Silver and Black Report

In an off-season of insecurity throughout the NFL, the Oakland Raiders are trying to bring as much stability to their roster as possible.

Yesterday, running back Michael Bush and tight end Zach Miller received first and third round level tenders. The transactions do not give the Silver & Black exclusive negotiating rights, and whenever the labor dispute is over and there is a CBA, either player can still agree to terms with another club.

But now, with the tenders, Oakland can match any offer to retain either player, or receive a first and third round selection as compensation if Bush or Miller sign elsewhere.

Bush, 26, was arrested in February on suspicion of drunken driving. He is at a prime age, has little wear on his body and could be an attractive option for any team in search of a ball carrier. He ran for a career high 655-yards on 155 carries in 2010, with eight scores.

Teams generally don’t break the bank for rushers, but in the open market, Bush may have received a front-loaded contract that may have been difficult for the Raiders to match. With the tender and price it will cost to sign him, it is unlikely Hue Jackson will lose his 1-2-punch in the backfield.

Miller would have had many suitors in free agency. At 25, he’s shown to be a reliable edge blocker and a productive target, even on a team lacking many passing options and opponents knowing he is their primary receiver on passing plays.

The tight end has expressed a desire to come back and Oakland understands that losing Miller will cripple their aerial attack.

He stated: “It’d be great to be back in Oakland. I really feel like we’re headed in the right direction with Hue Jackson and the way things are going. We had preliminary discussions (on a contract) before deadline and I’m sure they’ll pick up again once there’s a CBA in place and we get back to business.”

The Raiders were shrewd attaching the highest possible tender on both players.

Oakland’s offense was very productive last season, with Bush and Miller being key cogs in the attack. They needed both back and they took the right steps in ensuring that.

All of the sudden, Jackson can sigh in relief knowing that it is unlikely either player will be on another club whenever we see a season in 2011.

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The following players could be restricted free agents due to their four years of service:

• Michael Bush, RB
• Bruce Gradkowski, QB
• Mario Henderson, T
• Johnnie Lee Higgins, WR
• Zach Miller, TE
• Jarvis Moss, DE
• Samson Satele, C

Players with five-years of service:

• Ricky Brown, LB
• Hiram Eugene, S
• Thomas Howard, LB
• Michael Huff, S

Six-year veterans:

• Khalif Barnes, T
• Daniel Loper, OL

Unrestricted free agents:

• Nnamdi Asomugha, CB
• Michael Bennett, RB
• Kyle Boller, QB
• Charlie Frye, QB
• Robert Gallery, G
• J.T. O’Sullivan, QB
• Langston Walker, OL
• Sam Williams, LB

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders tendered one-year contracts to running back Michael Bush and tight end Zach Miller.

Both players had key roles in Hue Jackson’s offense in 2010, as Bush tallied career highs in carries (158) rushing yards (655) and touchdowns (8) as Darren McFadden’s back-up. Miller made his first Pro Bowl appearance after posting a career high five touchdowns.

Bush and Miller received restricted first and third-round tenders, which were worth $3.168 million last year. In March of 2010, Stanford Routt was given the same tender.

Due to the labor dispute, there is no specific salary number attached to the tenders.

“It does feel good,” Miller said in a phone interview. “It’d be great to be back in Oakland. I really feel like we’re headed in the right direction with Hue Jackson and the way things are going. We had preliminary discussions [towards a contract] before deadline and I’m sure they’ll pick up again once there’s a CBA in place and we get back to business.”

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Just recently, negotiations between tight end Zach Miller and the Oakland Raiders were on going to hammer out a deal that would keep him in Silver & Black.

Oakland’s most reliable target and first time Pro Bowl selection has shown interest in sticking around. He is the silver and black’s player representative for the NFLPA and a vital figure to an offense that gets little production from their wide receivers.

Prior to the 2010 season, Antonio Gates inked a lucrative 5-year $36 million contract with $20 million guaranteed. Vernon Davis last September signed a six-year $42.7 million deal with $23 million in guarantees. It will be interesting to see where Miller places himself within that group and how much Oakland compensates a tight end that improved his numbers the first three campaigns of his career with a shaky quarterback situation, listless offense and very few other productive targets around him.

Owen Daniels’ recent deal with the Houston Texans may be the benchmark contract. The five-year product out of Wisconsin was locked up with a four-year deal worth $22 million, with $14 million in guarantees the first two years.

Both have comparable statistics, but Miller may have the edge due to his superior blocking and durability, as Daniels has missed 19 games the last two campaigns.

