01-05-11 1:17 pm pac 

                                                                                                Hue Jackson
 

The departure of Coach Tom Cable came as a shock to many fans. The fall out and the failure or success of this move will be debated for a long time to come.

Though he was granted permission by owner Al Davis to speak with the San Francisco 49ers, current Raider Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson may actually be Cable's replacement according to some.

Jackson's hiring has been seen as a move toward the elimination of Cable since day one but whether it comes to frution remains to be seen but one source is reporting that Cable, who had till the 18th to learn whether Oakland would pick up his two year option instead seemed blindsided by today s announcement.

RNS has it on authority that the move may have been sparked by the 49ers interest in Hue Jackson, essentially forcing Oaklands hand.

This makes more sense than a return of Jon Gruden but again with Al Davis nothing is certain.

Speculation and view points of the firing are wide and varied with naysaying Davis haters claiming its just the old man being jealous of Cable's success and sway in the locker room to Davis being Davis and simply creating chaos because he can.

Fact is, if Davis hires Jackson, unceremoniously ditching Cable makes a little more sense.

If he loses both Cable and Jackson, it could set the Raiders back years,

01-04-10 7:37 pm pac                                        

                                          Former Raider HC Tom Cable "Whats that old man thinking?!"

Only moments after going on Sirius radio and saying he'd like to stay on as Head Coach, the Raiders announced Tom Cable would not return in Silver and Black next season.

“It’s out of my hands,” Cable stated hosts Brian McGovern and Marty Schottenheimer during a regularly-scheduled spot. “Make no mistake about it, I want to be head coach of the Oakland Raiders. If that’s not to be, by someone else’s decision, then I’ll be a head coach somewhere else. If not, I’ll coach the O line for somebody, and I can do that pretty darn good. But I want to be the head coach here.

“I just don’t have any control over it. We’ll see what the future holds and what becomes of it. If not, I think I’ve proved that I can be a head coach in this league and succeed and it’s win. It’s not always easy, but it’s part of the deal . . . I think I’ve proven that I can handle it and get it done under some tough circumstances.”

Owner Al Davis apparently thinks his Raider team under performed thanks to its coaching staff and Oakland did stumble against lesser teams outside its division but to a man Oaklands players expressed a desire to maintain Cable and or O coordinator Hue Jackson to keep continuity and an elan the Raiders haven't enjoyed since a turn of the millenium Super Bowl run.

If Oakland makes its way deep into the playoffs next year behind whoever on the sidelines, great. But if they struggle and falter without Cable and or Jackson expect an anti Al Davis backlash of bibilical proportion.

Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson was given permission earlier today to speak with San Francisco presumably for the Head Coaching position so Davis may be clearing the decks and starting over again rather than promoting Jackson  whom many felt was being groomed for Cable's job.

Now both of them may be gone.

Davis must have someone in mind or locked in because such a crass dismissal of someone who's so well liked might make it harder to find someone else willing to subject themselves to such treatement but again, thats Al Davis for you.

Hue might stay.

Hue might go. The only person we know is staying for now is Mr. Davis

                                                                                      Jon "Chuckie" Gruden

One questionable source says former Coach and fan favorite Jon Gruden might be in talks with Mr. Davis and if thats the case it would go a long way toward settling ruffeld feathers of the Raider faithful but the return of Chuckie wouldn't neccessarliy guarantee and instant return to greatness.

Gruden has been slated for other HC jobs since being released by Tampa Bay in 2003. The Redskins were rumored at one time and the Texans have been mentioned as recently as 2010.

Its all rumor and speculation for now but it would be the one Silver and Black lining to starting over again.

12-29-10 7:10 am pac 

Photo Keith Srakocic                                                                                                           DT Richard Seymour

Defensive tackle Richard Seymour made the pro bowl thanks in part to a well placed palm strike to the jaw of Pittsburgh QB Ben Rothlisberger.

Ok, 48 tackles 5 and a half sacks didn't hurt but it was Seymour's tough play and leadership that helped shape the Raiders defense especially in the first half of the season.

It will be interesting to see how Al Davis handles Seymour's contract situation next year.

With a another Pro Bowl under his belt Seymour could demand a Kings ransom but Davis will probably franchise the 31 yr old 10 year vet.

Signing Seymour to a long term contract may not make sense this deep into his career when he may be breaking down physically.

CB Nnamdi Asomugha was voted in again more on reputation than numbers but thats the nature of Raider ball. It demands selflessness but the pay off is a longer career.

With 19 tackles, no forced fumbles, no interceptions and no sacks its still easy to see why Nnamdi gets so many votes. He's just that good for one thing, bhut he's also a remarkable team mate, example and tireless contributor to the community.

He is the Leagues best example of what a football player should be about.

Punter Shane Lechler is simply breaking records and cementing himself as the best punter in the history of the game.

When he eventually becomes eligible for Hall of Fame consideration there are some writers who will have to re evaluate their stance on never voting in a punter.

Raider alternates include RB Darren McFadden who has 1,157 yds on 228 carries for a very repectable 5.2 yd average and 7 TDs on the ground.

He also emerged as a weapon receiving out of the back field and spread out at WR creating mismatches and hauling in 47 pass for 507 yds and 3 more TDs.

DT Tommy Kelly is another alternate pulling down some impressive numbers of his own tallying 56 tackles and 7 sacks.

Zach Miller missed time with injuries and posted pedestrain numbers. He also cost several touchdown this year due to holding penalties but his contributions and injuries to Charger TE Antonio Gates this year saw Miller get the nod as an alternate this year.

K Sebastian Janikowski has become the Raiders all time scorer and posted an 80% success rate kicking field goals this year and doing enough to earn his status as an alternate too but a missed kick against Arizona in the closing moments came back to haunt the Raiders and add fuel to the theory Janikowski is not a clutch kicker.

There is ample proof Oakland is an improved team this season including their representation at this years Pro Bowl. Even if they finish 7-9 the Raiders have a talented young roster that, barring a strike should be even better in 2011.

12-23-10 1:10 pm pac

                                                                                   DT Richard Seymour

Colt RB Jospeh Addia says he'll play this Sunday as the Colts try to keep their play off hopes alive.

Addia is one of several key Colt weapons injured this year but with him at practice today odds are he will be on the field when Indy comes to the Black hole.

Thats big news since Oaklands best defender most likely won't be on the field.

King Richard Seymour pulled a hammy in last weeks divisional win over Denver and hasn't been practicing.

DT Desmond Bryant is a DT we think has a bright future but in his 2nd season is a work in progress.

Rookie DE Lamarr Houston has been a pleasant surprise setting the edge and rushing the passer but astute fans recognize the impressive damage and success he is having when bumped inside to DT.

Seymour out?

Simple, drop Houston in his place and let it rip, but an injury earlier in the season makes this a little more complicated.

Hybrid DE/LB Trevor Scott was placed on IR in mid November after tearing an ACL on a special teams play in Oaklands loss to the Steelers.

In Scott's absence Oakland shuffled the D around a little, playing DE Matt Shaughnessy more.

Shaughnessy has been a bright spot on Oaklands D and the 2nd year Defensive End is quietly having a terrific year assisting Oakladns run D qand developing some impressive pass rush moves.

Quentin Groves and Kam Wimbley are also hybrid DE/LBs but Groves has finally started making plays with consistency from the LB position and its there Scott's loss has been felt the most.

Scott, like Wimbley was more of a pass rush specialist when at the DE position.

Oakland picked up DE Jarvis Moss as an insurance policy but Moss was ditched by Denver after never realizing any kind of potential. Add to that the fact Moss broke his hand shortly after arriving.

At least twice in very limited action filling for Shaughnessy on the right side Moss has been seen reaching and failing to make a TD saving tackle with his broken hand.

Basically, with 2 of Oaklands 4 DE's dinged and or out the Raiders will need to decide which LB to line up at DE.

Houston will see time inside and thats a good thing. Other good news for Oakland is that Big John Henderson is back and can take reps on run plays at DT but its the edges Oakland may need to worry about when Indy comes to town. 

12-22-10 9:20 am pac          

                                                                                    QB Peyton Manning 

A wounded animal is often the most dangerous.

The 8-6 Colts are wounded no doubt, but any team with Peyton Manning is a threat, especially when a post season appearance is on the line.

Indy refuses to say whether WR Austin Collie is out for certain but owner CEO Jim Ersay said on Tuesday theres no guarantee Collie will be back this season.

