Silver and Black Report

The Oakland Raiders again signed defensive tackle William Joseph. This marks the third time this season the former New York Giant has landed in Silver & Black. And to make room on the roster, they released offensive lineman Paul McQuistan.

McQuistan has been serving as a back-up mainly since Oakland drafted him in the 3^rd round of the 2006 entry draft.

He started six games in 2006, but was benched for the remainder of the season due to poor play. The following season, he played in all 16-games, starting six of them when the Raiders sustained injuries along the trenches. In 2008, he spent most of the campaign on injured reserve.

Oakland got some of their injured players back on the practice field on Monday. Running back Darren McFadden, wide receiver Chaz Schilens and right tackle Cornell Green participated during Monday’s session. All three are expected to be ready for their match-up against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

“This is the healthiest this football team has been, there’s no question, particularly on offense,” head coach Tom Cable commented. “In terms of having them all back and into sync and the energy in the huddle and all those things, it was good to have them back.”

On the defensive side of the ball; end Greg Ellis did not practice, as he had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee last week and Tommy Kelly was exempt due to personal matters.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders (1-3) travel east to face the New York Giants (4-0) on Sunday. This will be the eleventh time they will meet during the regular season with Oakland having a 7-3 edge dating back to their first contest in 1973. In their last meeting, the Giants went into Oakland and beat the Silver & Black 30-21 on December 31, 2005.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

It’s time to rev up the running game if you are the Raiders. Currently, they rank 28^th in the league in rushing, a surprise considering that was the lone aspect of this club that any prognosticator expected to be productive prior to the season beginning being the only position on the roster with considerable depth. For the next few weeks they will be without Darren McFadden (meniscus), so Justin Fargas and Michael Bush will carry the load. But it must start from the trenches, and since their game versus San Diego, the Raiders have lost any toughness and chemistry on the offensive line.

“It can go two ways,” starting left tackle Mario Henderson said this week, looking ahead to the Giants. “We can go out there and embarrass ourselves or go out there and make a name for ourselves. It’s a good opportunity for us.”

Chris Morris, who may start at left guard state, “That’s how we will measure ourselves, going up against the best. If we can put up a good game like we plan on doing it will be good for us.”

What to Expect:

The Giants defensive line can bring the heat. And their rush defense is stout. With Oakland re-shuffling their line and trying to find a way to get back a respectable ground game, it spells trouble for Tom Cable’s bunch. JaMarcus Russell will face intense pressure and there won’t be many run lanes for Fargas and Bush. New York’s defense is a prideful bunch and with their offensive leader possibly sidelined, they will make sure Oakland’s offense continues their woes, as they’ve averaged 7.3 points per game in their last three contests.

On Defense:

Oakland’s front-seven must be primed to face a tough ground game. Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren, Richard Seymour and Greg Ellis must hold their ground and improve on the 146.3 yards allowed rushing per game so far in 2009.

“You don’t get to see 270-pound backs running that fast, but I mean he’s human so if you hit him around his beak a couple of times, he’ll slow down,’’ Tommy Kelly stated about Brandon Jacobs.

What to Expect:

The Raiders will stack the line of scrimmage in trying to slow down the Giants running backs. But they cannot allow their receivers to exploit the secondary in man-to-man coverage, as Chris Johnson has given up big yardage opposite Nnamdi Asomugha and the Giants receivers are having a solid start to 2009. If they can slow down the duo at running back for the Giants, they must attack whoever is at quarterback with their four down linemen and get there with consistency to have any shot at staying close late.

On Special Teams:

The play of the coverage units has fallen dramatically since last season; and the team returned the same components to a steady group in 2008. Oakland ranks 29th in punt returns, 32nd in kick coverage and 31st in kick returns.

Justin Miller was cut again this week, replaced by running back Gary Russell due to the injury to McFadden. Russell may see time returning kickoffs, as the combination of Louis Rankin, Jonathan Holland and Miller has been non-threats to opponents.

NEW YORK GIANTS

On Offense:

Much of the talk this week surrounded the health of starting quarterback Eli Manning. On Thursday, head coach Tom Coughlin did not predict whether or not his starter would play on Sunday after sustaining a heel injury last week, while back-up David Carr has taken snaps with the first team leading up to the game.

“I am sure he wants to play really bad, probably as bad as I want to play,” Carr said of Manning. “It’s the same for every competitor, every guy who wants to be on the field. Everybody gets hurt. We’re down a lot of guys now and I think everyone on the side wants to be out there to help the team.”

What to Expect:

Whether Manning plays or not, it won’t change what the Giants want to accomplish on Sunday. Their personality on offense is based on a tough ground game, and this may be the game to get back to being a dominant rushing unit. The Giants are averaging 145.5 yards per game rushing, but Jacobs is averaging almost 2 yards less per carry from his stats a year ago. Jacobs (288 yards rushing) and Ahmad Bradshaw (265 yards rushing) could combine for 200 yards rushing this weekend.

On Defense:

The Giants rank 19^th in rush defense (117.3), 1^st in pass defense (115.0) and 6^th in points allowed per contest (16.0)

All those numbers don’t bode well for a Raiders offense that cannot move the chains consistently or put points on the boards. Russell is struggling and is the worst starting quarterback in the league statistically, and he’s facing a team that can bring pressure with their down linemen and has covered well so far in 2009.

Linemen Justin Tuck (2.5 sacks) and Osi Umenyiora (2.0 sacks) are a quarterbacks worst nightmare, and either can line up anywhere along the formation.

What to Expect:

Antonio Pierce is the leader on defense, and his ability to dissect what offenses are trying to do and help his teammates get in the right position are invaluable traits. Oakland does not run an elaborate offensive scheme, so the Giants can just line up and play physical football. That is not in Oakland’s personality, so it will be tough for the Raiders to match New York’s intensity or style of play.

GAME NOTES

• The Giants are coming off a three-game road trip and will play in front of their home crowd for the first time since week-one. They have not begun a season 5-0 since 1990.
• Michael Bush will start at running back. He stated this week, “You want to be that man.”
• Chaz Schilens did not practice and will most likely miss another week of action. Nick Miller will be inactive and won’t be ready for at least another two-weeks. Zach Miller missed practice on Thursday, but is expected to play. Hiram Eugene finished practice and is on schedule to be activated this week.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Steve Smith vs. Nnamdi Asomugha/Chris Johnson

Smith is leading the NFL in receptions (34), yards (411) and touchdowns (4). The 24-year old is establishing himself as New York’s ‘go to guy’ and if he goes up against the best cornerback in football, it could be the best match-up of the entire weekend anywhere. Against Johnson, Smith could wiggle his way for big gains as he is a precise route runner.

RT Kareem McKenzie, RG Chris Snee, C Shaun O’hara, LG Rich Seubert and LT David Diehl vs. The Raiders front seven

That Giants’ offensive line may be the best in the league. Add FB Madison Hedgecock to that load and Oakland’s defense may be facing the toughest bunch they’ll see all year.

Can JaMarcus Russell play mistake free and make a big play or two…or three?

If by some chance Oakland is close in the 4^th quarter, they will need their QB to play over his head. They will need big plays out of him to stay close and pull an upset.

PREDICTION

Giants 29 – Raiders 3

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Greg Gumbel providing play-by-play and former NFL player and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Dierdorf 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 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 Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, October 11, 2009, 1 p.m. ET | Giants Stadium, NJ

Home Team: New York Giants (4-0) Home: 1-0 Road: 3-0

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (1-3) Home: 0-2 Road: 1-1

Point Spread: Raiders are 14.5 underdogs

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Best Defensive Player:

Nnamdi Asomugha, DB

Oakland made him the highest paid defensive back in the history of the NFL this past off-season. And he is worth every penny. Not only a stellar performer on the field, he is class personified off it with his charitable work and community service. On the field, he has the perfect blend of size and speed, equally adept at covering any receiver or supporting around the line of scrimmage versus the run. He made his first all-pro team in 2008, and more will likely follow with continued health.

Mr. Reliable; Flying under the radar is…

Thomas Howard, LB

The speedy linebacker is only 26-years old, but he is one of the lone fiery, vocal on the field leaders in Silver & Black. Early in his career, Howard was at his best dropping back into coverage and having the knack of getting his hands on errant passes. He is now evolving as a better pursuer of the football with his closing speed and improved instincts. On another team, Howard would have more notoriety. And if he were on team with a stouter front-four, the former second rounder could be one of the premier weak side linebackers in the AFC.

Player ready to breakout is…

Trevor Scott, DE

If used correctly on long yardage 3^rd down situations and in rotation at either defensive end spot, Scott could become a solid pass rushing threat. If he starts and is in there for too many snaps, teams will expose his weakness defending the run on the edges, and he’ll get plowed and neutralized with rushes right at him. Scott has the potential to become what Trace Armstrong was to the Miami Dolphins late in his career. With his good motor and relentlessness, Scott could be a 8-10 sack performer.

