Thomas Howard – Bengals LB

The former 2^nd round pick out of UTEP saw post-season action in his second year with the Cincinnati Bengals. He had a very active game, leading the team with six-tackles. The Houston Texans advanced with a 31-10 win, but Howard had a nice showing.

Gibril Wilson – Bengals S

Yes, he was a Raider back in the 2008 campaign. He had very little impact during the game on Saturday.

Dave Tollefson – Giants DL

Did not play a significant role as a reserve versus the Falcons, but he did tally 5.0 sacks this season.

John Fox – Broncos HC

His team stunned the Steelers on the first play of overtime, as the AFC West champs advance to face the New England Patriots. Fox was a one time assistant with the Silver & Black in Los Angeles.

Aaron Kromer – Saints OL coach

Was a vital coach for the Raiders in 2002 during their run to the Super Bowl.  The Saints are sending three linemen to the Pro Bowl this year.

Terry Robiskie – Falcons WR coach

Served with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1982 where he coached with the team for 12 seasons. Now, he has Roddy White and Julio Jones to mentor in Atlanta.

Greg Knapp – Texans QB coach

Was the offensive coordinator with the Raiders in 2007-2008. Knapp has done a great job with many injuries at quarterback for Houston and a rookie passer currently under center.

OTHER NOTES

Al Davis wanted JaMarcus Russell; Lane Kiffin wanted the man dubbed “Megatron.” In February of 2009, when Davis reflected on those days, he stated, “Someone the other day said we had to go get a receiver. We should’ve drafted Calvin Johnson instead of JaMarcus Russell. But [Detroit Lions] record was 0-16 last year with Calvin Johnson.”

Johnson, in his team’s first playoff appearance since 1999, caught two touchdown passes and tallied 211-yards.

The Raiders were 7-4 heading into December and the Broncos were floundering around .500 when Tim Tebow began his charge to an AFC West crown. Yesterday, Tebow posted 316-yards passing, two touchdowns throwing the football and one rushing with a rating of 125.6 during the Broncos 29-23 overtime victory. It was the first extra period NFL post-season game with the new rules. It took all but one play to end the contest after Tebow hung the most yards passing the Steelers allowed all campaign.

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To everyone in the Raider Nation – enjoy a safe and prosperous Holiday Season with best wishes for the New Year. Since this is the season of giving, SBReport.net will hand out presents to a few Oakland Raiders

Jason Campbell, QB:

Santa Claus will hopefully bring him complete confidence from the staff and players. Since Bruce Gradkowski has been injured, Campbell looks poised and at ease under center. He’s 4-0 as a starter at home this season. A wonderful gift for him would be the Raiders going forward with the former Redskin entrenched as the starter. This off-season, Oakland may only shop for a back-up if that’s the case.

Bruce Gradkowski, QB:

A new team and full body armor. He’s tough, feisty and works hard. But Gradkowski is limited and the way he plays, puts him at risk to too many injuries.

Darren McFadden, RB:

MVP consideration. Yes, he deserves it. McFadden has tallied 1,588 yards from scrimmage and ten scores. When he’s on his game, the Raiders’ offense rolls.

Chaz Schilens, WR:

“Adamantium” – that fictional indestructible metal that Marvel’s comic book super-hero Wolverine is covered with. Schilens should be blanketed in that so even if he does get injured, he regenerates quickly and heals at the drop of a dime.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR:

An injection of route running skills to go with his blazing speed.

Marcel Reece, FB:

A jersey with a number in the ‘80s.’ The fullback is one of the Raiders best targets.

Thomas Howard, LB:

A new address in 2011. He’s in someone’s doghouse. Howard has been relegated to the sideline and spot special teams duties. The former starter is being bypassed for rookie Travis Goethel.

Jared Veldheer, LT:

An anchor. To make sure no one unseats him at left tackle. Although it looks like the rookie could be headed to a long career at that spot with continued growth.

Rock Cartwright, RB/ST:

I’m inventing the ‘Golden Tee’ award and giving it to Cartwright. He has been a key player on special teams and a vocal leader on the field all season.

Jacoby Ford, WR/KR:

More touches on offense and special teams. It doesn’t matter how this rookie gets the ball in his hands. Whenever he does, Ford makes plays.