Jerry McDonald compared both tight ends statistically, highlighting Miller’s production with one less year of service:

“Daniels has 245 catches for 2,972 yards, a 12.1 average and 17 touchdowns. Miller has 226 receptions, 2,712 yards, a 12.0 average and 12 touchdowns in one less season.”

Miller re-signing with Oakland may be the prime transaction for Hue Jackson’s offense.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Here’s a wrap-up of recent events in Raiderland. Since Al Davis’ epic press conference, the Oakland Raiders have re-signed some of their talent and beginning to take shape on the sidelines. Newly minted head coach Hue Jackson has also talked to the media. SBReport.net will catch you up on everything that needs to be known:

TRANSACTIONS

Richard Seymour: Signed a two-year deal worth up to $30 million, including $22.5 in guarantees. At 31, the defensive lineman becomes one of the highest paid defenders in the league. His presence on and off the field, the leadership he provides for the younger linemen Oakland is grooming and winning mentality was worth the hefty contract. The Raiders don’t have a 1^st round draft choice this April as part of the deal to get Seymour’s services from the Patriots. Keeping him around was imperative.

“I’m thrilled to be with the Silver and Black, a team that has a bright future,” said Seymour.  “As I mentioned many times before, I see myself retiring a Raider.”

Kamerion Wimbley: Signing Seymour allowed Oakland to slap their franchise tag on their OLB. “Kamerion is a great young talent and he and the Raiders are excited about him continuing his career as a member of the Silver and Black,” stated Hue Jackson.

Wimbley will make just over $10 million next season under the tag. He’s part of Oakland’s pas rushing success, leading the club with nine-sacks in 2010.

John Henderson: Oakland inked the mammoth tackle to a two-year $8 million contract. He’s a fiery presence, adds substantial bulk to the line of scrimmage, but how many reps will he get during the course of a season?

With Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston locks to start at end, Tommy Kelly & Richard Seymour anchoring the middle, and the Raiders desire to get more out of youngster Desmond Bryant, Henderson’s role may be limited. Depth is needed along the trenches, and a healthy rotation is crucial for success. But if Henderson breaks down and ages quickly, it will be hard to see he sticking around. Henderson is a run stuffing specialist, something Oakland has not been able to do for ages and he could be a key cog to fixing that leaky aspect of the line.

Rock Cartwright: Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but keeping their special teams ace was important. He sprung Jacoby Ford on kickoffs, was involved in punt blocks and was another vocal veteran presence. He’s their new age Randy Jordan with his enthusiasm and willingness to do all the dirty work on special teams.

Stanford Routt: Signed a three-year extension guaranteeing him $20 million the first two years. That kind of money can only spell more playing time and that Oakland is ready to move on without Nnamdi Asomugha. Routt is inconsistent and you can argue that for a few more million, Asomugha could’ve been brought back over Routt. Asomugha wants to test the free agent waters and Davis talked about not overpaying for his All Pro cornerback. Unless Asomugha really wanted to stay and agreed taking a discount, it would’ve been difficult to see their former first round choice donning the Silver & Black.

WHO’S NEXT?

Negotiations with tight end Zach Miller have been on-going. Oakland needs their most reliable target back, and the first time Pro Bowl talent has shown great interest in sticking around.

Prior to the 2010 season, Antonio Gates inked a lucrative 5-year $36 million contract with $20 million guaranteed. Vernon Davis last September signed a six-year $42.7 million deal with $23 million in guarantees. It will be interesting to see where Miller places himself within that group and how much Oakland compensates a tight end that improved his numbers the first three campaigns of his career with a shaky quarterback situation, listless offense and very few other productive targets around him and that made his first Pro Bowl in 2010.

Miller is also a solid run blocker and crucial in Oakland’s ground attack.

DRAFT FODDER

Stefen Wisniewski is one of the top center/guard prospects in the 2011 Draft. His uncle Steve is now employed by the Raiders. And with Oakland possibly in need of an upgrade at both spots, could we see another Wisniewski don a Raider jersey?

“I don’t know anything at this point about where I will get drafted or who will draft me,” he said. “But you never know. It would be pretty cool to play for my uncle Steve. I think it would be awesome to work with him every day.

“He was a great player for the Raiders, a great leader. I used to go watch him play some when I was a kid, and I’d hang out in the locker room afterward.”

Oakland does not have a first round pick and will not select until no. 48^th overall (2^nd round).

HUE SPEAKS

Jackson spoke at the Combine in Indianapolis about various topics.

On Jacoby Ford:

“The guy is fast, and he scores touchdowns. So there’s no question any time I can get the ball in his hands, I want to do that. I mean, he’s a tremendous talent.”

Who is the defensive coordinator?

“You’re looking at him [jokingly]. No, it’s still a process that we’re going through. There’s so many different phases that you go through as you put this team together and as you start to put your staff together. I think the most important thing, I don’t want to rush to any decision. I don’t have to right now. Obviously we have a very good staff right now. There are still some guys I talk to from time to time. But I also feel comfortable with where we are. When I decide that that the process needs to be over, it’ll be over, but right now that’s not the number one thing that’s on my mind.”

On Jason Campbell:

“I am looking forward to Jason leading our offensive football team to winning this AFC West championship and the playoffs. Jason Campbell came in last year and, in my opinion, did a tremendous job.”

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders have a lot of decisions to make, mainly on their own players.

Oakland’s roster is full of question marks and depending on what happens with the collective bargaining agreement. With March 4^th just around the corner, we’ll look at the players that could stay, or depart.

PLAYERS LIKELY TO STAY

Richard Seymour, DL

All signs point to the Silver & Black using their franchise tag on their veteran leader on defense. He was dominating for stretches in 2010 and was the vocal presence needed on the field and in the locker room for many of their developing players. His age is a concern, and Oakland would love to strike a multi-year deal with him to free up the tag for their tight end, but keeping Seymour is imperative especially with a gang of youths along the trenches and a new coordinator coming in. The tag could cost Oakland roughly $15 million for 2011.

Stanford Routt, CB

Oakland tendered first and third round choices last year, ensuring he’ll stick around. He’s a favorite of the owner and will likely stay and battle for a starting spot.

Hiram Eugene, S/ST

Evolved into special team stand-out last year, which will keep him around. It is unlikely anyone sees him as a contributor on defense, and Oakland knows exactly what his value is.

Zach Miller, TE

He has a value in the open market and many teams need a player of his abilities. Equally adept at pass blocking and at pass catching, Miller may be wooed or enticed by the chance of earning a tad more elsewhere. But he is the Raiders player rep and genuinely likes the vibe with the team.

Langston Walker, OL

Likely to stick around because of his stability. A very smart player, Walker has a home in Silver & Black as long as Al Davis is calling the shots.

Jon Condo, ST/OL

Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler will lobby for his return – that’s enough for the front office.

Sam Williams, LB/ST

Not going anywhere. A role player that understand his value to the team.

Rock Cartwright, RB/ST

Players respected the veteran. He was key on special teams and a guy that was fiery during practices and on Sunday’s.

PLAYERS ON THE FRINGE

Nnamdi Asomugha, CB

There’s no way he earns the same paycheck he has the past few years. No one will just fork that over, but he will get teams inquiring about his services with what may appear like greener pastures. If Asomugha plays nice and gives Oakland a hometown discount, the Raiders will retain him. If the All-Pro cornerback wants to win and join what may appear a perennial winner, then he will depart.

Michael Bush, RB

It’s unknown how the arrest for drunk driving will effect his courtship. One thing is for sure, he is young, has little wear and tear on his body and can be valuable to a team that is looking for a primary ball carrier. Teams shy away from throwing money at running backs, but with his versatility and youth, someone could overpay pay him the first few years of a deal and force Oakland to let him walk. Hue Jackson would love to keep the duo together, it’s up to Bush whether or not he wants to be in spotlight elsewhere.

Kamerion Wimbley, LB

One of the fine moves Oakland made prior to 2010. But with that success, a team high nine sacks, now comes the attention of other suitors.

Michael Huff, FS

Has improved his play in recent years, but far from the playmaker that was highly touted coming out of Texas.

Ricky Brown, LB

A solid backup and coverage unit contributor. In March, Oakland gave him a second round tender. He won’t earn the nearly $1.6 million he did in 2010, but he has a spot on the roster.

Samson Satele, C

Played well enough to deserve another shot at locking down a spot at center, but with Tom Cable gone, does the rest of the staff feel the same way about him?

Mario Henderson, T

Replaced by a rookie, now may get a shot to play if the owner brings him back.

LIKELY GONERS

Thomas Howard, LB

Couldn’t break the rotation and was relegated to spot duty after starting since being drafted in 2006. Time to find a new home, since he won’t crack the line-up and he likely feels that he’s more than just a reserve.

Michael Bennett, RB

If Bush is back, Bennett will depart.

Bruce Gradkowski, QB

I can’t see Oakland keeping him around. Jason Campbell was at ease once the fiery Gradkowski was on injured reserve.

Johnnie Lee Higgins, WR

Had one campaign as a dangerous punt returner. Oakland can easily replace him and his inconsistent play.