Player that must take it to the next level…

Tommy Kelly, DT

He got paid like an all-pro, but has not shown he can play like one. If Richard Seymour ever decides to report to Oakland, Kelly’s presence along the defensive line could be magnified. Kelly is an enigma, looking like a force on certain Sundays, or looking like a mediocre lineman on others.

Don’t bet on…

Michael Huff, S

When will he ever show the instincts, play making ability or steady play that many thought he could demonstrate when coming out of Texas in the 2006 draft? He was benched in favor of Hiram Eugene last season; reaching a whole new low in his career in the midst of a 6-year deal worth $43 million and $16 in guarantees. He’s on 26, so if your Oakland, you may still have hopes that he can finally stabilize his career and become a reliable starter. But how long do you wait on potential?

Player that must continue to perform at an exciting level is…

Johnnie Lee Higgins, PR

He is fun to watch when returning punts, and afterwards, he may give you a light moment with his end zone celebrations. Higgins was one of the better return men in the league in 2008, tallying 3 scores on punts and averaging 23.4 yards per return on kickoffs.

The silent standout on Special Teams is…

Isaiah Ekejiuba, LB

Ekejiuba may be able to push for a pro-bowl roster spot this season as a special teams performer. The Raiders acknowledge his importance to the squad by signing him to a three year contract for $5.4 million with a $1.25 million signing bonus this off-season.

Look out for:

Desmond Bryant, DT

The undrafted free-agent worked hard this summer and landed a roster spot. The long-shot beat out the lackadaisical Terdell Sands with his smarts in the trenches and hard work.

Mike Mitchell, S

Actually, anyone carrying the football when Mitchell is on the field better watch out, because he brings a load when tackling. His coverage skills are suspect, but Oakland will try to bring him along slowly after missing the summer with an injury.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

One of the areas of need for the Oakland Raiders is defensive tackle. For years, they have struggled to stop the run and during that span, they’ve thrown money at the likes of Dana Stubblefield, Warren Sapp and Ted Washington to plug the trenches. But it has not worked, and even when trying to develop their own talent – Tommy Kelly and Terdell Sands – Oakland has not been able to find a way to stop teams from controlling games on the ground.

Inexplicably, Sands and Kelly in back-to-back off-seasons received substantial raises, and they’ve been part of some of the bad units once coached by Rob Ryan.

In 2003, Oakland was worst in the league allowing 156.9 yards per game. Then in 2004, they allowed 124.8 yards per contest. The Silver & Black followed that up with a 128.1 per game average allowed in 2005. In 2006, 134 yards per game, in 2007 145.9 per contest and finally last season, 159.7 rushing yards allowed per contest, the highest average during a span in which they posted a 24-72 record.

Now they go into 2009 staring at a similar rotation along the front. Can they hang their hat on their new coordinator (John Marshall) in hopes that all will be well? Can Kelly live up to his mega-deal? Can Sands fulfill the potential he has as a run stuffer or just be another mammoth frame?

Gerard Warren has been a contributor in spurts, but he has been a bust since being drafted by Cleveland with the 3^rd pick in the 2001 draft. Warren is better off the bench as part of a rotation when he is not expected to play a lot of reps. Beyond that, there is nothing else and the same personnel remains that allowed a copious amount of yardage in 2008.

Because of the struggles along the defensive front, the linebackers have suffered. Kirk Morrison getting bowled over and not being able to shed linemen or fullback blocks on his way to ball carriers has been a common site. His move back to the outside of the formation would be ideal if the Raiders could find a suitable middle linebacker. But that is not likely and Morrison will have to work on improving his footwork, use of hands and pursuit.

Thomas Howard is a speedy linebacker that excels in coverage.

Adding starter to the bunch would be nice, but not as much of a priority as other spots on this club. Oakland has struggled to find a complimentary outside linebacker, as Ricky Brown, Sam Williams, and Isaiah Ekejiuba are better suited as special team contributors.

PROSPECTS TO WATCH

B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

One of the more ideal selections in the first round for the Raiders. Raji has the mass and bulk needed to alleviate the pressure on the linebackers and add toughness to a weak run stuffing group. He also can bring pressure from the interior, something that could make Derrick Burgess more of a threat on the edge,

Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

After Burgess, the Raiders have a weak rotation at end. Trevor Scott was a pleasant surprise last season, but there are question whether or not he can handle the rigors of being an every down defender. He looks to be more of a 3^rd down rusher, and like Jay Richardson, he may not bring enough of a presence to help fix a weak run defending front seven. Johnson is an athlete who can become a solid edge rusher. And with Burgess’ pending free-agency, they may have to prepare for the future by taking a end in this draft that could be a solid 2^nd round selection.

Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

One of the sleepers in this draft that could be a starter in this league with his size and athleticism at end.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

MIAMI, FL – The Miami Dolphins were driving deep into Oakland Raiders territory, as Chad Pennington connected with Ted Ginn on receptions of 9 and 23 yards on their first drive of the second quarter. Ronnie Brown had a run of 21 yards and it appeared that the Dolphins were ready to hit paydirt once again.

But Chris Johnson stripped Brown on a run out of the ‘Wildcat’ formation which was recovered by Gibril Wilson and gave the Raiders the ball at their own 26-yard line.

The Raiders blundered through their next possession, as Cornell Green was flagged to start the drive on a false start and quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo botched a handoff to Darren McFadden and lost 13 yards. On 3^rd and 20, Justin Fargas loss one yard and the Raiders punted.

Miami wasn’t able to move the ball either, as the Raiders picked up their defensive play during the drive. Tommy Kelly and Gibril Wilson combined on a sack and Thomas Howard cut-down Ricky Williams on a short reception that lost 5 yards.

Oakland was the beneficiary of a questionable penalty on their next drive. On 3^rd and 3, Jason Allen was flagged for pass interference when his feel got tangled with Ashley Lelie. The 41-yard penalty was Oakland’s biggest gain in the afternoon to that point, as they had only managed 29-yards of total offense prior to that play.

JaMarcus Russell hooked up with Zach Miller two plays later for 27 yards, setting up the Raiders with a 1^st and goal at the Miami 5-yard line.

But two false start penalties on Kwame Harris and a pitch to McFadden that loss 6 yards had the Raiders going backwards. Miller hauled in a 16-yard toss on 3rd and goal from the 20-yard line. Then Sebastian Janikowski booted a 21-yard field goal to cut the Dolphins lead to 7-3.

ANALYSIS

John Wade has had problems along the interior all afternoon. The starting center has been manhandled at times, which has contributed to ineffective run game. Kwame Harris almost single-handedly killed one Raider drive and Cornell Green has also continued his sub par play. If not for that 41-yard penalty, the Raiders would have not put up any points in the first half. Darren McFadden has not been utilized as expected, especially considering the woes of the offense and his inactivity the last few weeks.  Miami has out gained the Raiders 196-57. With their 7-penalties, it’s a surprise that the are only down 4-points at the half. 

After doling out huge contracts in the off-season, a 2-6 record at the midpoint isn’t exactly what the Oakland Raiders expected.

A 41-14 blow-out at home in the opener, the Lane Kiffin firing and the recent news regarding veterans that may be on the way out has highlighted a first half that has Raider fans losing faith whether or not this organization will ever turn it around with a 21-67 record since their Super Bowl loss at the end of the 2002 season.

QUARTERBACK

JaMarcus Russell has been the victim of bad offensive line play; conservative play calling and a set of targets that have not played very well.  He is young, raw and still looking to evolve as a passer. So mistakes are expected and part of the learning curve. But he has not looked overwhelmed or out of his league, especially considering the hold out last season, change of coaches and lack of cohesiveness in this organization. His 48.6 completion percentage has to improve. And his ability to trust his athleticism and become more decisive has to come along. Overall, not a bad start to his career, but not exactly the ideal situation you want to groom a young passer in.

RUNNING BACKS

The Raiders have the 8^th ranked rush attack in the league (121.5 per game). But that seems like a disappointment considering the trio they have at running back and what they accomplished last year. Justin Fargas’ injury hurt team, as they lost one of the few players on the roster that brings a lunch pail to work every Sunday.

Darren McFadden leads the team in rushing (341 yards), but 164 of those yards came in their lone road victory in Kansas City. Oakland has not exploited his game breaking ability, pass catching skill or utilized him in a diverse manner. And with turf toe injuries and inactive designations over the last few weeks, it’s hard to imagine that we will see the explosive player in 2008 that electrified the college ranks just a year ago.

Michael Bush has looked good in stints. But there aren’t enough carries to go around. And eventually, this trio will have to be trimmed down to get a better flow to this rushing attack.

The loss of Justin Griffith, lost for the season due to injury, will hurt in the locker room and on the sidelines.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

No other unit on this roster has been as unproductive as the receivers. Johnnie Lee Higgins leads all receivers in receiving yards (170), a putrid number at the midpoint of the season and an unexpected name to have such ranking.

Javon Walker cashed in on a big contract, but the Raiders are not getting the production needed to justify such a deal. His six-year, $55 million contract with $16 million in guarantees could go down as one of the biggest bust signings in free-agent history. With only 13 catches in seven games, there is no doubt that the Raiders are looking to get out this deal, as they did with cornerback DeAngelo Hall.

Ronald Curry has been a huge disappointment, especially since he was the team’s leading receiver the last two seasons and a hard worker since his successful conversion to wide-out. He has uncharacteristically dropped passes and looked lethargic on the field in 2008, which has lead to his benching, in favor of the rookie Chaz Schilens.

Ashley Lelie has seven grabs and one touchdown reception, but like Walker, may have seen his best days in the past.

Zach Miller is the team’s best offensive player. He is their best edge blocker and Russell’s favorite target. Now, if they can only find a way to have him block on passing plays, run routes and make the reception all at once.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Oakland gambled going into the season with Cornell Green at RT and Kwame Harris at LT.

They have both failed and the Raiders will have to go back to the drawing board in the off-season to revamp that offensive line. Mario Henderson looked far better than Harris did at LT, when the former 49er was out of action for two games. Yet Henderson, who mauled his counterparts and showed he can handle the job, has not seen the field since Harris healed and got back into the line-up.

Tom Cable did a phenomenal job last season working with this unit. Now, he has to assess the rest of the way whether or not there’s anyone at tackle that can be depended on in 2009. If he remains as head coach for 2009.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Same old story here for the Raiders. They are allowing 157.6 rushing yards per game (30^th in the NFL), this after giving Tommy Kelly a record breaking contract for defensive tackles coming off an ACL injury. Terdell Sands was given a hefty deal two years ago, and neither has been able to stop teams from running through the sieve that is the Raiders front-four.

The pass rush has been hurt by the absence of Derrick Burgess, who has missed the last four games with a triceps injury. His presence can change the complexity of the defense and how Rob Ryan attacks. Without Burgess, the Raiders have not had anyone on the edge that opponents have to double team. Trevor Scott has shown glimpses, especially with his solid effort versus the Jets, but the lack of speed on the edges has altered the Raiders plan of attack.

LINEBACKERS

Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison are solid players. But both have struggled due to the lack of protection in the front four, and their lack of big plays, unlike in 2007, where both had a knack of getting into passing lanes and coming up with big interceptions off tip passes.

Ricky Brown has not distinguished as a linebacker, and at this point, is a better special teamer. Robert Thomas, who started for Brown versus the Falcons, was placed on the IR with an hamstring injury.

DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD

Adding DeAngelo Hall to the secondary did not make the Raiders dominant in their pass coverage. His presence did not alter how Ryan could stack the line of scrimmage and stop the bleeding versus the run. Raider fans suggested all off-season how Hall could have a domino effect on the entire defense and elevate the play of the unit. That did not occur and Hall will wear a different uniform as the second half of the season unfolds.

Gibril Wilson leads the team in tackles, but not even his addition has helped what has been a poorest run stuffing unit now for years.

Nnamdi Asomugha is the best player on the roster. But he is out on an island in every game and no quarterback has enough guts to consistently test him.

Michael Huff’s move to FS has not been smooth. The once touted playmaker out of Texas has not shown any of the ball hawking skills he demonstrated as a collegiate.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Easily one of the few watchable units on the Raiders. Higgins has been very good on returns, Tyvon Branch made people forget about Jarrod Cooper, Shane Lechler is the league’s best punter and Sebastian Janikowski has been one of the only players that has provided thrills in 2008.

BEST & WORST

Offensive MVP – Zach Miller

Defensive MVP – Nnamdi Asomugha

Special Teams MVP – Shane Lechler

Most Improved – Johnnie Lee Higgins

Least Improved – Michael Huff

Biggest Surprise – Kalimba Edwards

Biggest Disappointment – Ronald Curry & Tommy Kelly

Best Rookie – Darren McFadden (Honorable mention: Tyvon Branch)

Best Free-Agent – Gibril Wilson

Worst Free-Agent – Javon Walker

Best-Kept Secret – Trevor Scott

Best Moment(s) – Zach Miller’s 63-yard pass for TD vs. the Chargers; made the game 12-0. Sebastian Janikowski’s GW 57-yarder FG in OT vs. the NYJ. 