Nnamdi Asomugha, CB:

A great ankle massage therapist in Hawaii. Asomugha is headed to another Pro Bowl selection, so when he gets to the relaxing island, he can enjoy all the amenities, bypass the game and heal completely.

Louis Murphy WR:

His own personal referee. Murphy seems to always be involved in a questionable call, or he comes away unhappy about not being credited a catch.

Tom Cable, HC:

A new contract in 2011. He has changed the losing culture in Oakland while remaining a good soldier for Al Davis. That alone deserves credit. But since his contract is up at season’s end, its time for the Raiders to repay the man who helped them back to respectability.

Hue Jackson, OC:

Job offers. If the Bengals fire Marvin Lewis, Jackson will be a candidate for that opening.

Mario Henderson, T:

A GPS to find his way back into the line-up.

Trevor Scott, DE:

A speedy rehabilitation.

Richard Seymour, DL:

A contract extension. Raiders must keep him, and after this solid campaign, Seymour deserves to be compensated. Oakland needs to keep the veteran around.

Rolando McClain, LB:

A podium. Maybe then, we’ll see the rookie talk after games more often.

Mike Mitchell, S:

A bunch of tackling dummies wearing Broncos, Chargers and Chiefs’ jerseys. Mitchell loves landing big hits, this will help him do it year round.

Sebastian Janikowski, PK:

A pair of punting shoes.

The Raider Nation:

A Chiefs & Chargers loss this weekend, a play in game next weekend at Arrowhead and a Raiders playoff berth.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

• Monday, November 22, 6:30 pm
• Saint Leo The Great School
• 4238 Howe Street, Oakland 94611

• Tuesday, November 23, 5:00 pm
• Dream Catchers Youth Shelter and Support Center
• 422 Jefferson Street, Oakland 94607

Defensive backs will provide Thanksgiving meals to needy families and spend time in both organizations supporting the youngsters at the facilities.

Linebacker Quentin Groves will be joined by his position mates including Thomas Howard, Sam Williams, Ricky Brown and Bruce Davis to host Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings for the residents of Paradise Residential Homes in San Ramon on Wednesday evening. Paradise Residential Homes is a place for youth who have left foster care.

• Wednesday, November 24, 6:00 pm
• Paradise Residential Homes
• 136 Valdivia Circle, San Ramon, CA 94583

From a press release:

The Oakland Raiders have already been active and will continue their charitable community efforts this Holiday Season. The Raiders recently teamed up with the Mary Ann Wright Foundation to collect food that was distributed to local families.

The Oakland Raiders and The United States Marine Corps are once again teaming up to brighten the holidays for thousands of children through the Toys for Tots program. U.S. Marines will be on hand to collect your donations at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on Sunday, December 19, 2010. In addition to new, unwrapped toys, monetary donations will be accepted. Marines will be stations at the West Side Plaza, near the BART entrance, and Gates A, B, C, and D, before and after the game. The Raiders will also hold two autograph signing events in support of Toys for Tots at the Raider Image location at Southland Mall in Hayward.

In addition, The Raiders will team up with Goodwill for a coat drive at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum when the Silver and Black host the Indianapolis Colts on December 26.

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With Trevor Scott out for the season with an ACL injury, Oakland will have to find ways to mix it up at the linebacker and defensive end spots. Quentin Groves could see action at end and the rookie Travis Goethel may be propelled up the depth chart. It speaks volumes to how far Thomas Howard has fallen out of favor along the defense that he’s not being mentioned as an option at linebacker.

Howard was replaced by Scott along the weak side late last season and since, has been relegated to special teams duties and a handful of reps on defense as a reserve.

Yesterday, left tackle Jake Long and quarterback Chad Henne practiced for the Miami Dolphins. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall, linebacker Karlos Dansby and center Joe Berger did not.

Head coach Tony Sparano stated, “Well I mean [Henne] took some work today. You guys saw him out there I’m not going to really get into any injuries right now I don’t need to do that until Wednesday so that’s when I’m going to do it but he did work today.”

The Dolphins have struggled to run the football this season. Neither Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams have surpassed the 100-yard  mark in a game and the offensive line has been slowed by injuries. Against the Chicago Bears, Miami only ran the ball seven times, facilitating this remark from ESPNs Mark Schlereth, “I could’ve put this game plan together with a box of Crayolas and a pizza box.”

Both the Raiders and Dolphins are sitting at 5-5 and since 1990, twenty clubs have been at .500 or worse after 10-games and have earned wild card berths.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Darren McFadden also tallied 74-yards on the ground, but it was a Chaz Schilens 10-yard touchdown catch from JaMarcus Russell with 35-seconds left that capped the 20-19 win. The victory marked the first time since 1993-94 that the Raiders tallied back-to-back wins in Denver.

The last time Oakland won both meeting in a season was 2002. That year, the Raiders won 34-10 at Denver and 28-16 in front of their home crowd. Rich Gannon passed for 553-yards in two games. “We killed them, we swept them and it ain’t over yet. It’s just begun,” said Bill Romanowski, whose game altering hit on Brian Griese turned the tide of a close contest.

“I went to the sidelines the series before, and I said, ‘Coming off the outside, it’s open. Call the blitz, and I swear I’m open,”’ Romanowski continued.

In 2004 at Denver, Oakland won 25-24 in the midst of a blizzard. Ronald Curry made a spectacular one handed grab and tallied a integral 63-yard reception. Jerry Porter victimized Champ Bailey all night, as Oakland surprisingly amassed 334-yardsin the air, in awful playing conditions.

Here are some archived images of our game coverage of this great rivalry:

Broncos TE Daniel Graham mocking the ‘Black Hole.’

LB Thomas Howard (53) stuffing the run in Oakland during their 2009 meeting.

Nnamdi Asomugha tackling Jay Cutler during the 2008 campaign.

Gibril Wilson (28) was at Strong Safety in 2008 when both teams met.

Jake Plummer getting chased down by Derrick Burgess in 2005.

Cooper Carlisle was a Bronco when Warren Sapp was going after Jake Plummer in 2006.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

According to league sources, the Silver & Black are gauging the interest of teams regarding players on their roster. Linebacker Thomas Howard and cornerback Chris Johnson are two that have been talked about.

Howard lost his starting job this season and has played as a reserve mostly. Johnson is also expendable with the youth Oakland has acquired in recent years on their secondary.

Last year, ESPN reported that Oakland would be willing to deal with other clubs and talk about trade possibilities with any player they had under contract.

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Quentin Groves is ailing days before Oakland faces Antonio Gates

Steve Corkran first confirmed that the Oakland Raiders had signed linebacker Bruce Davis and cut lineman Jay Alford on Tuesday.

Because of injuries to Thomas Howard (knee) and Quentin Groves (hamstring), Oakland was thin at linebacker to start the week. If they don’t get healthy on that unit quick, Davis may be thrown out there for Sunday’s match-up against the San Diego Chargers. Ricky Brown has been inactive due to a hamstring injury and Travis Goethel has been sidelined since the summer with a back impediment.

That’s not a good sign for the Raiders as they face arguably the best tight end in the NFL. Antonio Gates has 24-receptions for 386-yards and 6 scores in 2010. Howard in the past has faced the all-world tight end, but he’s been a reserve this season and now has an injury to deal with. Mike Mitchell could be used in a ‘Big Nickel’ package, but playing in coverage is not a strength of his. Michael Huff may land the assignment for a few reps, but Oakland has to mix it up and not get one player worn down by Gates.

Why wouldn’t Oakland just line up Nnamdi Asomugha versus Gates? At this point, Oakland should try to put their best defender on Philip Rivers’ favorite target.

Malcom Floyd has 14-catches for 285-yards and Legedu Naanee has 11-receptions for 181-yards. If Chris Johnson is healthy, with Stanford Routt also out there, it may be in Oakland’s best interest to lock-up Gates with Asomugha. It’s unconventional to line-up a cornerback over a tight end and shadow someone like Gates with a defensive back. But Asomugha at 6’2 and 215 pounds could handle Gates who is 6’4 and 260 pounds – something that should be schemed even if it’s only for a few snaps on Sunday.

Oakland also waived cornerback Joey Thomas from injured reserve.

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Bush is a “game time decision” per Tom Cable, but its likely they know at this point whether or not he can go or not. And if ball security is a major concern, there is no way Oakland takes any chances on the road with a player that may cough up the ball in crucial spots.

Most likely in the inactive list for the Raiders on Sunday will be: Chaz Schilens (knee), Walter McFadden (knee) and Travis Goethel (lower back).

Left guard Robert Gallery talked up what he’s seen with this new edition of the Silver & Black: “We have new pieces around us and a quarterback that knows the system and gets rid of the ball. There is a new lease on this offense. We’re the same guys and if sacks are given up, it’s on us. But we have to go out and be good.”

Defensive coordinator John Marshall stated that linebacker Thomas Howard will be in specialized packages, such as a “big nickel,” and special teams.

Special teams coordinator John Fassell on Yamon Figurs:

“I was with him his rookie season in Baltimore. He scored three times. (actually twice on returns). He’s a light, fast guy, and if he gets a crease then he’s somebody that has the speed that can score for you. So that’s exciting. I think that’s what he can bring for us as a dual punt returner and kickoff returner. And then he’s got his things he’s got to work on, but to me as a cover team, you’ve got to be a little bit concerned about his ability because of the speed.”

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The Oakland Raiders are happy with their first round draft choice Rolando McClain…

Really happy.

He’s been every bit the gym rat they expected. He studies film diligently, has shown off his talents on the field in the early stages of camp and has the look of a leader to be, even if he is only a rookie.

Many questioned his ability to play in space. Well, Jason Campbell tested that facet of his game. The result – a passing grade according to the veteran signal caller.

“I have been throwing that pass ever since I have been in the league, and he jumped as high as he could get and stretched out and caught it,” said Campbell, after McClain picked him off in camp. “It’s one of those interceptions where you can’t even get mad, because the guy made an outstanding play.”

Others have also noted quick acclamation to the pro game.

“It’s still early, but you like what you see,” said Thomas Howard. “If I had drafted the guy at No. 8 and I see what he’s doing, I would say, ‘OK, I like what I have so far.’ He has a lot of room to grow, but you like what you have so far.”

Oakland’s defense could be one of the surprise units in the league in 2010. And most of those expectations are based on who’s playing in the middle.

“It’s a little bit of everything, from film study and just knowing football, period,” McClain said. “I had a good coach [Nick Saban] in college, a great coach, and he taught me route recognition and being able to recognize a route from where guys line up. I was able to do that when I got the interception.”

Whether it’s picking off passes or stuffing the run, McClain will stamp his style onto this unit.

And with the other additions; the signing of John Henderson and the arrival of draft mate Lamarr Houston specifically, Oakland’s defensive unit appears to be on the rise.

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LB Thomas Howard visited The Bay Area After-School All-Stars at Horace Mann Elementary in San Jose. The Bay Area After-School All-Stars is a program that provides free after school programming for underserved youth. The program currently serves 26 schools in San Jose and is looking to expand to more schools in the future. Students attend the program for four hours each day after school, doing their homework creating art and playing sports.

Raiders cornerback and United Way ambassador Nnamdi Asomugha participated in the United Way/Matchbridge Dress for Success Work-Readiness Fair. Young people had the opportunity to select donated business clothing to wear for job interviews, and also take part in mock interviews to learn how to enter the business world and land a job. Asomugha helped the participants choose clothing and served as a mock interviewer.

QB Bruce Gradkowski surprised Napa High School senior Michaela Lambert by presenting her with the Bay Area All-Star Scholarship Award during class. This was Napa High’s first student to receive the scholarship. The Bay Area All-Star Scholarship Program receives applications from schools in nine Bay Area counties annually. Student advisors recommend two female and two male seniors who display outstanding achievement in the classroom, community, and in sports.

LB Thomas Howard and safeties Michael Huff, Jerome Boyd, Tyvon Branch and Mike Mitchell, went head to head against the 5th graders of Anna Yates Elementary School in Emeryville for an “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader” showdown. The Thomas Howard Foundation partnered with the Bay Area After-School All-Stars to demonstrate to students that learning can be fun. As standardized testing approached, Howard wanted to motivate the students to be successful in school. Students were on the edge of their seats for the opportunity to prove to the NFL players that they could beat them in this educational competition.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist