Punter Shane Lechler punts the ball against the Detroit Lions in week 16

Sunday’s game.

Due to the New England Patriots playing in Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5 and numerous injuries around the league, the NFL was forced to replace a total of 16 players on the AFC roster. Unfortunately for the Raiders, none of the players invited donned the Silver & Black this season.

Earlier this month, the league named Raiders safety Tyvon Branch, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, running back Darren McFadden and fullback Marcel Reece as alternates for the Jan. 29 Pro Bowl game.

Tommy Kelly hoped to make his first Pro Bowl with Patriots Vince Wilfork going to the Super Bowl and Ravens Haloti Ngata out with an injury, instead, the league chose Cincinnati’s Geno Atkins and Miami’s Paul Soliai.

Kelly, who was also listed as an alternate for the 2011 Pro Bowl, finished the season with 41 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Atkins finished with 47 tackles, 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles while Soliai finished with only 27 tackles and no sacks or forced fumbles.

Reece also looked to make his first Pro Bowl, most likely being the next in line had the Ravens and their fullback Vonte Leach made the Super Bowl instead of the Patriots.

Defensive tackle Richard Seymour in the week 3 game against the Jets

Reece, who played as a wide receiver at University of Washington, once again played an integral part in Oakland’s offense when on the field. Reece only played in ten games this season, starting six, but finished with 17 carries for 122 yards and 27 receptions for 301 yards and two touchdowns.

With Reece and Kelly not getting the call, the Raiders lone four Pro Bowl representatives will be punter Shane Lechler, long snapper Jon Condo, defensive tackle Richard Seymour and place kicker Sebastian Janikowski.

Lechler, playing in his 7th Pro Bowl, averaged 50.8 yards per kick this season and broke the Raiders franchise record with an 80-yard punt that went sailing over the dangerous Devin Hester when the Raiders took on the Chicago Bears in week 12.

Seymour has been named a starter for the game and is also participating in his 7th Pro Bowl of his career. Seymour played in all 16 games, often through injury, and finished the season with 29 tackles, six sacks and two kicks blocked.

Kicker Sebastian Janikowski connects from 63-yards out to tie the NFL record

Janikowski’s roster spot marks the first time that the former first-round draft pick has made the Pro Bowl in his 12-year career. Janikowski hit 31 of his 35 attempts (88.6 percent) while connecting on seven attempts 50+ yards out, including a league record-tying 63-yard field goal against the Denver Broncos in week one on Monday Night Football.

Condo earned his spot in the Pro Bowl by being named the AFC’s “need” player, an honor that also sent him to the 2009 Pro Bowl.

Be sure to check back on SBReport.net for exclusive coverage of the 2012 Pro Bowl.

Long snapper Jon Condo earned his second Pro Bowl appearance this year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE

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

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

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UFA: Unrestricted free agent; a player who has completed four or more accrued seasons and whose contract has expired.

RFA: Restricted free agent; a player who has completed three accrued seasons and whose contract has expired.

OFFENSE

• Jason Campbell QB – UFA
• Khalif Barnes T – UFA
• Kyle Boller QB – UFA
• Michael Bush RB – UFA
• Rock Cartwright RB – UFA
• Stephon Heyer OL – UFA
• T.J. Houshmanzadeh WR – UFA
• Marcel Reece FB — UFA
• Samson Satele C – UFA
• Chaz Schilens WR – UFA

DEFENSE

• Darryl Blackstock LB – UFA
• Desmond Bryant DL – RFA
• Tyvon Branch SS – UFA
• Matt Giordano – UFA
• Quentin Groves LB – UFA
• Jarvis Moss DE – UFA
• Trevor Scott DE – UFA
• Lito Sheppard – UFA

SPECIAL TEAMS

• Jon Condo LS – UFA
• Bryan McCann – UFA

OFFENSE ANALYSIS

Undoubtedly, Campbell would like to be a starter and probably feels like he can lead a team. But those chances went down the drain in Oakland when he got injured and Carson Palmer was acquired. The problem for Campbell is that there may not be many jobs for him available. Very few teams are starving for a starter. Miami may be happy with Matt Moore, or they could passer in the draft, Cleveland is going with Colt McCoy, the Chiefs may be in the market for a new face, a return to the Redskins won’t be an option and Seattle, who may look for a quarterback, may look at Vince Young, Matt Flynn or Kyle Orton. A back-up role is his destiny, but where? In Oakland where Jackson showed confidence in him prior to his injury, or elsewhere where he could sneak up on a passer that may be on shaky ground?