The Colts have been remarkably different with and without Collie.

At the beginning of the year with Collie they were 5-2. After he was injured Nov. 7th against the Eagles, they struggled with turnovers and efficiency, losing 4 of the next 5 games.

When Collie played against the Jaguars the Colts looked same as they always have, a play off caliber team.

As soon as he was injured, they became mortal.

Have no illusions though, Indianapolis is still a worthy team. If Collie was the only loss the Colts had suffered they may be a 12 win team again this year but the loss of TE Dallas Clark, WR Anthony Gonzales and RB Joseph Addia in addition to Collie took its toll.

Two weeks ago the Colts had enough big plays and offense to outlast the Titans and had Collie long enough to out score the Jags.

Turnovers could play a major role in this one especially if Oakland can use its 2nd ranked running game against the Colts 28th ranked run defense.

If the Raiders can sustain drives, eat the clock and keep Peyton on the bench they'll increase their chances of securing a win and keeping their slim play off chances alive.

12-20-10 5:45 pm pac       
                                                                                        P Shane Lechler

Kicker Sebastian Janikowski's punt, thats right, punt, was probably his last. At least for this season.

The Raiders may be seeking a punter at least as a back up.

Pro Bowl and perhaps greatest punter of all time Shane Lechler appears to have pulled a hamstring in Sundays win over the Broncos.

When asked about the Lechler situation Head Coach Tom Cable said:

“We’ll have to decide pretty quick how we want to attack this,’’ Cable said. “(We’ll have to determine) the severity and what his workload can be, if anything. Once you answer those things, it can give you some direction on what needs to happen.’’

Lechler gave way to Janikowski late in the second quarter and frotunately Janikowski's 33 yd punt was muffed by return man Syd'Quan Thompson, recovered by the Raiders and led to a game tying field goal.

Though Lechler came back to hold for extra points and punt in the second half, an MRI will tell the extent of the damage, if any, to his hamstring.

Swayze Waters could be a possible addition since he punted for Oakland this pre season and Glenn Pakulack is a practice squad punter brought in when Oakland faces left footed punters on occasion.

As we mentioned, Lechler is the Raiders holder on extra points and that could be a serious component in close weather games late in the year.

Coach Cable thinks Lechler will still be able to perform those duties but it remains to be seen.

12-18-10 12:21 pm pac

                                                                                                                                                     QB Tim Tebow

Recent reports say its Tim Tebow.

The Denver Broncos have joined the league's 2010 quarterback shuffle and plan to start Tim Tebow in Sunday's game against the Raiders.

ESPN's Adam Schefter says the rookie will get his first career start in place of former starter Kyle Orton. Tebow has thrown just one pass this season, a three-yard touchdown pass against the Chiefs in Week 10. He has 12 rushes for 28 yards and three rushing TDs this season. Orton did not throw in practice this week and is struggling with a rib injury.

Orton has started every game this season for the 3-10 Broncos. He was one of the league's leading passers in the first five weeks but has tailed off. For the season, Orton has tossed 20 touchdowns and nine picks. But in his last two games, Orton completed a combined 28-of-69 passes for 283 yards with three interceptions and no TDs.

This will be the second game for interim head coach Eric Studesville. Studesville took over after Josh McDaniels was fired. McDaniels decided to select Tebow in the first round of April's draft so it will be interesting to see what happens with Tebow now that the architect of his future is no longer with the team.

Studesville, being the Broncos former RB coach is likely to try to go ground against the Raiders not only because of Tebow's limited experience but because of expected rain showers and a sloppy track in Oakland. 

12-16-10 2:49 am pac

Photo Ezra Shaw / Getty Images                                                                                       MLB Rolando McClain

Oaklands defense has been hot and cold, dismantling the #1 ranked San Diego offense one week and then giving up two 100 yd rushers the next.

Quietly a major cog in Oaklands defensive machine has been broken and sputtering.

The Second Line.

The Raiders second line of defense has quietly struggled since the loss of versatile DE/LB Trevor Scott.

Scott was placed on IR after blowing and ACL on a special teams play in a the loss to Pittsburgh.

Scott was a major contributor on special teams and defense, tying for the lead in sacks the last two years but truthfully was struggling this season.

He'd posted only 5 QB hurries up till his injury and didn't record his first full sack until his final game against Pittsburgh, so his loss wasn't quite as bad as it seemed. In fact, 2nd year DE Matt Shaughnessy saw more time because of it and has emerged as a quality defender.

The loss of Scott in and of itself wasn't a dynamic blow to the defense by itself but the under achievement of two off season additions and an injury to their #1 draft pick showed up with a vengeance last Sunday.

Oakland is staying mum about the foot injury to 8th overall draft pick Rolando McClain.

McClain has missed several practices now and was a no show against the Leagues #1 rushing team last week end.

He was seen earlier today walking slowly through the facility without a boot or a limp but his status remains murky.

McClain's foot injury has been reported dubiously as "arthritis" and later as "tendenitis" which although more plausible is still unofficial.

Whatever is wrong with McClain, Oakland is keeping it mum.

MLB Ricky Brown took on the Herculean task of stopping "Pocket Hercules" Maurice Jones Drew and the Jaguars top ranked ground attack in his first start of 2010.

He failed.

If McClain isn't back for the Denver game it may mean one of two things.

He is substantially injured in a way that could affect the rest of his rookie season and the Raiders ultra slim play off hopes or Oakland is being cautious with their 1st round draft pick and future defensive Captain for the next 7 years, letting a minor tweak heal up by resting him against a Denver team that has replaced Oakland as the AFC West's "Dysfunction Junction".

The best case scenario of course would be for McClain to show up on the field and beat Bronco ass on Sunday with a minor footnote by announcers about his mystery foot ailment, never to be spoken of again.

We'll have to see.

Defensive Coordinator John Marshall rightfully took some heat for some botched formations and rotations against Jacksonville but over all his hybrid defensive philosophy has been moderately effective enough to merit a look next year.

Switching up hybrid players like off season additions like Kamerion Wimbley and Quentin Groves are a work in progress.

Wimbley started his tenure in Silver and Black off in fine pre season fashion with a stunning dip and rip move that looked like a world beater but as the season has gone on, he's cooled, sometimes struggling in coverage from the LB spot.

Unlike Wimbley, Groves is supposed to be more natural at LB than DE but has been a dissapointment for all but a few games.

Combined with the loss of Scott, the mystery injury to McClain and under production by off season acquisitions Oaklands defense may continue to struggle against the run unless they can get healthy quick and be more productive at the Linebacking postion.

12-11-10 1:14 pm pac                     

Photo Ezra Shaw / Getty Images                                                                         DT Big John Henderson

There is no doubt the Jacksonville Jaguars can run the ball, that much is clear.

Or is it?

Oakland has faced off against statistically stronger opponents and surprised them, like last week ends stunning win over the statistically top ranked San Diego Chargers.

What many people don't realize is that stats don't always tell the whole story.

Yes, the Jags are statistically the 2nd best running team in the Leauge and tiny but mighty RB Maurice Jones Drew is well over 1,000 yds for the season, but the Raiders defense is much stouter against the run this year.

Especially with former Jaguar DT Big John Henderson.

Last week end Henderson could be heard bellowing "I'M HUNGRY!!!" during pre game warm ups. 

Lets hope he's starving against the Jags.

With Henderson in the rotation the Raider line has been very stout, rarely giving ground even against double teams.

Fellow DT Richard Seymour does it with excellent hand placement and years of experience, Henderson does it with girdth and guile but either way and unlike previous years, when the ball is snapped the Raiders D line is no longer automatically pushed back 2-3 yds.

Henderson sat sat out 7 games with a foot fracture but is back and ready to face off against the former team he claims did him wrong.

Pay back time.

80s action movie scenario aside, Henderson and the Raiders run defense has given up chunks of yardage this season to be sure, but nothing like in its recent past when former Raider Kirk Morrison Captained the defense from the Mike Linebacker position.

Oakland spent their 8th overall pick this last draft to replace Morrison who now resides with, yup, the Jaguars.

That pick, rookie MLB Rolando McClain, has been missing practice the last few weeks with tendinitis in his foot but we're pretty sure the Raiders are just being cautious and resting him for game time.

The Jags are ranked 17th against the run but part of that is that they rank 27th against the pass.

Why run when you can throw?

Seems simple enough, but again, plain ole stats don't always tell the whole story.

Oaklands passing game has been erratic to say the least and really has needed the run game in order to spark the pass.

In games where Oakland has run the ball well, QB Jason Campbell has a passer rating of 118%

In the 4 games Oakland has put up serious run yardage Campbell is 50 of 81 for 791 yds, 6 TDs and zero picks.

The Raiders may need to reverse that against the Jags who's defensive weakeness appears to be the pass.

The Jags run defense is ranked 27th against the pass and just lost starting Safety Courtney Green to a shoulder injury.

Oaklands Head Coach Tom Cable insists the Raiders will stick with their identity as a running team, something they feel they got away from in back to back losses to Miami and Pittsburgh, but frankly, circumstance like field position, T.O.P. and the score board dictated Oaklands play calling more than a conscious decision to abandon the run.

In the Raiders favor, should they decide to go air, is a wild card we mentioned earlier, WR Chaz Schilens.

Most Raider fans are aware of Schilens lengthy injury history and scant playing time, but when he has been healtly (ish) he's clearly been the best WR target Oakland has.

Schilens has made great catches, blocks well and finds the end zone but he has been riding pine for quite sometime.

To call on him to carry the load his first game back may be a little much but he could open things up for Oaklands other receivers like Louis Murphy, emerging rookie Jacoby Ford and TE Zach Miller who completed his first full practice this week on Friday.

A painful foot injury and leg contusion have slowed him for weeks but he appears to back in form. Thats very good news for Campbell should the Raiders choose, or be forced, into slinging the rock.

If Oakland goes air they also have some very fine hands in the back field with RBs Michael Bush and Darren McFadden, both of whom can throw the ball as well.

We'll have to see what the Raiders Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson brings to the table against the Jags.

While Cable has insisted Oakland is re dedicated to the ground game, Jackson remains more flexible.

“Our desire in any game is to run the ball, but sometimes games dictate otherwise,” Jackson said. “Sometimes games get away from you, sometimes things change. So you do what you have to do in those particular games, and sometimes that means throwing a little bit more because of a situation. Or sometimes it calls for running it a little bit more, and we were very fortunate last week to have that happen.”

Ground or air, odds are the Raiders will again need a mix of both in order to secure a win in Jacksonville but when they are playing to the whistle, talking with each other and focused, Oakland can beat any team in the NFL.

12-10-10 10:10 am pac                          

Photo Sam Greenwood / Getty Images 

It will be interesting to see if the Raiders will stay the course and pound the rock or try to take advantage of the Jaguars less than stellar pass defense.

Shortly after Joe Cullen was named Jacksonville's new defensive line coach, he had the “defensive linemen” sign taken down from outside their meeting room and replaced it with a sign that read, “Rushmen.” Cullen wanted to make it perfectly clear to his defense 2010 would be on rushing the passer.

To that end, the Jaguars have shown improvement. Through 12 games they have 21 sacks, seven more than last season’s worst-in-the-league 14. The Jaguars are a more respectable 22^nd in the league in sacks per pass play this season and though they would like more, it should be noteed that the Jags lost star pass-rusher, Aaron Kampman, a month ago.

Another defensive injury might give the Raiders reason to go air against the Jags is the apparent loss of Safety Courtney Greene from the line up.

No official word on Greene's staus for the game of course but judging by the tears of pain on the sideline last week his shoulder injury will keep him out of this Sundays match up with Oakland.

The Raiders may actually have a wild card to throw at the Jaguars already questionable pass defense.

WR Chaz Schilens.

Schilens has shown a knack for the end zone and supple hands in his few, rare outings with Oakland but can't seem to find the field thanks to nagging injuries to his foot and knee.

After sitting most of last season with a foot fracture he sustained his Senior year of college was exacerbated in the pros, Schilens over compensated with his other leg, resulting in a knee surgery to clear up that issue and placing him on the sidelines for much of another season.

A great blocker and physical presence, no one questions the 6-4, 225 lb Schilens talents but his cardio may come into play after so much time off his feet.

If he can contribute moving the chains Oakland could make headway against the Jags suspect secondary.

The Raiders already know Jacksonville will look to load up against the run so moving the ball through the air may play a vital role.

"We have to make them one-dimensional,” Cullen said on Thursday.

That means stopping the run.

Hopefully Oakland can move the ball on the ground, eat the clock and put up touchdowns, in effect, keeping the Jags top ranked running game off the field and limiting the Raiders defensive exposure like they did in their win over the Chargers #1 ranked offense last week end.

Field position and turn overs could play a crucial part of the game early on but if Oakland can get coached up and motivated there are weaknesses to exploit in Jacksonville.

On the defensive side of the ball for Oakland their pass rush could be aided by the placement of Tackle Kevin Haslam on IR today.

He was inactive for 7 games but saw time in 5 after injuries began to take their toll.

Haslam is suffering with a broken hand and though the Jaguars O line is still ranked as the #1 rushing team in the League they are dinged up and woefully thin.

With Haslam on IR the Jags promoted Jonathan Palmer from their practice squad.

Jordan Black is already filling in on the O line at Right Tackle for Eben Britton who suffered a season ending shoulder injury in late October.

If they can get a lead and force the Jags to become one dimensional the Raiders passing defense could have a big day.

Oakland sacked Phillip Rivers 4 times and mercilessly harrassed him all day, forcing errant throws and an early interception that led to a Raider TD.

The Raiders generated natural pressure from their front four but can throw in the occasional Safety blitz if their careful to contain QB David Garrard.

If Oakland can force them to lean away from their bread and butter ground game they could take advantage of the Jags beat up O line.

Suffice it to say both teams will be looking to stop the run come Sunday.

12-07-10 8:44 am pac                                                 

                                                                                                              C Samson Satele                                                                                                                                                                                                               

This was maybe the finest professional game we've seen Center Samson Satele play.

He did have a holding penalty in late in the third but aside from the flag he played very well at the point of attack, got second level and moved well in space.

He's a big reason Oaklands ground game put up 251 yds against a San Diego defense that had only given up an average of 85 yds a game prior.

Jared Veldheer was a find.

He quietly dominates the blind side position. Once he locks onto a defender he's done.

Veldheer plays to the whistle yet plays cleanly with no or few penalties. he's like the drummer in a rock band. When he's doing it right, you hardly notice but it powers the rest of the band.

At 6-8 and 312 lbs Veldheer is a handful for opposing DEs, LBs and speed rushers.

He's surprisingly adept at pass protection for a rookie and even when he's burned, its never twice.

Veldheer even transitioned flawlessly to Center for several plays when Satele was dinged, hiking directly to QB Jason Campbell and even out of the shotgun.

With great feet, inteligence and the power to constantly pancake opponenets, Veldheer's one to watch as he gains experience and loads more weapons into his arsenal.

Though he may never live up to his 2004 2nd overall draft status 30 yr old Robert Gallery is the most solid piece of the Raiders O line puzzle.

Injury is his greatest nemesis but when he's healthy he's a road grater with a nasty attitude.

At 6-7, 325 lbs thats a bad package if you're a defensive lineman or worse, a linebacker.

Gallery was flagged twice on Sunday, once on a 3rd and 2 (Oakland overcame the flag for a first down) but played a solid game against San Diego's stout D.

Gallery and Veldheer are making a solid left line, that when firing, reminds some of Shell and Upshaw.

Lofty praise to be sure.

LG Cooper Carlisle has drawn the ire of many a fan for his play in recent years but on Sunday at San Diego there were few complaints.

Carlisle showed his smarts and mobility against the Chargers D getting down field, attacking Linebackers and extending runs.

At 33 some think Carlisle is a few years past his prime but the former 4th round draft pick (113th overall) in 2000 played a solid game on Sunday.

Right Tackle Langston Walker has been struggling with an elbow injury throughout the year but it wasn't evident against the Chargers.

An unecessary roughness penalty early in the 3rd quarter on 3rd and 8 moved the Raiders out of field goal range, but Walker was protecting downed QB Jason Campbell after action.

Walker showed some quicks for a 6-8, 365 lb behemoth, chipping DE's and using his big body to wall off Linebackers.

TE Zach Miller has to be counted as a lineman too. when he was out and hobbled with an arch injury it showed.

The way he blocked Sunday shows how valuable he is to the Raiders run game.

It was an excellent day for the Oakland Raiders O line and a stunning win over the top rnaked Defense in the League.

If Oakland can find any kind of consistency in its ground attack they could surprise.

                                                              Former Broncos Coach Josh McDaniels

The departure of Josh McDaniels signals a stunning blow to the Denver Broncos organization not only from a continuity stand point but from the damage wrought during his brief tenure.

Granted, the wheelings and dealings former Bronco coach Mike Shannahan had made came home to roost but he had assembled a League leading passing game with Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall, not to mention productive TE Tony Schefler and Peyton Hillis.

Two years into McDaniels tenure those franchise players were purged as the former Patriot prodigy sought to put his mark on the rebuilt Broncos.

It was McDaniels way or the highway.

Now its the highway from Mile High for McDaniels.

Running backs Coach Eric Studesville has been named interim HC in his place.

Possible replacements are already being bandied about. Names like interim Vikings coach Leslie Frasier in a package deal with Tony Dungy as GM or even Texans coach Gary Kubiak.

We think it might be a hoot if Lane Kiffin screwed over USC and applied for the job. 

Whoever gets Broncos owner Pat Nolan's nod they'll likely have carte blanche to do as they will with the faltering franchise.

Oakland will face whatever is left of the Broncos on the 19th. It should be interesting to see.

12-02-10 6:10 pm pac                    

                                                                                                                                         MLB Rolando McClain

Unclear of the severity of injury or viability of two of Oaklands top defensive performers as they prepare to face divisonal foe San Diego. 

Rookie MLB Rolando McClain will under go X-rays and an MRI after suffering an injury of undetermined severity.

McClain complained of a little soreness yesterday. Soreness that was worse today.

The rookie 7th overall draft pick has been decent Captaining the Raiders D with 57 tackles, a sack and an interception but certainly hasn't been a super star.

Even critics have to admit it was alot to ask of any rookie, 7th overall or no to come in and QB a defense in the NFL.

McClain's foot injury could be nothing but Oakland has had several players come up lame with foot injuries, most notably TE Zach Miller. who has been suffering with plantar fascia (now he has a severe leg contusion as well), WR Chaz Schilens who's broken foot from College never seems to have healed and DT John Henderson who had a sore foot after Oaklands week 2 win over the Rams.

A sore foot that didn't seem like much until it got worse the next day. An MRI revealed Henderson had a right foot fracture that saw him miss the next 7 games.

Oaklands defense managed some good games without Henderson but they'll need to lean on him more as the Raiders face off against San Diego this week end.

McClain's not the only high profile defender on the injury list unfortunately.

Defensive tackle and corner stone of Oaklands defense Richard Seymour's viability against the Leagues number one offense may be in question.

Originally reported as a shoulder injury yesterday, Oakland confirmed this afternoon the 5 time Pro Bowler missed practice today because of a knee injury.

Seymour has 32 tackles, 4 sacks and 2 defensed passes this year but his contribution cannot be under estimated.

2nd year man Desmond Bryant will likely see more time as will Henderson.

McClain's injury is the more troubling at this point because of the prior loss of LB Trevor Scott who was placed on IR November 25th after suffering an ACL tear against the Steelers.

Under sized LB Ricky Brown will step in for McClain and he's made good plays but at 6-2, 235 lbs he's 20 lbs smaller than McClain. 

Photo Jose Marcio Sanchez / AP                                                                            MLB Ricky Brown

Former starting LB Thomas Howard may be elevated from the practice squad and see more time at WLB and SAM according to Coach Cable.

Howard filled at times against Pitt after Scott went down on a special teams play and performed well.

Rookie Travis Goethel did not.

The Raiders picked up LB Bruce Davis after Scott's injury and the 2nd yr man may see field time too especially on special teams.

Goethel missed much of pre season and the year with a back injury. An injury he had surgery on. Surgery that the Raiders kept quiet.

Goethel has and will continue to see time in the line up which is not a great idea against All Pro TE Anotnio Gates. Foot injury or not Gates is the best in the business.

Behind Defensive Coordinator John Marshall the Raiders D has given up 68 points since the bye 2 weeks ago and it comes down to personal accountability.

Raider players, starters or replacements, have to play disciplined football to the whistle if they're going to contain the Chargers amped up offense no matter who is or isn't injured.