Robert Gallery, G

With a change in philosophy along the trenches and Tom Cable’s departure, that could mark the end of Gallery’s career in Silver & Black that never materialized in the greatness that was anticipated.

Daniel Loper, OL

Plugged holes when needed, but at this point, he may find that job interesting on another club, especially if he doesn’t think he’ll have a fair shake in Oakland.

PICK AND CHOOSE

Kyle Boller or Charlie Frye, QBs

Both are undoubtedly backups. At least Frye has the respect of the organization and is looked at as a player/coach.

NOT GOING ANYWHERE DUE TO SERVICE YEARS

Desmond Bryant, DL

Came on strong in the second half of the season. A key reason why John Henderson may not be back.

Nick Miller, WR/ST

Doesn’t seem to have the pro pedigree, yet sticks around. May not make any other roster.

Marcel Reece, FB

One of the unsung heroes in 2010.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Hue Jackson was given permission to talk to Al Saunders for the vacant offensive coordinator position with the Silver & Black. “We’ll just have to see what happens,” Baltimore Ravens’ head coach John Harbaugh said. “Obviously you never want to lose really good coaches. Al Saunders is a great coach and a great man. He’s tremendous and he’s been huge for us.”

Per a release today disseminated by the Oakland Raiders, tight end Zach Miller will be added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster.

Here’s an excerpt from the note:

Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller has been added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster. It marks the first Pro Bowl selection for Miller, who joins Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, punter Shane Lechler and defensive tackle Richard Seymour on the AFC roster for the January 30, 2011 game in Honolulu.

“I’m excited and I can’t wait to get to Hawaii. It feels great, finally people are starting to notice,” Miller said. “I’m enjoying that and I’m excited about this opportunity. I just want to keep improving my game so I can go to the Pro Bowl every year.”

In addition to the four Raiders on the AFC Pro Bowl roster, kicker Sebastian Janikowski, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly and running back Darren McFadden are alternates for the game.

Miller was added in place of Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, who will miss the game due to injury.

The Raiders now have had 176 Pro Bowl selections among 60 different players since the AFL- NFL merger in 1970.

The NFL also had a press release regarding players eligible for the 2011 NFL Draft.

Here’s how it read:

The National Football League announced today the names of 56 players who have been granted special eligibility for the 2011 NFL Draft on April 28-30 at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

The NFL Draft will start in primetime for the second consecutive year.  The first round will be held on Thursday, April 28.  The second and third rounds are set for Friday, April 29.  Rounds 4-7 will be held on Saturday, April 30. The entire NFL Draft will be televised by NFL Network and ESPN.

Each of the 56 players has met the league’s three-year eligibility rule and each has submitted a written application in which he renounced his remaining college football eligibility.  The deadline for receiving applications was January 15.

Here is the listing of players:

Player	Pos.	College
Adams, Darvin	WR	Auburn
Austin, Marvin	DT	North Carolina
Ayers, Akeem	LB	UCLA
Baldwin, Jon	WR	Pittsburgh
Bowers, Da’Quan	DE	Clemson
Brown, DeAndre	WR	Southern Mississippi
Burton, Brandon	DB	Utah
Casey, Jurrell	DT	Southern California
Clay, John	RB	Wisconsin
Claytor, Nick	T	Georgia Tech
Cobb, Randall	WR	Kentucky
Dareus, Marcell	DE	Alabama
Doss, Tandon	WR	Indiana
Evans, Darren	RB	Virginia Tech
Fairley, Nick	DT	Auburn
Gabbert, Blaine	QB	Missouri
Green, A.J.	WR	Georgia
Gurley, Tori	WR	South Carolina
Guy, Lawrence	DT	Arizona State
Hamler, Jamel	WR	Fresno State
Harper, Jamie	RB	Clemson
Harris, Brandon	DB	Miami
Hill, Will	DB	Florida
Houston, Justin	LB	Georgia
Hynoski, Henry	RB	Pittsburgh
Ingram, Mark	RB	Alabama
Jones, Julio	WR	Álabama
Keiser, Thomas	LB	Stanford
Leshoure, Mikel	RB	Illinois
Lewis, Dion	RB	Pittsburgh
Lewis, Javes	DB	Oregon
Little, Greg	WR	North Carolina
Liuget, Corey	DT	Illinois
Mallett, Ryan	QB	Arkansas
Moore, Rahim	DB	UCLA
Newton, Cam	QB	Auburn
Parr, Zane	DE	Virginia
Peterson, Patrick	DB	Louisiana State
Quinn, Robert	DE	North Carolina
Ridley, Stevan	RB	Louisiana State
Rodgers, Jacquizz	RB	Oregon State
Rudolph, Kyle	TE	Notre Dame
Sands, Robert	DB	West Virginia
Sash, Tyler	DB	Iowa
Siliga, Sealver	DT	Utah
Smith, Aldon	DE	Missouri
Smith, Torrey	WR	Maryland
Smith, Tyron	T	Southern California
Tarrant, Jerrard	DB	Georgia Tech
Todman, Jordan	RB	Connecticut
Vereen, Shane	RB	California
Watt, J.J.	DE	Wisconsin
Wilkerson, Muhammad	DT	Temple
Williams, Aaron	DB	Texas
Williams, Ryan	RB	Virginia Tech
Wilson, Martez Follow me on Twitter, click here. Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist	LB	Illinois