Keeping Bush will be imperative. Spending big bucks on running backs isn’t the norm in the NFL, but the former 4^th round pick has little wear and tear on his body, is young and versatile enough to add some pop to any club lacking a ground attack. Oakland would have been in serious trouble if not for Bush’s presence. With questions surrounding Darren McFadden’s durability, the Raiders need to keep this tandem together. A franchise tag for Bush could be an option, especially if they fear he will depart to another club that could front-load a contract for his services.

Reece is a multi-dimensional weapon, out of the backfield or split out wide as a receiver. He is a match-up nightmare that Jackson cannot afford to lose.

Barnes was the weak-link on a very good offensive line this past season. But keeping cohesion in this group will be key. He’ll come cheap, so unless the Raiders are looking for a major upgrade, there’s no way he goes anywhere. Heyer was a serviceable back up, so unless someone showers him with a big contract or a starting role, which is unlikely, Oakland could retain his services. Satele was tough, played injured and gained the respect of Jackson throughout the campaign. That may be enough for him to be retained and keep the powerful left side in tact.

Boller will move on, especially if Campbell is retained. Terrelle Pryor will be third on the depth chart until further notice.

Houshmanzadeh or Schilens will move on. One has the full support of Palmer; the other is young and has a history of injuries, which will dampen interest league wide. If Hue Jackson thinks Houshmanzadeh has anything left in the tank, he’ll be retained.

SPECIAL TEAMS ANALYSIS

Jon Condo will be retained and paid well. Oakland tends to compensate their specialists and breaking up the dynamic kicking and long-snapping trio wouldn’t make sense. Cartwright is a emotional leader and a special teams ace. How much will they value that, especially with Hiram Eugene coming back in 2012?

DEFENSE ANALYSIS

Branch may draw enough interest league wide which could land him a contract big enough that would force Oakland to let him walk. He has youth on his side and is very versatile. The former 4^th round pick could be enticed away by a team in need of starting strong safety.

Chuck Bresnahan was a major reason why Blackstock was brought in. Good on special teams and there for depth, we’ll see if his fate is tied together with Bresnahan’s.

Groves has already mentioned the possibility of him playing elsewhere. Aaron Curry took his job and at this point, Oakland sees him as a one-way player on special teams. With Matt Shaughnessy’s return, it’s unlikely that Jarvis Moss returns, especially if they opt for other choices at end. They’ll likely pick between Moss and Trevor Scott. Scott is more versatile, but the injury he sustained in 2010 made him a non-factor in 2011. A change in defensive alignment could also sway which one stays.

Bryant has developed into a serviceable lineman in a rotation. Some team may be intrigued by his abilities, and if he gets a decent offer, the defender will depart.

Sheppard was picked up mid-season and will not be welcomed back. Especially with Michael Huff moving to cornerback and other youthful options at defensive back.

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This indicates that the Silver & Black are highly concerned with the play at defensive back, especially opposite Stanford Routt. Rookies DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa saw action at that spot, but both are raw and neither appears ready to take major steps forward.

Lito Sheppard ended the season getting the majority of the reps, but his play may have sealed his fate, especially after the Chargers torched him last Sunday.

Huff is versatile enough to play in space and handle being in coverage. But at this late point of his career (not that he’s is falling apart), it is a risky move with a touch of desperation. Obviously Oakland is preparing to go into free agency not wanting to upgrade that spot with this transition and have little hope that one of the younger players could evolve into a contributor quickly.

Usually cornerbacks get moved to safety, especially veterans – not the other way around.

What does that mean for the safety spots? Tyvon Branch could be a hot commodity to other clubs this off-season, and if they need a change at both positions at the back-end, it will not bode well for a pass defense that allowed 251 passing yards per game (27^th in the NFL).