Worst Moment(s) – Home opener vs. the Broncos and the shellacking vs. the Falcons

The Lane Kiffin sayonara award – DeAngelo Hall

3 Reasons for Hope

1. Russell has not been ruined so far, so there is hope in turning him into a franchise passer.
2. McFadden, Bush and Miller will be solid weapons for Russell in the future.
3. A purging of bad contracts may begin.

3 Reasons to Worry

1. Asomugha and Lechler, two of the better players on the team could be lost at season’s end.
2. Cable is just the ‘interim coach’, and if he can’t make a statement with a strong finish, yet another coach will be on the sidelines in 2009.
3. With the release of Hall, Oakland basically admitted to bad a personnel decision. Will there be enough harmony or symmetry between the coach and owner to do what’s best for the football team?

BALTIMORE, MD — It’s no secret what the Baltimore Ravens game plan will be this afternoon when they face the Oakland Raiders.

Run the ball often and productively and hope to keep rookie quarterback Joe Flacco out of situations that the Raiders defense can take advantage of. Last time the Ravens faced the Raiders in 2006, they compiled 138 yards on the ground. Last week, Oakland struggled mightily against the Jets, a team that enjoyed their best rushing effort of 2008.

And with the Raiders allowing 136.2 yards per game on the ground so far this season, there is no doubt that Willis McGahee (293 yards rushing), Le’Ron McClain (281 yards) and Ray Rice (121 yards) will be primed to attack the Oakland front seven.

The Ravens have the 7^th best rushing attack in the league. That is the fuel to an offense that ranks 25^th overall in passing. Sounds familiar? Yeah, just like the Raiders, they depend heavily on their offensive line to pave lanes for their trio of rushers. And both have young passers that still don’t appear ready to shoulder the burden of an offense quite yet.

In this game, the Raiders need to show that the addition of Gibril Wilson will make a difference the rest of the way. That moving Tommy Kelly to tackle and using the rotation of Terdell Sands and Gerard Warren will help slow down opposing ground games. That their secondary is good enough to leave out on a island in coverage as their front seven attempts to build a brick wall at the line of scrimmage.

If they can’t; expect another road loss, another pounding on the ground and yet another missed opportunity to prove that the moves they made in the off-season are the right ones as they move towards the midpoint of the campaign.

NOTE

Last time McGahee faced the Raiders, he was held to 50 yards on 16 carries on October 23, 2005. The then Buffalo Bill was coming off career best 143 yards rushing effort a week prior, and after stating the week leading to the game that he was the best rusher in the league. 

The Oakland Raiders (1-1) will head east to face the Buffalo Bills (2-0) this Sunday in their second of back-to-back games on the road.

After a morale raising 23-8 victory last weekend at Arrowhead stadium, Oakland will look to shock the undefeated Bills, who are ranked 5^th in the NFL in total defense and 7^th overall in points allowed per game.

Oakland will likely be without the services of Justin Fargas after sustaining a groin injury in their last game. But with young rushers that provide incredible depth, the Raiders will look to continue to put on a show with their second ranked rush attack.

Buffalo will try to reach their best start in 16 years with a win and break Oakland’s four-game winning streak in the series.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Just run, baby! Darren McFadden made a splash last weekend, ripping through the Kansas City defense for 164 yards rushing. Much of the same is needed if the Raiders expect to upset the Bills. And with Fargas looking like he may sit, Michael Bush will provide the change of pace and continue keep the production going for a team that depends heavily on moving the chains via the ground game.

It looks like Kwame Harris will miss his second game in a row with a lingering knee injury. He is listed as doubtful for the game, and with Mario Henderson taking the majority of his reps during practice, expect no. 75 to start at left tackle once again. And after Henderson’s solid performance against the Chiefs, the 2^nd year pro should continue to see action protecting JaMarcus Russell’s blind side until further notice.

What to expect:

When you start the season averaging 225 yards per game on the ground, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what the Raiders must do to pull out a victory. McFadden’s explosiveness has to be on display, and if possible, incorporating him in the passing game with screens or quick tosses to get him with the football in space will help diversify the offense ad space out the Buffalo defense.

The Buffalo secondary has played well to start the season, and their pass rush has compiled 7-sacks. So they’ll be able to stack the line of scrimmage, leave their secondary on a island and attack the Raiders as needed when Russell drops back to pass on long down and distances.

Bush is a solid receiver out of the backfield, so a lot of screens ad misdirections could confuse a Buffalo defense that could be ready to disrupt the young quarterback.

