Silver and Black Report

I posted earlier today that the Oakland Raiders “will have a quick benching if there is not improved play…at kick returner.”

Since the end of Sunday’s match-up versus the Titans, Oakland has mulling over what to do with Yamon Figurs. And with other options to take over return duties, that was the first move I expected the Raiders to make to shake-up their depth chart.

Today, Figurs was released to make room for offensive lineman Erik Pears, a player that is needed at this point a lot more due to the instability along the trenches.

Now that Figurs is gone, Johnnie Lee Higgins and rookie Jacoby Ford will take over the kickoff and punt return duties.

Of concern also for Sunday is Robert Gallery’s status. Tom Cable stated that they’d know more within the next 48-to-72 hours about his ailing hamstring. If he cannot start, Daniel Loper would be inserted at left guard.

St. Louis Rams rookie passer Sam Bradford is enthused about playing in front of ‘the Black Hole.’

“I talked to Steven Jackson a little bit about it,” Bradford commented. “He said it’s actually pretty fun. He said it’s a nasty crowd, they’re violent, they yell at you. But those are the type of crowds that make it enjoyable to play. I am looking forward to the challenge.”

It’s foreseeable that Michael Bush will be ready for Sunday’s match-up. Oakland may just elect to give him another week off to solidify his healing and allow Darren McFadden to build on that opening effort. The Rams allowed 5.3 yards per carry in their opening match-up against the Arizona Cardinals.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Could Nick Miller see action soon as KR?

One position that will have a quick benching if there is not improved play  for the Oakland Raiders will be at kick returner.

Yamon Figurs fumbled the opening kickoff on Sunday versus the Titans and was shaky this pre-season, misplaying a punt against Seattle.

“It’s something that we’ve got to work on, we have to harp with him. A light, fast guy could have ball security issues when he gets into traffic and gets hit hard by some of those core linebackers that might be covering kicks,” said special teams coach John Fassel prior to the start of the campaign about Figurs.

And after his debut against Tennessee, Figurs stated, “The guy who hit it, he put his helmet right on the ball.”

“It was a good hit.”

Oakland suffered an outage in 2009 with feeble kickoff and punt return units.

This season, they have plenty of options if we see continued faulty play in that area.

So Figurs will be under the gun, especially if he’s given the assignment again this week against the St. Louis Rams.

Johnny Lee Higgins – who excited Raider fans two seasons ago with explosive punt returns – could be an option to unseat Figurs. Nick Miller, who Oakland was high on in 2009 and secured him away on the inactive list practically the whole campaign, is another alternative waiting his turn.

And then there is the speedy rookie Jacoby Ford.

The offensive line was a mess against the Titans. But some cohesion is needed there, delaying any changes for some time on that unit.

It’s easier to plug in different return men, hoping to catch a spark.

So Figurs better sure up his play and increase his production, or fall behind in the depth chart to salivating options.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders were apologetic after their 38-13 dismantling at the hands of the Tennessee Titans.

Strong safety Tyvon Branch stated on twitter: “I personally apologize to the raider nation!”

His defensive mate Quentin Groves replied, “I’m here with ya bra!!! Me and the rest of the whole defense!!!”

For Raider fans, sympathetic postings on the internet are not enough, especially since the team has posted a 29-84 record since their Super Bowl appearance at the end of the 2002 campaign.

At this point, its about showing the millions that follow that this team is different. That drubbings on opening day are old stories – not Monday’s headlines.

That they can show up next week and give back to the fans a solid performance against a team that is prognosticated to be one of the worst in the league.

Rookie Lamarr Houston stated, “It’s just game 1…15 more weeks just got to #WorkHarder,” on his twitter page.

Well, the proof has to be in the pudding. Working harder and getting more wins is something that Raider teams in the past have failed to do. And for this fan-base, it is easy to say, “Well, here we go again…,” because they’ve seen this story unfold too many times – just with other players.

So is this team any different?