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In his article here, he quoted Groves as saying, “I might sign to another team next year.”

Groves continued: “You know, this league is funny. You can be here one year and gone the next. I could be here one day and gone the next. That’s the funny thing about this league. I pray I’m back though.”

The former Jaguar just wrapped up his second year with the Raiders. He started the campaign as a starter, but was replaced in the line-up when acquired Aaron Curry from the Seattle Seahawks before the trade-deadline.

“Yeah, I have no hard feeling toward the organization for what they did,” Groves said. “They went out and searched and found a better player, who’s a more natural hitter, put him in that spot and he did great so, I have no doubts, no regrets, nothing sad to say about that.”

Tyvon Branch touched on a few topics, mainly the team’s lack of discipline.

“Just getting smarter, go back and watch the film, see how we were making mistakes, the offsides and PIs and personal fouls. Try to eliminate those things,” said the free agent to be whom Hue Jackson wants back.

Cooper Carlisle put things in perspective, stating, “It’s definitely tough to swallow. If we win that game, we’re preparing for Pittsburgh. Instead, I’m cleaning shoes out of the locker.”

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Here are some tidbits from Jackson’s talk with the media:

On his message to the team on their way out:

“That as a Raider, you’re expected to win. And 8-8 is not where we want to be and I don’t want to use the old coaches’ cliché — you look at the wins you possibly could have won, and you didn’t. To me, that’s just…you’re setting yourself up again to be able to say, hey look, if we did this, we’d be here, you did that, you’d be there. You didn’t. At the end of the day, you didn’t win those games. We got what we earned. We’re 8-8, we’re a .500 football team for the second year in a row and, that’s disappointing. But the guys that come back here, that get ready for the off-season program, they’re going to buy in…all the way to what it is that we’re selling. Because we’re going to win a championship here, and that’s what I told them. And if you don’t feel comfortable at the way I think you’ve got to buy in, then maybe this is not the right place for you.”

ANALYSIS: Good to hear Jackson admit that this was a disappointment, because he was the first one to talk up his club early in the season, saying they would become bullies and that they had untapped potential. Eight wins again equates to a disappointing season, especially when they were at 7-4 in late November.

Looking back at missed chances:

“I mean, I can go all the way back to Buffalo, I can go back to Denver here, I can go back to the Detroit game. I can go back to the game yesterday. And where we had opportunities and we didn’t make the most of them.”

ANALYSIS: Those three particular games, I talked about being integral losses that could have shifted the outcome within the division. Coincidentally, all three were games that either defense never made a stand late or collapsed entirely.

On Chuck Bresnahan’s defense:

“It’s unacceptable.”

ANALYSIS: You now he wasn’t going to say much. If Al Davis were around, he would’ve never blasted his players publicly, or he would’ve heard from the man in-charge. Like Davis though, I don’t think the Raiders will ever feel obligated to make moves just because of public backlash, or because of what the perceived timing of it should be. In Oakland, things have always been done at their own pace. This is black Monday around the league, if things were a tad different and that defense was really “unacceptable,” the front office should’ve made a move. So now we wait… for an announcement, or no announcement because Bresnahan is under contract.

He added about staff changes: “Well, I haven’t sat through it all, but obviously I’m going to meet with everybody here soon and we’re going to go from there.”

On possible general manager hiring:

“But I would hope that as the head coach of this football team I would hope that the organization understands that I have a pretty good idea of where we need to go. Because if not, then I shouldn’t be where I’m sitting. So at the end of the day, I think I have a pretty good idea now that I’ve been through this for a year, and have done it, be it coaching, be it all kind of sort of different hats and duties, dealing with you all, and everybody, I think I know exactly what this team needs to do and how they need to do it. That’s the fun part of it.”

ANALYSIS: Jackson is already posturing and positioning himself for whoever comes in. I’m sure he would like help and a staffer to deal with the contracts and other vital behind the scene things needed to be in personnel, but he wants some sort of power and depending on whom Oakland selects, it could shift the balance of powers. I’m sure he wants to be involved in the process to ensure he can have a working relationship with the general manager, and maybe even have some influence on them.

Jackson added: “I don’t know that. But I don’t think it’d be awkward. I’m pretty comfortable with who I am and what I am. I’m not gonna get caught up in who we hire and who we bring in here. I know how that works. I know when people mention that, ‘well, if they hire a GM then he’s gonna want to bring in his own head coach.’ And hey, if that’s what Mark decided to do, that’s his right. I don’t think that that’s the case, but that is his right. But at the end of the day, whoever comes here, I think it’s gonna be somebody who wants to share the same vision as a I do, which is winning a championship, which is getting the organization back to being better than average. Because we should be, and we can be.”

On Carson Palmer and Jason Campbell’s future:

“I think, obviously, he has some strong characteristics throwing the ball. I mean, he’s proven that. I think he’s disproved all the issues with his arm. I don’t think anybody can bring those subjects up anymore. I think that Carson needs a strong off-season, with his teammates, with the players, training camp and then let’s see what he can be then. Am I tied to him? Well, I made the decision, so I guess I am. You know? He’s one of our quarterbacks. But by no means do I say, hey, Jason Campbell doesn’t haven’t an opportunity to be here, too. That decision has not been made. I have a strong feeling about Jason Campbell, and I think you guys all know that. I mean, my doing that, I know everybody sees it as maybe it was a slap to Jason. It wasn’t. I owe this team the best opportunity to win, and this organization the best opportunity to win. That’s why I did what I did. And at the end of the day, I’m not gonna run from that.”

ANALYSIS: Jackson’s tenure will be defined by how the Palmer trade works out – they are tied at the hip. There’s no denying that. As for Campbell, it would be ideal to keep him, as he’ll be the perfect back-up; he has strong work ethic, knows the system and has cohesion with the unit. Problem is, does he still think he can be a starter elsewhere, and would he accepted a demotion and lesser money than what he think he could make. There aren’t many starting openings in the NFL, so anywhere he goes, he’ll surely be a backup who may have a shot with a passer on a short leash. But otherwise, with Kyle Orton out there, Vince Young and now Matt Flynn, who could be a hot name; Campbell may not be a commodity in the open market.

On Darren McFadden’s injury and the effect:

“You have always put everything into the evaluation. Darren is under contract and all those things will take care of themselves. But it has taught me that you always have to have – whether it be at the quarterback position, the running back position of the receiver position — a very capable No. 2. And obviously Michael Bush was.”

ANALYSIS: Easily shows that the Raiders don’t plan on letting Bush walk away – nor they shouldn’t.

On Tyvon Branch’s possible free-agency:

“Very, because I think he’s one of the young, talented players on our team. I think he has a bright future ahead of himself. Any guy that’s back there that we deem, the organization deems, is a Raider and that plays the way we want them to play, we want to get under contract and get back here in a uniform. He’s definitely one of those guys.”

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SBReport.net wishes everyone a festive evening and a Happy New Year. As we sign out 2011, we bring in a new year with some resolutions for the Oakland Raiders:

Kyle Boller, QB

As soon as Jason Campbell was lost for the season, Oakland pulled the trigger on the Carson Palmer deal. Boller, who started the Raiders first game right after, bombed with three interceptions in the first half versus the Chiefs and never saw action again in 2011.

Resolution: To find a way to obtain the trust of any team as a back-up quarterback.

Kevin Boss, TE

After back-to-back 500 yard-plus seasons with the New York Giants, the tight end, who inked a deal with $8 million in guarantees, has had his number of targets and touches go down dramatically in this wide-receiver friendly system that also have dangerous pass catchers out of the backfield.

Resolution: Boss will draw-up a few more plays himself and sneak them into Hue Jackson’s playbook.

Tyvon Branch, SS

The starting string safety was named a Pro-Bowl alternate this week after a solid campaign.

Resolution: More impact plays in 2012 to ensure he gets the attention needed to make it to Hawaii.

The Oakland Front Office

Resolution: Find a general manager to work in cohesion with Hue Jackson.

Michael Bush, RB

He has compiled 1,316 total yards from scrimmage this year – not too shabby for a back up.

Resolution: To get a big payday. After injuries derailed his final season at Louisville, the rusher missed at a chance of going higher in the draft and earning a lot more money.

Jason Campbell, QB

He was Jackson’s quarterback till the injury. Now, with Palmer in the mix, if he wants to start, Campbell will have to go elsewhere.

Resolution: To find a team that desperately needs a quarterback. There aren’t many options and with Vince Young and Kyle Orton out there, it will be very difficult for Campbell to realistically start anywhere.

Aaron Curry, LB

Resolution: To fulfill his high draft-day expectations as a member of the Silver & Black after Seattle gave up on his career.

Jacoby Ford, WR

Resolution: Better conditioning on those lower extremities. A quad injury, hamstring issues and a foot ailment have been some of things the second year talent had dealt with in 2011.

Matt Giordano, S

Resolution: To parlay this solid campaign in Oakland into a multi-year deal.

Tommy Kelly, DT

Resolution: To make the Pro Bowl in 2012.

Rolando McClain, LB

Last year’s resolution: “To land jaw-dropping hits on opponents that weigh over 190 pounds and leave his impression on the Raider defense.

Resolution: See above. Oh, and stay out of the police blotter.

Darren McFadden, RB

Resolution: Play 16-games!

Carson Palmer, QB

Resolution: Regain his form with a full camp and pre-season – he’s not that far away.

Stanford Routt, CB

Resolution: To cut down on the flags… then we’ll hear talk about him being one of the AFC’s top cornerbacks.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

Our resolution last year for him was: “To break the 50-catch mark in 2011. Thirty-five career catches for a seventh overall selection – the letters B.U.S.T are ominous.” Well, mission accomplished.

Resolution: To become the ‘go-to guy’ in Oakland and turn into a versatile pass catcher on short and deep routes.

Chaz Schilens, WR

Resolution: To bottle-up whatever he took prior to the season and give it to McFadden and Ford. Schilens’ 2011 was not decimated by injuries.

Jared Veldheer, LT and Stefen Wisniewski, LG

Resolution: To get to Hawaii as a tandem.

Kamerion Wimbley, LB

Resolution: More sacks against teams not named the San Diego Chargers.

Here are last year’s resolutions for Campbell, DHB, McClain, Veldheer and others:

Oakland Raiders: New Year’s resolutions for 2011

Not bad, huh?

Happy New Year to everyone in the Raider Nation!

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The Oakland Raiders will have three representatives at the Pro Bowl this season: kicker Sebastian Janikowski, punter Shane Lechler and defensive tackle Richard Seymour.

Lechler will make his seventh appearance (’01, ’04, ’07, ’08, ’09, ’10, ’11) at the league’s all-star game. He leads the NFL with a 50.7 average per punt. More importantly, he has placed 27 punts inside the 20-yard line.

This is the seventh selection for Seymour and his second with the Silver and Black. He has 6.0 sacks for the season and two season saving field goal blocks versus Kansas City last weekend.

Janikowski is going to Hawaii for the first-time. His is presently fifth in the AFC in scoring with 115 points, is the Raiders all-time leading scorer with 1,257 points and broke the team’s single-season scoring mark with 135 points last season when he was named a Pro Bowl alternate. The powerful left-footed kicker tied an NFL record with his 63-yard field goal just before halftime in the 2011 season opener at Denver.

ANALYSIS:

I stated earlier in the day that three Raiders would make the squad… and that’s what happened. Janikowski deserved his first nod; stellar all year even through an injury, as others around the league finally realized what Raider fans always knew…

That Janikowski is a very good kicker with a special leg.

Lechler is reaching elite status and in my book, is the greatest punter to ever lace ‘em up. Any other choice would have been insulting.

As for Seymour, you can argue that Tommy Kelly’s body of work was better this campaign, but as it happens often, the player with more fame and notoriety gets the call. Seymour was missing in action in a few games, was booted out of the Miami contest and was a penalty machine in other vital games. His veteran leadership is immeasurable and the team respects him highly. No doubt he will be a hall of famer, but at this juncture, Kelly may have been the right choice.

ALTERNATES

Per the Raiders: Safety Tyvon Branch, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, running back Darren McFadden and fullback Marcel Reece have all been named Pro Bowl alternates for the January 29, 2012 game in Honolulu.

ANALYSIS:

McFadden was the league’s best rusher and one of the more dynamic players in the NFL prior to his injury. At this point, Raider fans could care less if he’s healthy to play in the exhibition, rather wanting him on the field this weekend and in the coming weeks.

Branch deserved consideration, but his numbers did not stack-up with others, nor will he replace Troy Polamalu’s popularity. His game has evolved and Branch has become one the AFC’s best strong safeties. But more game-changing plays and his defense not allowing so many yards and points, especially late in collapses, will help him get to Hawaii in the future.

Reece is a fine fullback who last year made noise with his pass catching abilities. This year, he’s become a far better blocker and continued to be a threat as a target in the Oakland offense. Vonta Leach is a far superior blocking fullback and a key aspect to the Ravens ground attack. Injuries slowed him a bit, if not, Reece’s numbers would’ve trumped his total from last year and he would’ve been in.

OVERALL:

There’s nothing to gripe about  here…

Kelly surely deserved more recognition, but in the Pro Bowl, players always get in a year or two late, or stick around for a year or two too long. Oakland’s total number of pro-bowlers is just about right. McFadden would’ve been a shoe-in with a full complement of games and others like Branch, Reece and possibly Stanford Routt will have their chance in the future.

TIDBIT

In 1991, place-kicker Jeff Jaeger and punter Jeff Gossett made the Pro-Bowl together as members of the Silver & Black.

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Shane Lechler, P

Possibly the greatest punter in league history. He’s already been chosen six times to the Pro Bowl, an eight time All-Pro and now holds the franchise record for longest punt, set earlier in the season. Lechler leads the NFL with a 50.7 average per punt. More importantly, he has placed 27 punts inside the 20-yard line. The clear choice to represent the AFC in another Pro Bowl, anyone else would just be insulting.

VERDICT: LOCK TO BE SELECTED

Sebastian Janikowski, PK

Oakland’s place-kicker has attempted a league high 9 kicks from 50-yards or beyond. He has connected on six of them and is 9-of-10 from 40-49-yards out. His long of 63-yards on opening night tied the league record. This has been Janikowski’s finest year, despite suffering through a hamstring injury during the middle of the season. I said it early in the campaign, this may be the best tandem in league history for one season. In 1991, Jeff Jaeger and Jeff Gossett made the Pro-Bowl together as members of the Silver & Black. It should happen again in 2011.

VERDICT: LOCK TO BE SELECTED

Richard Seymour, DT

He has 6.0 sacks and two season saving field goal blocks versus Kansas City last weekend. The veteran should get the nod based on his past credentials, but in my opinion…

VERDICT: WILL LIKELY BE SELECTED, BUT TOMMY KELLY DESERVES IT MORE BASED ON HIS BODY OF WORK IN 2011.

Tommy Kelly, DT

Only Geno Atkins of the Bengals has more sacks (8.0) than Kelly (7.5) at defensive tackle. Kelly has been a quiet but steady presence. The problem is, the Raiders run defense allows 135.0 yards per game and Seymour’s notoriety gets him votes that maybe he shouldn’t get.

VERDICT: Kelly will miss the Pro Bowl, but there’s no doubt he’s one of the conference’s best tackles.

Tyvon Branch, SS

He leads the team in total tackles, has a sack and an interception. Always fiery and very good in run support, Branch has improved his game greatly with his coverage skills.

VERDICT: Not likely to make his first Pro Bowl. Eric Weddle, Reggie Nelson, George Wilson, Jon McGraw, Mike Adams and others, due to numbers, may sway the voters. It doesn’t help that Oakland’s defense ranks poorly.

Stanford Routt, CB

Stanford Routt was paired up many times with Calvin Johnson.

Only two other cornerbacks in the AFC have more interceptions. According to Football Outsiders, only Darrelle Revis ranks better in cornerback success rate.

VERDICT: Again, hard to pick an Oakland defender based on their defense, but if one of them does get in, it will be Routt.

OTHER NOTABLES

Marcel Reece had a fine year in 2010, but this year he didn’t have the impact or the numbers to warrant a Pro Bowl bid over Vonta Leach, who has been very good for the Ravens. Jon Condo always has a shot to make it due to his long-snapping prowess and defending on kicks and punts, and Darren McFadden would have been a lock if not for his foot injury.

FINAL PREDICTION: Three Raiders should make the Pro Bowl: both kicking specialists and either Seymour or Routt. I would be very surprise if others made it.
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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:

Kevin Boss, TE

A few more plays in the weekly game plan: After back-to-back 500 yard-plus seasons with the New York Giants, the tight end, who inked a deal with $8 million in guarantees, has had his number of targets and touches go down dramatically in this wide-receiver friendly system that also have dangerous pass catchers out of the backfield.

Tyvon Branch, SS

Strong Pro Bowl consideration: Always known to be one of the more talented young strong safeties in the conference, Branch has put it all together in 2011.

Michael Bush, RB

A strong finish to the season: Darren McFadden’s injury showcased him to the league and now, he can go into the free-agent waters if he chooses to and land a nice deal. Rushers usually don’t get loads of money thrown at them, but he’s very young, does not have a lot of wear and tear and already knows how to share a backfield with another ball carrier. If Oakland does not place a tag on him, he’ll be a sought after player.

Bruce Campbell, OL

I’m sure he’ll love if Santa found a way to get him off the inactive list.

Jason Campbell, QB

A good home in 2012: Campbell was in and out of the line-up last year when Bruce Gradkowski was around. This year, the job was his and the team was rolling before his injury. Now, with Carson Palmer around and Terrelle Pryor looming, he may have to shop himself around in the off-seaosn. Campbell is a hard worker, very classy and a pros pro.

Aaron Curry, LB

More running backs and quarterbacks to hunt down: One of the better additions to this club, who looks to have found his niche in Silver & Black.

Jacoby Ford, WR/KR

Healthy set of legs: a quad injury, hamstring issues and a foot ailment have been some of things the second year talent had dealt with in 2011.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

A bullhorn: DHB is not a diva and has worked hard to shed the image of being a one-trick pony. He’s become a more complete wide-receiver, but you’ll never here him say, “I told you so.”

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR

Gift Cards: For him to give to Hue Jackson and Carson Palmer – as they are the main reasons he has a roster spot.

Sebastian Janikowski, PK

Another 10-more attempts from 63+ yards out: The only kicker in league history that is expected to nail those lengthy field goals. He deserves to stand alone atop the record book for longest field goal made.

Shane Lechler, P

A tire swing for his backyard: He should practice his accuracy and sell himself as a passer for his final few years. Lecler’s spiral is tight, but…

Rolando McClain, LB

A new P.R. person: I’m sure whoever had that job this season had nightmares after McClain displayed his pearly whites while being handled by officers.

Darren McFadden, RB

Healing Pills and Wolverine like armor: Oakland would surely love to have him for the final weekend and a possible playoff run. Questions about his fragility will always be asked, so some sort of mutant-like armor would be very useful for the rest of his career.

Carson Palmer, QB

An entire off-season worth of workouts with the team: He’ll get that this time around and then we’ll be able to access the trade a tad better in the coming years.

Richard Seymour, DT

Manny Pacquiao’s hand-speed: Next time he clobbers someone, maybe he’ll do it fast enough where no one will see it. Then, he can avoid being booted from a game.

Jared Veldheer, LT

Suntan lotion: He’ll be going to many Pro-Bowls in his career.

Trevor Scott, DE

A compass: So he can find his way back. Since his injury in 2010, we haven’t seen the same explosiveness or fire.

Hue Jackson, Coach

A penalty box: Maybe he can put his players in it if they keep on accumulating flag after flag like it’s going out of style.

John Fassel, Special Teams Coach

A pencil and a pad: No one draws up fakes or other plays on special teams like he has the last few years. One of the more underrated unit coaches in the league.

Sanjay Lal, Wide Receiver coach

Acknowledgment: DHB, Ford, and Moore… he’s worked with a lot of young targets and they are coming along nicely.

Tommy Kelly, DT

Podium: No other Raider provides better quotes.

The Raider Nation

A playoff berth: Boy, do you guys really deserve it.
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