On Defense:

The Raiders played one of their best games in recent memory against the run versus the Chiefs last week. And if the offense can put up points early and play from in front, this defense may have the opportunity to repeat that performance and let their highly talented secondary match-up against Buffalo’s receivers.

A key to their front four is Tommy Kelly, who was arrested on Sunday night on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. It appears that he will play and is ready to take steps forward in his game after signing a multi-year deal this off-season with $18.125 in guarantees. “Me personally, I’m getting better from week-to-week, just trying to get my weight down where I needed at and move from there on,” stated the defensive tackle.

What to expect:

Oakland needs to apply consistent pressure and vary their coverages as they did in Kansas City. Derrick Burgess was aggressive at the onset of the game, and Rob Ryan’s willingness to bring extra defenders benefited the secondary, as they were able to bat balls away and even record an interception that set-up a score.

The Raider secondary must be physical with the Bills wide-outs and put pressure on Trent Edwards to make big plays down the field.

On Special Teams:

Sebastian Janikowski again leads the NFL with 6 touchbacks. And with the dynamic returners that Buffalo has, Janikowski will have boom a few into the back of the end zone to minimize those opportunities for the opponent. His directional kicking on kickoffs and how the coverage teams clog up the field will be vital.

Shane Lechler, who has one of the most powerful legs in the league will likely get them into the end zone as much as possible as well.

BUFFALO BILLS

On Offense:

The 8^th best quarterback ranking in the league belongs to Trent Edwards. And his 70.9 completion percentage has helped the Buffalo offense move the ball down the field and win games. His 37-yard toss to Lee Evans set up the go-ahead touchdown pass to James Hardy last weekend.

Edwards and offensive coordinator Turk Schonert will use their rushers as pass catchers out of the backfield, but their biggest playmaker is Evans, who leads the team with 8 receptions for 179 yards.

One of the strengths of this team is their offensive line, featuring former Raider Langston Walker at right tackle. When Buffalo decides to pound away yardage with Marshawn Lynch, expect them to go to the left where LT Jason Peters and LG Derrick Dockery reside.

What to expect:

Buffalo may see Oakland’s performance against the Chiefs as an aberration, so expect a heavy dosage of Lynch and Fred Jackson. The Bills like to have a balanced attack and if they can’t get either rusher going, it will be tough for their smaller receivers to get open against a Raider secondary that can play physical.

James Hardy, who caught the decisive touchdown last weekend, is the only big target that Edwards has. The rookie wide out will have to make his presence felt in this game if the Bills cannot rush the ball consistently.

On Defense:

Marcus Stroud has impacted the Buffalo defense immensely, especially last weekend when he recorded two sacks and got his fingers on a ball that was intercepted. And after the first game, head coach Dick Jauron stated, “I don’t see how Marcus could play any harder than he did last week [in the opener].”

Starting cornerback Terrence McGee has been limited in practice with a back injury.

What to expect:

Buffalo can rush the passer. And with ends like Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel, Oakland will be tested when they drop back to pass, especially on long down and distances.

The defensive line is much improved, but the Raiders can run block and have the ball carriers to get through those holes quickly and brutally.

On Special Teams:

Buffalo may just have the best special teams in the NFL, with punter Brian Moorman, and game breaking returners like McGee and Roscoe Parrish.

GAME NOTES:

• Oakland has won seven of the last eight contests and have an overall lead in the series, 19-15.
• Oakland ranks 31^st in the NFL in passing offense. (106.0 yards per game)
• Javon Walker has practiced this week and will look to have his first contributions in the regular season after being slowed by a hamstring injury.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Which ground game will help their team the most?

Both clubs want to predicate their offense on the rushing attack. Whoever is able to diversify their offense with success the most, stemming of play action and the effectiveness of the rushing yards attained will be the team to move the chains down the field and put up the points needed to get the ‘w.’

Who has the special, special teams?

Johnnie Lee Higgins has had a solid start to the season returning kicks for the Raiders. But Buffalo can put out some good personnel on their special teams unit as well. If there is a big play on special teams, chances are the team that pulls it off will win.

PREDICTION

Bills 19 – Raiders 16

Both defenses will take advantage of aerial attacks that will struggle. And with the Raiders dealing with off the field distractions, its hard to believe they can go on the road a second straight week and come away with a victory.

TV & RADIO

This week’s game will be televised on CBS with Don Criqui providing play-by-play and former NFL quarterback Dan Fouts 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 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 11th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KGO’s Rich Walcof. (Broadcast information found at the Raiders official web site)

GAME INFO

Home Team: Buffalo Bills (2-0) Home: 1-0 Road: 1-0

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (1-1) Home: 0-1 Road: 1-0

When and Where: Sunday, September 21, 2008, 10:00 a.m. PT | Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, NY

Today, SBReport was able to listen in on Tommy Kelly’s session with the media regarding his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence and other topics. According to authorities, the 27-yard old was booked at Oakland’s Glenn E. Dyer Detention Facility on Monday and later released.

On the incident:

“I’m the one that committed the mistake. I take full responsibility.”

About the defense, and their performance from week-1, to week-2:

“I think as a defense, we have improved. We got a lil’ out of character the first game when they jumped on us a lil’ bit.”

“We proved we can bounce back as a team..”

About how he is progressing:

“Me personally, I’m getting better from week-to-week, just trying to get my weight down where I needed at and move from there on.”

On the off the field distractions:

“I really don’t pay attention. That’s not really my business. I worry about who ever I’m going to be lined up in front of.”

Running back Michael Bush also spoke to media today, and commented on what occurred during the game last weekend.

Did he keep the ball he scored with…?

“Oh yeah, I kept it.”

What about the fumbled ball…? [jokingly]

“I didn’t keep it. They picked it up, so I had no control over that.”

On the fumble:

“Its just one of those things, I was going down with the ball, my elbow opened up a lil’ bit when I was going down. But to me, that sums what I’ve been through these last two years, you know, having injuries, then you have to fight back, fumble the ball, then you have to fight back…”

NAPA, Calif. — On the second day of training camp for the Oakland Raiders, much more action was seen as many of the key players on this years roster got in on some action and looked to be in solid form in their preparations for the upcoming pre-season games.  

• Greg Spires did not participate today because of a hamstring injury. He is expected to work out tomorrow (Friday).
• Grant Irons, who was looking to get back to his high-octane level of activity, aggravated a  hamstring injury that took him out halfway through today’s practice.
• Defensive tackle Tommy Kelly was a “beast” inside. He routinely pushed whoever matched-up against him, tossing his counterpart routinely deep into the backfield causing all sorts of disruptions. Kelly also spoke to the media for the first time in several years. He opened up and gave some insight on a man that seems to have come full circle with the birth of his son on the day he got injured last year. The 27-year-old  is a well grounded blue-collar workhorse that should be a one man wrecking crew now that he is focused at playing one position (three-technique tackle).
• Wide receiver Arman Shields is drawing attention early in camp with a lot of positives on the practice field.  He has come a long way and has looked as advertised on his college game films.
• Wide receiver Todd Watkins continues to looked very polished and a viable candidate for third in the depth chart behind Javon Walker and Ronald Curry. 
• Johnnie Lee Higgins has managed to hang on to the ball more consistently (unlike at the OTA’s where he was inconsistent).
• Marcel Reece, who played wide receiver at the University of Washington, was working out with the running backs today. It will be interesting to see if he can convert that explosive play-making ability at wideout to the backfield.
• Nnamdi Asomugha worked out with the team and even snatched an interception on an Andrew Walter pass or what would have been a simulated touchdown.
• Jake Grove was in pads and worked out with the team. He looked fit and was seen bouncing around and moving quickly between drill rotations.
• Chaz Schilens has cleaned up his fundamental mistakes that were noticed at the last OTA’s.
• Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas looked very good and fast against the defense, but what stood out to me was the hard running by Michael Bush. His power run game was impressive and looked like he wanted to bring the wood on several plays. I feel that he will have the better success individually compared to the others early on in camp. 
• Rusher Louis Rankin also looked impressive. He is a shifty back with decent size.
• Michael Huff is making great breaks on the ball and is only inches away from making HUGE plays. He looks so much more comfortable at free safety.
• Gibril Wilson was seen chomping at the bit; wanting to lay some serious wood on some receivers.
• Trevor Scott completely owned Kwame Harris on a line drill. Scott has very good speed off the edge. On the flip side, it’s also a strike against Harris who came to this team with the dark cloud of pass protection woes hanging over his head.
• Derrick Burgess could NOT BE STOPPED regardless of who he was matched up against. He easily could have had several simulated sacks today.
• Kalimba Edwards was also a force on the edge.
• Kirk Morrison almost blew apart Higgins on a slant pass that the slender receiver wisely dropped as the captain peeled off to avoid the would-be snott bubbler!