One week from today, we’ll see if there is a real change. If this team is really different, or  are we seeing another double digit losing season for a team that has had a defeated culture and black cloud over their head the last seven campaigns.

INJURY AFTERMATH

Six players did not finish the contest for the Silver & Black. Robert Gallery (hamstring), Yamon Figurs (stinger), Hiram Eugene (lower leg), Michael Huff (knee) and Richard Seymour (hamstring) will be further evaluated on Monday and details of their availability for the next contest will begin to surface on Wednesday.

OL MISERY

The offensive line was dreadful on Sunday, and Jason Campbell was one of the victims of the disarray.

Jared Veldheer’s debut – becoming the tallest center to start a NFL contest – had troubling results. He had an errant snap early over Campbell’s head and struggled inside when the Titans applied pressure.

“It was a new experience, obviously,” Veldheer said. “I definitely got better at some things. There’s some opportunities to keep working at things, keep getting better at things . . . there were challenges at times, which I knew there would be.”

Mario Henderson was horrific and at this point, there is no denying that this unit could be Hue Jackson’s Achilles heel.

RUN D – NOTHINGS CHANGE

Seymour stated, “Things just kind of snowballed on us. I don’t think the game started out that bad. Once they got momentum, we never seemed to get it back. It will be a good film to watch because we have a lot of things to work on.”

Oakland allowed 205 yards on the ground, but surprisingly contained Chris Johnson early in the game.

But the facts are; this ground defense is still a major question mark until they begin to consistently play four quarters of stout gap control and powerful football in the trenches.

The Titans ran 39-times, which never put Vince Young in tough predicaments. And it showed with his 13-of-17 for 154-yards and 2 touchdowns. Tennessee will get solid play out of their quarterback all season if they win and he only has to drop back to pass 17-times a game.

SPECIAL TEAMS…

Yamon Figurs almost coughed up the ball in the opening quarter. It’s only one game so Oakland is not about to revamp their thinking at all positions, but this will be one spot that could see tinkering quickly because of all the viable options they have.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

If you were the Oakland Raiders, would you disclose whether or not your starting rusher will play or not days prior to the contest? I wouldn’t. Well, that is what they’ll likely do with Michael Bush. Keeping the Tennessee Titans thinking they’ll get a dosage of Bush on Sunday could only help Oakland’s game plan for Sunday, especially if they go with the shiftier Michael Bennett and the multi-dimensional threat, Darren McFadden.

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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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders waived offensive lineman Erik Pears to make room for recently signed defensive lineman Jay Alford.

Yamon Figurs got the opening day nod for kickoff and punt returns. “Probably just the explosiveness. He touches it, and you got a chance for something big every time. That’s a dimension, as we talked about at the end of last season, all through the spring, OTAs, through camp, was developing a return game. We have a number of good returners here. I just think right now, he’s the guy we’ll go with.,” said Tom Cable on why Figurs gets the first shot to revitalize and all but dead special teams in 2009.

Figurs deserves the start. Johnnie Lee Higgins is way too inconsistent and the veteran played well enough on special teams and on offense in the summer, earning his way onto the roster.

In a surprise, Trevor Scott, who jolted the Silver & Black last season with some solid play at linebacker, will be back at defensive end – starting!

He will get the start over Matt Shaughnessy. Scott was expected to play on the weak side of the formation at linebacker all spring, but Oakland felt better putting Quentin Groves there and moving their former draft pick back onto the line to get the best players on the field.

“It’s just getting the best 11 players on the field. That’s really what it comes down to,’’ Cable said. “And not that Matt Shaughnessy’s not, because he’s a dynamite player. This just gives us more quality depth to have on the field at all times.”

Oakland has been mum on Travis Goethel’s injury. With the league mandated disclosure policy regarding injuries, the club listed him with a lower back ailment.

Walter McFadden (hamstring) and Michael Bush (fractured thumb) are the other Raiders wounded.

Chaz Schilens will be out for Sunday.