The Oakland Raiders will have three representatives on the AFC Pro Bowl roster. Defensive lineman Richard Seymour, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and punter Shane Lechler will head to Hawaii.

This will be the sixth time Seymour has been selected for the NFL’s all-star game. Asomugha has been chosen four times and Lechler has represented the Silver & Black six times.

Place kicker Sebastian Janikowski, running back Darren McFadden, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly and tight end Zach Miller were named alternates.

To view the rest of the Pro-Bowl rosters, click here.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders are on the verge of a .500 season. Yup, no more double digit losing campaigns; that ended under Tom Cable’s watch.

The Raiders are a respectable bunch and could finish 2010 with an undefeated season against AFC West opponents with a win versus the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead this Sunday.

Cable’s contract is up once the year is out, and speculation will begin right after about his future. But Oakland should act immediately and give their head coach a vote of confidence by locking him up and awarding him a new three-year contract.

“I know I like playing for that guy [Cable]. Everybody knows how this locker room feels about him,” said Robert Gallery, who found a niche at guard once Cable came on as offensive line coach in 2007.

It took some time for Cable to get his ship righted after being named interim coach when Lane Kiffin was jettisoned. He had to deal with an epic bust at quarterback, the constant looming dissatisfaction of his owner and the anchoring losing culture that has stalled this club for seven years.

Cable shook all that off and got this group of Raiders to believe. They threatened for a playoff spot and squandered many opportunities to seize their own destiny. Efforts versus San Francisco and Miami, and two blown 10-point leads against Jacksonville are condemning. Questions whether or not he can take this team to the next level are very valid.

But his tireless effort to bring this irrelevant franchise back to NFL respectability deserves its accolades.

“It would be a huge setback,” punter Shane Lechler stated, if Cable were to move on. “We’ve invested so much of our time and there’s been so much commitment starting from the day he took over. Not only this year. He had a plan. The plan is working. It would be a terrible disappointment if there was a change because he’s the guy for this job. This job is for a blue-collar, hard-nosed coach. That’s what we need.”

The work put in by Cable dates back to when he first arrived; when his first undertaking was revamping a unit that allowed a league high 72-sacks in 2006 and that managed a measly 94.9 rushing yards per game (29^th in the NFL).

“He tells it like it is,” Miller said. “He doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He’s honest with us. He tells us exactly how things are, what he needs from us, how he wants us to work, how he wants us to keep grinding as a football team and keep getting better.”

Cable succeeded in 2007, as the Raiders cut their sack totals to 41 and their rushing attack averaged 130.4 yards per game (6^th in the NFL).

This year, Cable propelled rookie Jared Veldheer from a little known Division II school named Hillsdale to left tackle. That looks like a move that will pay dividends in the future.

At the end of the 2008 season, Cable was prophetic in stating, “I want to be the head coach of the Raiders, but it’s not in my hands. But I certainly know I put this team together and got it going in the right direction, and today proved that,” after the Raiders beat Tampa Bay 31-24, ending that year on a two-game winning streak.

It took vital happenings for Cable to reach this point.

Darren McFadden became a star, the quarterback position was upgraded with JaMarcus Russell’s departure and many solid personnel moves has infused talent, youth and leadership to the club.

What could be more important was the addition of Hue Jackson. The offensive coordinator help free up Cable, who was the play caller last season, and gave the Silver & Black a more dynamic and fresh look in 2010.

Jackson could be viewed as a candidate for some openings this off-season, and that could throw a wrench into the Raiders coaching equation. Many believe that Jackson is the coach in-waiting for the Silver & Black. So with Cable a free agent, some have speculated that Jackson could be elevated to head coach, especially if other teams show intense interest in his services.

Al Davis has rarely wrapped a lasso on assistants that have been presented with opportunities elsewhere. So if a team like Cincinnati has an opening, a possible spot where Jackson could land if Marvin Lewis is canned, Davis would have no reservations letting him go.

Jackson had one-year stints as a offensive coordinator in Washington and Atlanta before landing in Oakland this past campaign. There is no guarantee that he can do the same job with this group that Cable has done. And that unknown is too risky for a team like Oakland who already has begun going forward with Cable.

But could Davis cite negative variables against Cable and decide not to bring him back, in order to keep Jackson?

Other than Veldheer, and finding a spot for Gallery, Cable’s inability to stabilize the offensive line could be used against him. Failures with Kwame Harris, Mario Henderson and at times, a revolving door at center could hurt his case. Many times, how the team came out flat after victories in prior seasons and their inconsistent personality this year damaged their chances to make the playoffs, a goal that Davis had for this club when he compared them to a past great club of his.

“I really liken this team a great deal to the team of 1980, in which the great Jim Plunkett pulled us out of the doldrums, took us to the Super Bowl as a wild card, and we had so many great players who eventually made their way into the Hall of Fame,” Davis said in an interview with Sirius NFL Radio.

Then there is the Randy Hanson saga and ESPN’s reports uncovering some alleged history of violence towards women.

In all, Cable has done what has been asked of him. The players have responded, the club is no longer a joke and the team has begun campaigning for his return.

Through all the ups and downs, Cable has never rebelled, strayed away from the goal at hand and has remained loyal to Davis.

That’s a lot of things to handle, and he’s managed them well.

It’s only right Oakland brings him back for another few seasons to see if he can accomplish what has looked like mission impossible.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Darren McFadden, RB

The Case: McFadden has arrived, becoming one of the premier weapons in the league. His performances and value to the Silver & Black is MVP-like. No other rushers in the AFC have more 20+ yard runs or have carried the football with the combination of speed and power that he has. His 5.2-yards per carry is only topped by Jamaal Charles (Chiefs) and Danny Woodhead (Patriots). McFadden has tallied 1,664-yards from scrimmage and 10-scores.

The Verdict: As important as he is to the Raiders and as great as he’s been, McFadden is not a Pro Bowler this season. In the AFC, Arian Foster (1,436 yards 14 TD), Maurice Jones-Drew (1,324 yards), Chris Johnson (1,325 yards 11 TD) and Charles (1,380 yards) have more rushing yards and deserve the selection as well. It’s a numbers game, and he may be the one left out and not going to Hawaii.

Nnamdi Asomugha, CB

The Case: Opponents have competed only 10 receptions on Asomugha for 156 yards and no touchdowns (27 attempts). Even injured, the cornerback has drawn the respect of quarterbacks.

The Verdict: A lock to represent the Silver & Black in the NFL’s all-star game. Although he may take that time to heal instead.

Richard Seymour, DT

The Case: Has 5.5-sacks, six tackles for losses and more importantly, is the unquestioned vocal leader of the defense. Without Seymour, the front-seven looks entirely different and would effect Tommy Kelly’s production.

The Verdict: He can be powerful and dominant at times, but Seymour should miss this Pro Bowl because of the play of his teammate. Selecting two defensive tackles from a team that allows 134.9 rushing yards per game would be foolish. Kelly does take advantage of the play of his line mate and Seymour is the bigger name in the landscape of the NFL, but my nod would go to the Kelly.

Zach Miller, TE

The Case: Arguably, the best blocking and receiving tight end in the AFC. Miller mimics a tackle when blocking along the edge and has been productive throughout his career in a anemic offensive attack. This year, Oakland’s offense took a major step forward and Miller hauled in 55-receptions for 654-yards and five scores.

The Verdict: Antonio Gates, Benjamin Watson, Dustin Keller and Marcedes Lewis all have better statistics. Not playing versus the Chiefs in week-nine and lingering injuries has limited his potential the ladder part of the campaign. Sadly, one of Oakland’s more reliable offensive players will not be in Hawaii.

Tommy Kelly, DT

The Case: Leads the team and all AFC tackles with 7.0 sacks. Kelly has elevated his play this season.

The Verdict: Read above justification. Only one can go, Seymour may be the bigger name and a big help for Kelly, but the 29-year old should be recognized for his performance in 2010.

Jacoby Ford, KR

The Case: Only Brad Smith (Jets) and Marc Mariani (Titans) have more kickoff return yards. But he has one more score than Smith and two more than Mariani. Ford has altered or kept the Raiders in games with his kickoffs, as a rookie.

The Verdict: Smith will be his biggest obstacle. Ford is deserving of the selection, especially if you take into consideration how much more he provides on offense than Smith.

Shane Lechler, P

The Case: Lechler again has the highest average in the conference (47.0) and net average (40.6) per punt. Even with his powerful leg, he’s been able to drop 26 punts inside the 20-yard line (7^th best in the AFC). Still the best punter in the league.

The Verdict: I’ll be shock if he is not catching tanning in February.

Sebastian Janikowski, PK

The Case: Janikowski leads the NFL in scoring (135 points), field goals made (32) and he’s 28-of-33 within 49-yards. Only Dan Carpenter has more attempts 50+ yards out, and Janikowski has converted the same amount as the Miami kicker.

The Verdict: Last year he was steady. And the one blip versus Arizona hurts his chances. But he’s been the best place kicker in the AFC.

OTHER NOTABLE PLAYERS:

Marcel Reece has tallied 25-catches for 333-yards and three scores, but is not looked at as a traditional fullback. Not likely he’ll be in Hawaii.

Rock Cartwright has been a integral part of the special teams coverage units, so he may get some consideration. Jon Condo is the league’s best long snapper – a center that can get downfield as well to make tackles on punts and kickoffs. He was added to the Pro Bowl roster as a need player last year, so he has a slim chance at it, again.

FINAL TALLY:

Oakland got back to respectability this year, so many of their players garnered a lot of attention. McFadden was their best player, but players with bigger years statistically may prevent him from getting a deserved berth to Hawaii. Asomugha, Lechler, Janikowski, Ford should be representing the Silver & Black. If they get lucky, the Raiders could get Seymour or Kelly in.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

QUARTERBACK: B-

Jason Campbell’s first half statistics were respectable; 12-of-17 for 87-yards. But the offensive output for the team was horrendous. Zach Miller dropped a potential 1^st down on a 3^rd and 4, Campbell’s arm was hit as he released the football by Robert Mathis on a 3^rd and 9 and was pressured on another 3^rd and 9 when Jared Veldheer was beaten by Dwight Freeney. One of his best passes was a 10-yard strike to Louis Murphy on 3^rd and 6 in the 2^nd quarter and a 9-yard conversion to Chaz Schilens on a 3^rd and 5 on the same drive. Oakland was able to take a 13-10 lead four plays later on a field goal. He orchestrated a controlled right before halftime, spiking the ball with one-second remaining to give the Raiders another shot at a score. One of the few questionable decisions he had was on 3^rd and 9 in the fourth quarter, when he attempted to hits his tight end on a pass thrown behind him, instead of running for more yardage.

RUNNING BACKS/FULLBACK: C

The coaching and offensive line directly affected their lack of production. The speed of the Colts front-seven prevented big plays on screens and sweeps. Michael Bush had a 15-yard gain during the scoring drive in which the Raiders tied it at 10 and Oakland took the lead 13-10 on the strength of Darren McFadden’s 26-yard scamper to start that possession. McFadden only had six carries for 33-yards at halftime, not enough touches for the MVP of the team. Marcel Reece was ineffective, and his holding infraction negated a Bush 16-yard gain. McFadden ended with 45-yards rushing and 31-yards receiving.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS: D

Chaz Schilens tallied his first two catches of the season for 16-yards. Darrius Heyward-Bey has some miscommunication with Campbell on a hitch on 2^nd and 9 in the 1^st quarter, but hauled in a nine yard pass to start their first drive in the 2^nd quarter. He almost broke away from a defender after getting his legs cut out from underneath him on a 11-yard catch. Jacoby Ford had two-catches, his best a 17-yarder early in the 4^th quarter during a drive that the Raiders cut into the Indianapolis lead to 24-19. Murphy had 36-yards on two receptions. Zach Miller’s score with 1:51 left in the game brought Oakland within 31-26. The tight end ended with nine catches for 66-yards.

OFFENSIVE LINE: D

Oakland had 60-yards rushing at the half and 80 at the end of the contest. Langston Walker was inactive and replaced by Mario Henderson at right tackle. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis combined for 2.5 sacks and made Campbell’s day unsteady in the pocket. Robert Gallery saved his passer in the 1^st quarter, fending of Freeney after Veldheer was blown away at the line of scrimmage. Veldheer was flagged for a hold and false start on the same drive in the 4^th quarter.

DEFENSIVE LINE: F

No Richard Seymour meant a shuffling along the trenches for the Silver & Black. Lamarr Houston played all over the interior of the defense, but was overpowered at times and was thoughtless with his unnecessary roughness penalty that aided a Colts scoring drive right before halftime that gave them a 17-13 lead. His actions will likely land him a fine, as tempers flared on the next play when Ryan Diem retaliated and caused a scuffle. Kamerion Wimbley saw action at defensive end, but was ineffective and neutralized during runs. Oakland could not near Peyton Manning and rarely put him in frantic situations. John Henderson had his moments with nine solo tackles and one pass defended. The Colts out gained the Raiders 191-80 on the ground in Dominic Rhodes’ [98-yards rushing] return to Oakland and Joseph Addai’s [45-yards] first action since week-six. “There’s no magic to it,” coach Jim Caldwell said. “We’re running the same plays, running the same defense. We were just playing what we do, and doing it a little better.”

LINEBACKERS: D

This group had their problems with crossing routes and was trailing a few times in coverage. Even though Manning only had 179-yards passing, the linebackers did very little to make their presence felt. Roland McClain was running with Jacob Tamme during Michael Huff’s interception.

SECONDARY: B

Stanford Routt had a tough drive late in the 3^rd quarter, flagged for pass interference and beaten by Blair White for a score, which increased the Colts lead to 24-16. Chris Johnson was Manning’a bull’s-eye a lot of the afternoon, but the cornerback demonstrated great hand-eye coordination intercepting a slant that was tipped by Rolando McClain and bobbled before the pick. He almost had another interception earlier in the contest, but Pierre Garcon broke up the pass as Johnson put his hands in on it. Johnson did get flagged for pass interference on 3^rd and 17 before the half, when Manning and Tamme torched Tyvon Branch in coverage for a 18-yard score. Nnamdi Asomugha won the majority of his match-ups versus Reggie Wayne. “There’s not a quarterback that I’ve played against that controls the game the way that he does, and handles every situation and is basically the coordinator on the fly,” Asomugha said of Manning.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A

This group kept the Raiders alive for most of the contest. Jacoby Ford’s 99-yard kickoff return for a score to open the game was electric. After Shane Lechler’s first attempt, which had little power behind it, the ailing punter bombed five kicks, one for 63-yards which was covered instantly by Hiram Eugene and Rock Cartwright. Stevie Brown recorded another stuff during punt coverage and Cartwright forced a holding penalty after bolting through the line of scrimmage and almost getting to the Pat McAfee. Sebastian Janikowski nailed a 59-yard field goal attempt (2^nd longest in team history) and booted three other attempts from 38, 51 and 45-yards.

COACHING: D

Tom Cable coached loose when he sent Janikowski out for a 59-yard field goal attempt down 10-7 early in the game. But the team showed little life after that on offense and was kept in it because of an opportunistic special team. There are no excuses for getting out-rushed by a team that ranks 32^nd on offense running the football and 28^th stopping the run. McFadden did not get enough touches, the offense did not get its first 1^st down till the 2^nd quarter and did not reach the red-zone till the 4^th quarter. Too many three and outs, not enough sustained drives and eventually, the Colts will get to you. Manning toyed with the Raiders at the end of the contest, getting Branch to declare the defense’s intentions and then calling an audible that led to a Garcon score to give them a 31-19 lead before calling a bootleg that netted 27-yards to end the contest. Oakland fought hard till late, but they were listless for most of the game. You have to wonder if being eliminated from any post-season positioning due to Kansas City’s 34-14 romp over the Titans effected their disposition. “The guys were trying not to pay attention to it,” Jason Campbell said. “We were just really trying to focus on our game. That’s the situation you’re in when you have to count on other teams. It’s a tough situation to be in.”

GAME NOTES

• In back-to-back weeks, the Colts stuffed Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden, and teams with top ranked ground attacks. [67 yards vs. Jacksonville & 80 yards vs. Oakland]
• Colts are one win away from clinching the AFC South title for their ninth straight playoff berth.
• Oakland had 10 penalties for 116-yards. The Raiders were also 4-15 on 3^rd downs.
• Ford joins Ike Thomas of the 1971 Cowboys as the only players in NFL history to take the opening kickoff back for a TD twice in the same season. Ford did it November 28 versus the Dolphins and today versus the Colts. He is the only Raider to return opening kickoffs for a score in team history.
• “That’s a heck of a running team. They do a good job; big strong offensive linemen, backs that can certainly run. Our guys did a nice job overall. They had six three and out, one four an out, weathered the storm, showed some poise,” Jim Caldwell after the game about the Raiders offense and the job his defense did.
• “All we did was win today,” Manning said about the Colts playoff hopes. “We have to find a way to win again next week.”
• Manning tied former Raiders OL Gene Upshaw for the most consecutive starts to begin a career with 207.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist