this draft. Murphy is another big target for Russell and a player that could challenge for reps due to his abilities when the ball is in his hands and large frame. The Raiders need a receiver that can work the middle of the field, run precise shorter routes and give Russell and intermediate target from 5-10 yards off the line of scrimmage. That is not Heyward-Bey’s forte, and others on the roster like Chaz Schilens and Johnnie Lee Higgins have not shown they can be that type of player with any regularity.

PROS: Injects more pop to the Raider offense, adds talent to a weak crop at WR and is from a winning program.

CONS: Florida receivers have not fared well at the pro level, not very physical, which can be a big problem on Sundays when getting off the line and facing press coverage and needs to get more sure-handed.

Round 4, Pick 26 (126) – Slade Norris, DE/OLB Oregon State (From Miami)

Oakland emphasized adding speed to their roster with this pick in the 4^th round. Norris could compete for the lone available OLB spot that Oakland has tried to fill in recent years with Robert Thomas, Sam Williams and Ricky Brown.

They may be able to live with Norris on the same unit as Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison due to his quickness, willingness to learn and solid character. “He’s been here long enough, and I think guys look up to him,” Oregon State defensive line coach Joe Seumalo told the Gazette-Times newspaper. “He’s contributed enough that guys can look to him as a leader and a mentor. The young guys lean heavy on him.”

PROS: At best could round out the linebacker corps, at worst, could add speed to an already solid special teams coverage unit.

CONS: Another project/hybrid player. Oakland rarely develops nor can max out the potential of players that have been ‘tweeners.’

Round 6, Pick 26 (199) – Stryker Sulak, DE Missouri (From New England)

Sulak got better every year in college. He has good quickness, a solid initial burst and is solid in pursuit. But he lacks bulk and is another ‘tweener’ that may not have a position in the league.

This pick may not make the roster unless he can handle playing at strong side linebacker.

PROS: Has a good motor, the desire to get better and is a good team guy.

CONS: At best he projects as a back-up at this point, and with Isaiah Ekejiuba, Sam Williams and other special team’s specialist, the Raiders cannot afford to keep players on their roster who cannot contribute to many facets of the club.

Round 6, Pick 29 (202) – Brandon Myers, TE Iowa (From Carolina)

Oakland has needed a tight end who can be a solid edge blocker for some time. Zach Miller is arguably the team’s most reliable target, and Russell’s security blanket, but he is also the team’s most reliable wall in pass protection. The Raiders hope Myers can make the team and model his game to Roland Williams, a tight end who provided a lot of edge support in the run and pass game some time ago. This will free up Miller and give the Raiders a hefty two tight end set in goal line and short yardage situations.

PROS: Will help the run game and free up Miller.

CONS: Not a pass catcher and will need to work on technique to make a living as a full time blocker at the pro level.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Why character has been a position of need — even 7th overall

When Tom Cable took over as interim head coach of the Raiders four games into the 2008 season, he was a breath of fresh air after the disastrous Lane Kiffin/Al Davis feud.

The former offensive line coach managed to bring a positive, blue-collar attitude to the job, in stark contrast to his young, ambitious, often-tactless predecessor. And, although he built what appears to be a strong working relationship with the Oakland owner, he managed to avoid becoming a Joe Bugel-esque “yes man.”

Cable got the permanent job this offseason. And if the 2009 NFL Draft is any indication, he has set about addressing one of the team’s most pressing needs.

No, I’m not talking about wide receiver, although that unit was certainly bolstered with Top-10 pick Darrius Heyward-Bey and fourth-round pick Louis Murphy.

I’m talking about attitude. Character has often meant something else entirely in Oakland, but the “Bad Boys” of the 1970s were football players first, and party animals second. In the “me-first” 21st century of professional sports, that football-first type of character has often fallen by the wayside.

Never was that more evident in Oakland than in 2008, when the Raiders gambled on talented players with dubious attitudes. Corner DeAngelo Hall didn’t last the season, safety Gibril Wilson won’t see a second season and wideout Javon Walker is only back because he’s too expensive to cut. On the upside, rookie running back Darren McFadden was a model citizen, belying questions about some college off-field troubles.

Meanwhile, of course, Kiffin sabotaged his NFL career before fleeing to the University of Tennessee, where he is already winning friends and influencing people around the Southeastern Conference.

Young players, young coaches … that’s not always a mix that works. Just ask Josh McDaniels, Jay Cutler and the fans up in Denver.

The Cable Guy is doing something different entirely.

First, the team added some old hands to its coaching staff: Noted quarterback gurus Ted Tollner and Paul Hackett to work with the offense, replacing among others John DiFilippo, who had promise, but was one of the youngest assistants in the NFL. If popular defensive coordinator Rob Ryan had to be replaced, at least it was with a man who can bring many years of experience and wisdom to the job in John Marshall.

Then, the team made it a point to re-sign a pair of highly-regarded leaders in Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler.

Most recently, Oakland brought in self-made veteran Jeff Garcia to push, and set an example for, young quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

Finally, the team put an emphasis on a characteristic of need as much — if not more — than a position of need.

Say what you want about the Raiders’ draft picks in terms of talent versus where they were chosen. The fact is, if scouting reports are to be believed, all seven of the newest Raiders come in with scintillating attitudes and work ethics.

Face it, with the Raiders trying to return to respectability, losing with malcontents such as Jerry Porter on board just adds insult to injury.

No matter what the 2009 team does, if Cable has his way, it will play hard and do the best it possibly can. After six years of double-digit losses, that’s a big step forward, whether or not the team reaches the magic .500 mark — or even the playoffs.

Anyone who has witnessed the loner Randy Moss, or the flamboyant Porter, or even the (rightfully) downtrodden Andrew Walter, should be able to see that attitude is as important as the interior defensive line when it comes to turning things around.

Even a Charles Woodson, who played hard every Sunday, but practiced lazily Monday through Saturday, is the wrong kind of player for a young team desperate to improve.

Give me more Kirk Morrisons, more Asomughas, more Robert Gallerys — yes, he’s taken more than his fair share of grief, but he works hard and desperately wants to succeed.

Positive attitudes are contagious. They can make a bad team decent, and a decent team good. Strong leaders help bring out the best in their teammates, and strong workers push their teammates to match their effort.

And if that is the reason the Raiders overdrafted Heyward-Bey with the 7th overall pick instead of the ego that is Michael Crabtree, you know what? I’m at least somewhat okay with that.

Because the Raiders need more than a guy who can catch passes. They need a guy who wants to be there catching them.

The tragic Darrell Russell put up his best seasons when he worked alongside veteran Russell Maryland and not underachieving Chester McGlockton. Russell followed the example of the man next to him — with McGlockton at his side, he underachieved; with Russell there, he was an All-Pro.

When young running backs like McFadden and Michael Bush see Justin Fargas giving his all on every play, how can they help but try to do the same if they want to take his job, and carries, away?

The party line is that the Raiders never rebuild. But this year, it seems like they are rebuilding something: The atmosphere in the locker room.

I, for one, am grateful. If nice guys really do finish last, at least the 2009 Raiders should be a losing team with players I care about, players I want to see do their best. There’s plenty of evidence out of Oakland in recent years that jerks finish last, too.

After all, the surest way to alienate even the most loyal fans — the Raider Nation — is not just to lose. It’s to lose without giving a damn. And there has been too much of that in the Bay Area lately.

Tom Cable is sending a message, and I can read it loud and clear. I hope the players and the rest of the organization do the same.

The Class of 2009:
1. Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland: “Elevated his draft stock at the Combine with a superb workout and even better interviews.” — Pro Football Weekly
2. Michael Mitchell, S, Ohio: “Michael is one of the most impressive guys that we’ve had here in our program. When he comes in to work, his demeanor is all business. He attacks all his workouts and drills.” — Cliff Marshall, Ignition Athletics Performance Group, as quoted in the Dayton Daily News
3. Matt Shaughnessy, DE, Wisconsin: “Productive high-motor player that gives it up from snap to whistle.” — Ourlads’ Scouting Services
4a. Louis Murphy, WR, Florida: “Coach Urban Meyer has said Murphy improved as a player and a person as much as anyone he has coached.” — Lindy’s
4b. Slade Norris, LB, Oregon State: “He’s been here long enough, and I think guys look up to him. He’s contributed enough that guys can look to him as a leader and a mentor. The young guys lean heavy on him.” — Joe Seumalo, Oregon State defensive line coach, as quoted in the Gazette-Times
6a. Stryker Sulak, DE, Missouri: “High-motor overachiever.” — Pro Football Weekly
6b. Brandon Myers, TE, Iowa: Myers may be the exception to the rule, with an arrest and conviction in his background. But his biography on Raiders.com indicates he won the Coaches’ Appreciation Award on offense, and that’s something.

Raiders continue to address needs with second receiver, rush linebacker

NEW YORK — If a position is a big enough need for the Oakland Raiders to address it once at the 2009 NFL Draft, it seems, it’s a big enough need to address it twice.

The Raiders had two picks in the fourth round, and went back to familiar territory with both, choosing wide receiver Louis Murphy of Florida 124th overall and linebacker/end Slade Norris of Oregon State 126th overall.

The choices came three rounds after Oakland chose wideout Darrius Heyward-Bey 7th overall and just a round after choosing end/linebacker Matt Shaughnessy 71st overall.

Murphy is another impressive size/speed package at 6-foot-2 and with a 4.35 40 time. Of course, he’ll have to battle Florida’s reputation for underachieving pro receivers (“Played in a spread offense that has not translated well to the pro game,” is how Pro Football Weekly put it), but he certainly has the tools.

In fact, his scouting report reads like a poor man’s version of Heyward-Bey, the Raiders’ first-round pick: The part-time track man has “rare straight line speed” but “appears to have stiff hands,” according to Ourlads’ Scouting Services.

Murphy was a two-year starter for the Gators, catching 37 balls in 2007 and 38 in 2008, and combining for a dozen touchdowns in the two seasons.

“Excellent speed downfield … fast off the line, getting to top speed quickly,” Lindy’s raves. “… In other offenses, Murphy could have been a 1,000 yard receiver.”

Indeed, the Sporting News blames Florida’s enviable depth for Murphy’s lack of notice. “Murphy has not gotten much attention because he has played alongside great Gator receivers Andre Caldwell (now with the Bengals) and Percy Harvin, but he has the physical tools to become a solid starter in the pros.”

“Needs developmental time, but is a good-sized target,” Ourlads’ sums up.

Norris, who projects as an outside linebacker at 245 pounds, started his Oregon State career as a walk-on safety, then bulked up to linebacker, and finally defensive end, according to an El Paso Times article. His 19 sacks in the past two years are good for fourth in Beavers’ history.

“His body has changed dramatically through the years,” coach Mike Riley told the Gazette-Times newspaper. “He’s one of our great developmental stories, from a safety to a linebacker to defensive end.”

Like Shaughnessy, he has a checkered injury history, missing most of the 2005 season, as well as part of his senior year in high school.

Both players also continue the “character” theme of this draft.

“Coach Urban Meyer has said Murphy improved as a player and a person as much as anyone he has coached,” Lindy’s said.

Meanwhile, Norris was Oregon State’s defensive scout-team MVP as a sophomore and earned a scholarship for his final two years.

“He’s been here long enough, and I think guys look up to him,” defensive line coach Joe Seumalo told the Gazette-Times newspaper. “He’s contributed enough that guys can look to him as a leader and a mentor. The young guys lean heavy on him.”

The Raiders originally owned the 108th overall pick in the fourth round, but swapped picks with Miami (getting the 126th pick) as part of the deal for center Samson Satele. They acquired the 124th pick from New England when they traded down in the second round. Miami selected wide receiver Brian Hartline of Ohio State 108th overall.

Oakland’s two picks in the round were sandwiched around the Atlanta Falcons at No. 125. Atlanta chose Lawrence Sidbury, a defensive end from Richmond.

During the round, a pair of Raiders fans, Rich from California and Andy from New Jersey, took part in the on-stage trivia contest. Unfortunately, Derrick Burgess jersey-clad Rich missed an Atlanta Falcons question. But Nnamdi Asomugha jersey-wearing Andy won a Razr phone later in the round by nailing a Baltimore Ravens question.

A challenging round:

The fourth round has not been kind to the Raiders in recent years: Of the nine players selected in the round since 1999, only two were on the active roster in 2008, with two more missing the season on injured reserve. In fact, the nine players have combined for only 45 games in Silver & Black, an average of five each, without a single start.

• Tyvon Branch, DB, 2008: 8 games in 2008
• Arman Shields, WR, 2008: 0 games (IR) in 2008
• Michael Bush, RB, 2007-2008: 15 games in 2008, 0 (R/PUP) in 2007
• John Bowie, CB, 2007-2008: 0 games (IR) in 2008, 2 in 2007
• Darnell Bing, LB, 2006: 0 games (IR) in 2006
• Carlos Francis, WR, 2004-2006: 0 games (IR) in 2006, 0 (IA) in 2005, 5 in 2004
• Shurron Pierson, DE, 2003: 6 games in 2003
• Junior Ioane, DT, 2000-2002: 6 games in 2002, 3 in 2001, 0 (IA) in 2000
• Dameane Douglas, WR, 1999: 0 games (cut) in 1999

The Raiders’ fourth-round woes are not a recent development. In fact, the team has not selected a true impact player in the fourth round since Greg Townsend in 1983.