Desmond Bryant (elbow) was limited in practice.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

FB Marcel Reece in action versus the 49ers

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Chaz Schilens continues to show fragility and is expected to be out for three-to-six weeks after arthroscopic knee surgery. Head coach Tom Cable had a media session yesterday and stated it’s a “three to six week issue.”

Schilens would have been a starter, even though he has not been able to prove himself as a starter since entering the league and has spent more time on the sidelines injured than on the field. This guarantees more playing time for Louis Murphy, who is Oakland’s best wide receiver. Darrius Heyward-Bey would have seen time out there regardless being a first round pick last year and the owner wanting to see his speedy receiver in action. Oakland was very thin and had many questions along this unit to begin with, now, without a player they depended on, Hue Jackson will face some major hurdles in the passing game unless the youngsters develop quickly.

Running back Michael Bush will undergo a procedure on his fractured left thumb, but will not likely miss the opener. Bush will get the bulk of the load of the ground if healthy.

Jared Veldheer will dabble at center and tackle this week. He’s too raw and very inexperienced at both spots. More maturations will be needed, but expect the rookie to be in the line-up sometime this year, especially if Samson Satele or Langston Walker cannot entrench themselves at their respective positions. Tom Cable said of Satele, “ want to look at it. There were some things from last night’s game that I was not pleased with but there were also a lot of good things at the center position. I think the fact that Samson is ready to go is the most important thing right now.”

DE Jay Richardson and DL Alex Daniels will miss the final game of the pre-season.

Cable gave very little when talking about his special teams: “I felt like we were getting closer to that. I don’t know after last night that it’s any clearer than it was before but I’ve got an idea.” There is little indication on who will grab the return duties, but at this point, the veteran Yamon Figurs provides more consistency and a better option at wide receiver. Johnnie Lee Higgins has not been the same since getting rocked in the home opener in 2009.

Cable on Marcel Reece:  ”Well, I’ll say this: He just continues to get better. That’s the thing that he’s shown us is that, from one week to the next he’s going out and improving on whatever his negatives were from the week before. It’s starting to show up more and more that this guy, you can coach him, he’ll take it and he’ll go get it again. I certainly think that he’s really showing himself the right way.”

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Oakland Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski was antsy to get on the field and stake his claim to the back-up role behind Jason Campbell. Last night against the San Francisco 49ers, Gradkowski convinced new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson and solidified what the head coach already knew – that the depth chart at quarterback is a strength.

“Bruce Gradkowski was one of the bright spots in terms of going in there and having some efficiency and move the club around fairly well,’’ Tom Cable commented. “I think that’s what you want from your backup quarterback and he showed himself very well that way.’’

“I haven’t been out there so it was good to get the feel of the first team,’’ Gradkowski said. “It was good to play almost three quarters. It was really good to get back out there and get a feel.’’

Gradkowski ended 14-of-22 for 202 yards and two scores. We also saw the continued chemistry between Louis Murphy and the passer when they both hooked up for a 74-yard scoring strike in the second quarter.

As for Jason Campbell, the expected starter got Oakland out of the gate quickly with four completions on their 81-yard scoring drive. After the sack by 49ers defender Travis LaBoy, an organization and fan-base held their collective breath seeing Campbell on the turf and seated on the passenger seat of a cart.

“It felt a lot worse at the time that it happened, but … they don’t think it’s going to be really, really serious,” Campbell said. “But at the same time it’s something we’ve got to take care of before the season starts.”

Campbell suffered a stinger, but Cable stated he expects to have his starter under center week-one versus the Titans.

Running back Michael Bush sustained a fractured left thumb and audio of his post-game chat can be found here on SBReport.net.

Jared Veldheer started for the injured Samson Satele. “I think you have to look at the film for that. I can remember one, there was a run through by a linebacker, (Patrick) Willis, one time that was on him but overall I think he directed the protections well,’’ Cable said of his center. “He really didn’t show up as the game went on so that’s a good sign. But we’ll have to look at the film.”

Neither Johnnie Lee Higgins nor Yamon Figurs distinguished themselves on special teams. But Figurs tallied two more catches for 18-yards while the inconsistent Higgins was shut-out on offense.

For the first time this pre-season, the Raiders did not record a sack. Rookie Rolando McClain led the team with 8 total tackles.

Both specialists are in pro-bowl mode; Sebastian Janikowski booted a 57-yard field goal and Shane Lechler bombed a 61yard punt, averaging 53.0 yards on his 4 attempts.

Darren McFadden played and was ineffective on the ground with 9-yards on 7-carries. He managed two receptions for 16-yards.

Defensive tackle Desmond Bryant had an elbow injury.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Tonight the Oakland Raiders will participate in pre-season game number two against the Chicago Bears. Before that, SBREPORT.net gives you more exclusive looks into the Silver & Black’s training camp through the lenses of our photographers.

Bruce Gradkowski has been sidelined the whole summer and won’t see any action tonight against the Bears. Head coach Tom Cable relies on the journeyman passer after a 2009 in which he endeared himself to fans with feisty performances. But Hue Jackson has seen very little of Gradkowski within his offense and you have to wonder that if the remaining passers in camp can show any signs of life, that could give Oakland an easy decision to part ways with him and save $1.4 million. “Mentally, he’s probably up to speed,” Cable said early August. “He has good command. He’s able to get us where we want to go at the line of scrimmage. But I think he’d probably be the first to tell you he’s a little bit rusty in terms of timing and accuracy right now.”

Colt Brennan is one of those passers brought in to complete along the depth chart. “He’s a gunslinger,” his teammate in Hawaii, Samson Satele said. “He’s got to learn how to go underneath the center. He’s still learning.”

Charlie Frye won’t be doing too much huddling after wrist surgery sidelined him for the entire 2010 season.

Johnnie Lee Higgins was all smiles earlier in camp, but with Yamon Figurs’ solid outing against the Dallas Cowboys last week, Oakland could have a new look on special teams and in the back end of the wide receiver unit. Figurs hauled in 3 catches for 34-yards last week. Higgins posted 3 receptions himself for 38-yards. But Higgins’ inconsistencies could be his downfall if Oakland decides to go with the more seasoned veteran.

It’s been all smiles in Raiders camp when talking about rookie Rolando McClain. “He’s very well-schooled,” Cable said. “When he came here, he’s got an understanding of the game that is unique. But the most impressive thing has been — since we drafted him, through minicamp and OTA — his retention, his ability from day one to get us lined up and adjusted. He has a great feel for that. He just naturally has control.”

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders (1-0) defeated the Dallas Cowboys (1-1) 17-9 in their first pre-season action. Here are some highlights of the contest:

It was a good showing for rookie defensive end Lamarr Houston. He started and played the entire first half and tallied two-sacks. He acknowledged during the game’s telecast that the solid coverage down the field helped him get to Tony Romo. His horrible haircut, at the hands of John Henderson, was also on display when he spoke to sideline reporter, George Atkinson.

Jon Condo got down the field on punts smoothly and made two solid tackles. Hiram Eugene assisted on Oakland’s first punt coverage attempt in the first quarter.

Nnamdi Asomugha stared down Romo and nearly picked off his pass attempt to Roy Williams on 2^nd and 5 on Dallas’ first drive. Stanford Routt played well in run support and was in coverage on a 3^rd and 7 that forced Dallas to punt.

Chris Johnson was beat for 24-yards by Miles Austin on 3^rd and 12 in the first quarter. The Cowboys breakout wide receiver last season made an athletic play to haul in the Romo pass. Austin again beat Johnson on a slant for 9 yards on a 3^rd and 6.

Michael Huff stuffed a screen to Marion Barber on 2^nd and 19 early in the contest. Later, he tallied a tackle bouncing Austin out of bounds on an end around that Mike Mitchell dissected perfectly.

Trevor Scott’s sack and forced fumble on 3^rd and 18 forced a long field goal attempt in the first quarter.

Langston Walker had a crucial flag that turned a 3^rd and 4 into a 3^rd and 9. The OL started with Walker at RT, Cooper Carlisle at RG, Samson Satele at C, Robert Gallery at LG and Marion Henderson at LT. The second unit struggled with Kyle Boller under center. Khalif Barnes was infracted for a false start to start Boller’s night and on the ensuing play, second year tight end Brandon Myers was flagged as well for the same penalty. Chris Morris was even called for holding, but Dallas declined it.

Jason Campbell chucked up a few long tosses to Louis Murphy. His best pass was a 3^rd and 3 completion for 7-yards to tight end Zach Miller. The former Redskin was getting hit as he released the football, still getting good velocity on the accurate pass towards the sideline. On that drive at the end of the first quarter, Campbell was sacked when Samson Satele was bulldozed on 2^nd and 10.  On a 2^nd and 5, Campbell got appeared in rhythm when he hit Todd Watkins on a quick slant for 10-yards – changing the pace of the stagnant Raiders’ offense as he noticed the CB was playing off his target.

Matt Shaughnessy continues his solid development with a two sack performance. On back-to-back plays in the 2^nd quarter, he almost recorded a safety with his powerful penetration into the Dallas backfield.

Tom Cable went for it on 4^th and 1 in the 2^nd quarter. The play: Campbell taking the snap from a shotgun formation, but flailing his toss incomplete. On 4^th and 1 in the 4^th quarter, Boller sneaked for a first down behind Veldheer.

Dallas also took a shot on a 4^th and 1, but Ricky Brown stuffed the screen play on a solid Raider defensive stand.

Rookie Jared Veldheer sprung Rock Cartwright for 16-yards with a solid block. He played at center in the 4^th quarter.

Michael Bennett showed his swiftness through the line of scrimmage and play making ability as a receiver out of the backfield. Rock Cartwright did a little bit of everything throughout the night. With Darren McFadden not playing, Oakland displayed their depth at running back. Bennett’s 68-yards on 12 carries and 33-yard reception were crucial in the win.

Shane Lechler was in All-Pro form with a 62-yard punt.

Shaun Bodiford muffed a punt that Dallas recovered at Oakland’s 11-yard line.

Kyle Boller’s lofted an out pass to Yamon Figurs for 18-yards in the 4^th quarter. The toss just got over the defenders fingertips and Figurs did a fine job staying in bounds. The WR/specialist followed that up with a 7-yard catch on 2^nd and 5.

Nick Miller appeared to grab a touchdown on a fade pattern near the back pylon late in the contest. The back judge called it a score initially, but the referee announced that the play was incomplete. Oakland challenged and won.

Oakland was fortunate when Leon Williams dropped a deflected pass up in the air that could’ve ended their late scoring drive. Raiders rookie Stevie Brown could’ve had a game closing interception with under 90 seconds left.

Jerome Boyd ended all hope for the Cowboys with a 50-yard interception return for a score. The deflection was bounced right into the safety’s arms.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Here are more looks into the Oakland Raiders OTA sessions captured by photojournalist DeMarcus Davis. The Raiders will be headed into the summer with more optimism after an off-season of purging and solid acquisitions. Here’s a glimpse of what we saw just last month:

Yamon Figurs (#13) – Has been working at wide receiver, but Oakland would like to see him take a special teams return job after a lackluster effort in that area in 2009 from a revolving door of candidates.

Paul Hubbard (#16) – A long shot to make the club, but definitely a talent that could wind up on the practice squad eventually.

Allen Smith (#61) – The 6’4, 300 pound rookie out of Stanford could be a surprise along the trenches where Oakland is looking for anyone to step up.

Stanford Routt’s (#26) playing time could be cut into, especially if some of the rookies or younger players on the roster can be playmakers in the secondary.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist