Category: Oakland Raiders

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: Political correctness in sports: a waste of time

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By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

photo credit google images of Washington Redskin logo

LOS ANGELES–So there are no Indians in Cleveland? No Redskins in Washington, and how can there be any Giants in San Francisco, if the average height of a San Francisco resident is 5’7″? Friends, names of teams, are just that, n-a-m-e-s. With all the real problems we have in this country, some devote their time to “correct” the names of teams because they might insult a segment of our population. This is nothing but a waste of time, using energy for the wrong reasons and taking Political Correctness to a new level.

The Redskins, who currently play at FedEx Field in Maryland, announced that they were in the preliminary stages of searching for a new home field. Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland have been named as potential sites according to ESPN.

When reporters asked Allen if he would consider changing the name of the team as a condition to securing a new home for the Redskins, he replied, “No.”

The Redskins name remains controversial. Native Indian groups, politicians, and journalists continue to condemn Allen and team owner Dan Snyder for their unwavering commitment to keeping it as the team’s identity.

Maybe this continues because the Washington Redskins play in our nations capital, and everything there is political, lobbyist probably have focus groups to tell them where to go to lunch everyday. The media has a lot to do in keeping this narrative going. I have worked in newsrooms where on a slow day, an assignment desk supervisor would send a camera crew and reporter to a location where there are 6 people demonstrating, and all-of-a-sudden it is a story., it is inserted in the rundown for the 6PM news. Politicians are famous for debating stuff that nobody cares, and then when they agree,then they agree to disagree and the world keeps spining, and Native Indian groups (among other minorities)definitely have much more important issues to take care of than the name of sports teams.

So before we repair our bridges and roads across the country, which are badly in need of repair, we are going to try to change the names/logos of hundreds of high schools and colleges and universities that are not “politically correct”to some people?

Speaking as a minority myself, I do not believe in insulting anybody, any race, any gender. any religion, any philosophy, but this has to stop if we really want to continue as the “United”States of America. There are people that love to divide us, instead the other way around. Sports is an easy target, but it should not be an arena for these types of discussions.

Remember the movie “Stripes” when the young soldiers were telling their stories of each other, there was one guy that was as up-tight as they come, they have to tell him “ease up Francis”.

We should all “ease up”and we will be better for it.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the vice president of the Major League Baseball Hispanic Museum and is a talk show host for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

At the bye Week, 2-3 Raiders are off to promising start

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By Joe Hawkes-Beamon

OAKLAND — With the first five weeks of the season down, Raider Nation should be happy with their team sitting at 2-3 at the bye week.

Oakland has been competitive in every contest from start to finish and it can’t be denied that the team is trending in the right direction. Even after dropping their last two games to Chicago and Denver respectively, the Raiders have definitely been entertaining.

Derek Carr, Oakland’s young signal caller, has complete control of the offense. The second-year pro from Fresno State engineers the 21st ranked offense in the NFL, but his numbers have been outstanding; completing 64 percent of his passes for 1,171 yards, eight touchdowns, and just three interceptions.

Rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper has made the transition from the college ranks to the pros, leading all rookie wide receivers in catches (28), receiving yards (386), touchdowns (two), and receiving yards per game (77.2). The fourth overall pick in this year’s draft out of Alabama has been as good as advertised.

Pair Cooper with the veteran  Michael Crabtree, and Oakland has a pair of wide receivers that give Carr dependable weapons to throw to. Crabtree, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason after spending his first six seasons in San Francisco, is second behind Cooper on the team with 27 catches, 318 yards receiving, and one touchdown.

Oakland needs to get the running game more involved in the offense, that means Latavius Murray needs to step up and take the running game by the horns.

Murray does have 336 yards rushing on 80 carries and two touchdowns this season, but was a virtual no-show in last week’s 16-10 home loss to the Broncos, carrying the ball 13 times for just 39 yards. Carr had 39 attempts against the Broncos’ top-ranked defense.

With the loss of defensive end Justin Tuck for the season with a torn right pectoral muscle, Oakland’s defense took a hit in the pass rush department. Opposing offenses can now key in on defensive end Khalil Mack and possibly double team linebacker Aldon Smith, another ex-49er.

But the real player that compensates for Oakland’s 25th ranked defense is no doubt, safety Charles Woodson. In his 18th, and most certainly final season of his sure-fire Hall of Fame career, Woodson is making an case for early Defensive Player of the Year.

Woodson has recorded four interceptions this season, two coming off the arm of another future Hall of Famer in Denver quarterback Peyton Manning. The former Heisman Trophy winner has been playing with a separated right shoulder for most of the season, has gutted it up each week for the Silver and Black.

Once the bye week is completed, Oakland’s next four opponents in San Diego (2-3), New York Jets (3-1), Pittsburgh (3-2), and Minnesota (2-2), are all formidable competition that will reveal the Raiders’ true team identity for the rest of the season.

Oakland Raiders podcast with Jeremy Kahn: Tuck out for the year major hit on Raiders psyche

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On the podcast today Jeremy discusses the effects of losing defensive end Justin Tuck. Tuck had surgery done for a torn pectoral and there is talk that he could be out next season too. Tuck reportedly is anxious to rehab and will try and do everything he can to get back for next season.

Tuck’s teammates have insisted that Tuck be there in the dressing room and for team meetings despite the injury the team respects his leadership and wants his presence around. Mario Edwards is expected to take Tuck’s place. The Raiders who are on a bye this week are getting ready for the San Diego Chargers for Sunday the 25th.

The Raiders have said they depend heavily on the pass rushing of Aldon Smith and Khalil Mack. Also after this meeting with the Chargers the Raiders have no further meetings with a divisional team until December 6th. They want to make this one count when the they face the Chargers on the 25th.

Jeremy Kahn does the Raiders podcast each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

photo credit google images of Justin Tuck Raiders

Bad timing: Raiders lose Tuck for the season with prolific Philip Rivers and the Chargers up next on the schedule

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By Morris Phillips

These days, the Oakland Raiders would have to be termed an improving club lucky to have a few, old wise contributors, and sorely in need of its young guys to get in step.

So the news, that Justin Tuck will undergo season-ending surgery on his torn pectoral muscle means the veteran will be dearly missed, and Mario Edwards–in his second year—needs to get up to speed quick.

That’s the simple reality for a team that’s been down too long, desperate to win, and possessing some big opportunities on its immediate horizon. Plus, Tuck may not return in 2016, and Edwards hopefully will be in team’s plans for years to come. But, given Tuck’s leadership and locker room presence, the transition won’t be easy.

“He’s a leader of the team, and having that type of injury is difficult,” Khalil Mack said of Tuck. “It’s one that he has remained positive about. We’ve all been positive with him and let him know that we still want to see him around. Having his leadership is really more important than anything.”

Edwards isn’t the pass rusher that the 11-year veteran Tuck has been, but he’s an emerging run stopper that has played extensively this season, especially last week against the Broncos. Edwards recorded a half sack of Peyton Manning and played on approximately two-thirds of the defensive snaps.

Aldon Smith, just five games into his stay in Oakland, and Khalil Mack, by default an essential piece in just his second season, will be counted on to do the lion’s share of the pass rushing in Tuck’s absence, so the Raiders aren’t in a desperate situation.

But they need to see some growth from the young roster now with a critical AFC West contest at San Diego up next.

The Raiders have just one divisional game under their belt—the loss to Denver—and five remaining. But after this week’s tangle with the Chargers, they won’t see another AFC West opponent until December 6 when the Chiefs visit the O.co Coliseum. Making sure those final four divisional battles mean something starts with getting a win against San Diego.

And without Tuck, and a secondary held together by matchsticks and veteran presence Charles Woodson, the Raiders will have their hands full with Philip Rivers, the best quarterback they’ll see all year outside of Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers. The Chargers rank 2nd in the NFL in passing at 318 yards per game.

Offensively, the Raiders need more growth from their youthful core of playmakers. David Carr, continues to grow, but he hasn’t avoided the game changing turnovers, or mounted scoring drives when in the second half in a close game outside his outstanding finish against the Ravens.

Latavius Murray needs more consistency and polish to his game, and he needs to regain his swagger missing since his tough afternoon in Chicago. The Raiders rank 27th in the NFL, averaging just 90 yards per game rushing. And if Amari Cooper wants to turn into a full-fledged superstar now rather than later that would help too.

The health and production of Michael Crabtree and Marcel Reece remains a critical indicator as well. Both veterans are among the NFL’s best at moving the chains and Carr has shown ability to get both the ball.

Did we mention the Chargers’ youthful defense has been vulnerable in the middle of the field despite the presence of Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle and inside linebacker Man’ti Teo?

The 2-3 Chargers have allowed nearly 27 points per game, which ranks 23rd, and are no doubt smarting after letting Michael Vick pull out Monday’s game in the fourth quarter.

NFL Podcast with Tony Renteria: NFL should stand pat on uniform rules; Falcons look to continue their streak to 6-0; the 49ers Brooks looks probable for this weekend

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On the podcast today Tony talks about the recent suspension of defensive lineman Cameron Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers suspension for writing “Iron Head” on his eye black a dedication to his late father Craig “Iron Head” Heyward who passed away in 2006. The NFL is standing by it strict uniform policy rules regardless and the suspension stands.

The Atlanta Falcons who are undefeated are getting set to face the Saints and feel prepared to take them out, Tony talks about the Falcons confidence and execution to win games. Also Tony talks about the certain areas of why the Falcons are such a successful team.

The 49ers offensive linebacker Ahmad Brooks who was away because of the death of his sister is likely to return this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens at Levis Stadium. Tony discusses how important Brooks is to the 49ers lineup.

The Oakland Raiders are taking this much needed bye off to regroup after loses to Chicago and Cleveland in weeks three and four. They’ll rely heavily on the offensive performances of quarterback Derek Carr and wide out Amari Cooper when they face the San Diego Chargers on Sun Oct 25th.

That’s the NFL podcast today with Tony Renteria take a listen below at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

photo credit by MSN of Cameron Heyward Pittsburgh Steelers

Oakland Raiders podcast with Jeremy Kahn: Janokowski to start his 242nd consecutive game on Sunday; plus Crabtree advising Cooper has been big help

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by Jeremy Kahn

photo credit google images Sebastian Janokowski raiders kicker

On the podcast tonight Jeremy discusses the success of Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janokowski as he enters his 242nd consecutive NFL game this Sunday against the Broncos. Janokowski says he’s never felt better and that he has at least six to seven years left in him.

Janokowski is at the top of his game and feels very healthy and has so far hit every field goal attempt seven straight this season without a miss. Janokowski is 37 years old this season “I feel great the key is staying away from the injuries maybe six, seven, eight more years. You never know I’ll still be kicking” said Janokowski.

Janokowski has an 80.5 conversation rate and he looks to have staying power in the NFL and is 12th in the league among the top kickers in the NFL with at least 400 attempts.

Also on the podcast the Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper has been getting good advice from veteran Raider receiver Michael Crabtree both have been potent for the Raiders offense in some of the success the team has had this season. The Raiders are better than their 2-2 record and they made that point by playing a close game in Chicago last Sunday losing only by a field goal. Crabtree and Cooper have been a huge reason why the Raiders are putting it together.

Jeremy Kahn does the Oakland Raiders podcast each week for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Manning and Broncos’ defense will be tough to handle for Carr and the Raiders Sunday

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By Joe Hawkes-Beamon

OAKLAND — Robbie Gould’s 49-yard game winning field goal in the closing moments of Oakland’s 22-20 loss in Chicago last week to the previous winless Bears may still taste sour to Raider Nation, but in the NFL you got to have a short-term memory.

The Raiders are 2-2 after the first month of the season and as the calendar has switched from September to October, Oakland’s season will really begin this Sunday when the Silver and Black host one of their bitter rivals, the Denver Broncos (4-0) at 1:25 p.m. PT. Oakland returns home after finishing 1-1 on a two-game road trip through Cleveland and the aforementioned Chicago.

Second-year Raiders’ signal-caller Derek Carr has thrown the ball well this season, completing  77-of-123 passes for 922 yards, seven touchdowns and just two interceptions. Carr leads a Oakland offense that may rank 17th in the league, but Oakland has the 10th best passing attack with the wide receiving duo of Michael Crabtree and rookie sensation Amari Cooper leading the way.

Cooper and Crabtree are in the top-20 among all receivers combining for 47 catches, 603 yards receiving, and three touchdowns. Cooper’s 14.1 yards per catch average ranks in the top-10 among all receivers.

In Oakland’s two losses against Denver last season, Carr completed 48-of-83 passes for 350 yards, with three touchdowns and three interceptions. The Raiders were outscored by Denver 88-31 in both games.

If the Raiders have any chance to hand Denver its first loss of the season, Oakland’s 31st ranked defense is going to have to limit the turnovers and apply some serious heat on the great Peyton Manning. Denver’s revamped offensive line has gotten Manning sacked 10 times through four games this season.

Even in his 18th season and Father Time is tugging on his cape, Manning is still one of the better quarterbacks in the game today. Manning has completed 98-of-154 passes for 968 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions. The five-time league MVP has thrown an interception in every game this season, a career-high for Manning to start the season according to Elias Sports Bureau.

Oakland did have some trouble getting to opposing quarterbacks this season, as it took three games to record the team’s first sack. Khalil Mack has three of the team’s eight sacks this season.

The Raiders’ secondary, a secondary that does feature another future Pro Football Hall of Famer in safety Charles Woodson in his 18th year, is a battered bunch and will have their work cut out for them in covering Broncos’ wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas, but keep your eye on tight end Owen Daniels.

Daniels could join a long line of tight ends that have destroyed the middle of Oakland’s defense this season. Tight ends are averaging five catches, 85 yards and a touchdown this season against the Silver and Black.

Carr and the Raiders could be in store for a long day facing the Broncos’ stifling defense, who rank No. 1 overall in against both the run and the pass.The Broncos are yielding 17.2 points per game so far this season.

Denver may have a formidable secondary with Chris Harris Jr. and Aqib Talib anchoring the corners and safety T.J. Ward ready to lay the lumber, the Broncos’ strength on defense has got to be the linebackers, which Denver’s defensive coordinator Wade Phillips knows how to deploy with his exotic blitz schemes.

Von Miller is such a force that he’s nearly unblockable and will be rewarded with a monster contract next offseason. Miller recovered Vikings’ quarterback Teddy Bridgewater’s fumble after Ward’s strip-sack in the final seconds to preserve Denver’s 23-20 victory over Minnesota in Week 4.

DeMarcus Ware continues to be one of the league’s feared pass rushers in his 11th year out of Troy, leading the league with 4.5 sacks. Fellow linebackers Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall are quickly becoming household names with solid tackling and strong communication.

NFL podcast with Tony Renteria: Explaining odd call in Seahawks-Chancellor win; 49ers lacking everything on both sides of the ball; plus more

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by Tony Renteria

photo credit Seattle Times Kam Chancellor

Today on the podcast I talk about the tough loss for the Detroit Lions last Sunday 13-10. As the Lions Calvin Johnson had the ball punched out of his hands by the Seattle Seahawks Kam Chancellor that stopped Johnson from scoring at the goal line to go ahead.

Also there are some fans that are saying the San Francisco 49ers are playing more like the Santa Clara 49ers more than anything. The 49ers just couldn’t solve the Green Bay defense and get any offense going in their 17-3 loss at Levis Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick struggled all day and there were some calls that think he should sit down if he’s going to continue to throw like that.

The Miami Dolphins who fired their head coach Joe Philbin and replaced him with tight ends coach Dan Campbell will be interim coach and see what Campbell can do with the team for the rest of the season. The jinx is on any head coach whose gone to London during the season with their team and has ended up getting fired. Dennis Allen of the Raiders last year and now Philbin this season after losing to the New York Jets on Sunday.

Tony talks NFL and Raiders on the podcast today at http://www.sportsradioservice.com take a listen below

Carr, Raiders fall short in Chicago on last second field goal

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By Joe Hawkes-Beamon

CHICAGO — Robbie Gould’s 49-yard field goal in the final minute proved to be the difference, propelling the Chicago Bears to their first win of the season with a 22-20 victory over the Oakland Raiders Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field.

Bears’ (1-3) starting quarterback Jay Cutler completed 28-of-43 passes for 281 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in his return to the lineup after missing last week’s game due to a hamstring injury. Cutler’s status was up in the air for most of the week as he was limited in practice.

Oakland (2-2) was hanging on by a thread after taking a 20-19 lead with 2:05 left in the game behind a 41-yard field goal by Sebastian Janikowski. Janikowski’s field goal was set up by free safety Charles Woodson’s interception after Cutler drove Chicago deep into Raiders’ territory. Woodson, the savvy 18-year veteran, undercut a Cutler pass intended for tight end Martellus Bennett at the 6:50 mark.

Woodson’s interception was his sixth in eight career games at Soldier Field.

Woodson appeared to have saved Oakland once again after bailing out the Raiders with a game-clinching interception in last week’s win at Cleveland.

Martellus Bennett became another tight end that continue to hurt the Raiders’ defense this season, finishing with 11 catches (13 targets) for 83 yards and a touchdown.

With injuries decimating the wide receiving corps for Chicago playing with starters Alshon Jeffrey and rookie Kevin White, Cutler was able to get great production from wide receivers Eddie Royal (7 REC., 54 YDS, 1 TD on 10 targets) and Marquess Wilson (6 REC., 80 YDS on nine targets).

Chicago running back Matt Forte, who has been rumored to be on the trading block, finished with 25 carries for 91 rushing yards. Forte also added 48 yards on four catches. The Bears won the time of possession battle, controlling the ball for 33 minutes of the game compared to just 26 minutes for the Silver & Black.

Raiders’ starting quarterback Derek Carr completed 20-of-33 passes for only 196 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Carr was coming off back-to-back 300-plus passing performances.

Carr connected with rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper on a 26-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter that was placed perfectly on Cooper’s hands that needed replay review to confirm the score. Cooper was targeted nine times, catching just four balls for 49 yards receiving.

Fellow wide receiver Michael Crabtree caught five passes for 80 yards on six targets. Crabtree left the game in the second quarter after rolling his ankle, but returned to finish the game.

Latavius Murray, had a day to forget. Murray had a pass bounce of his chest pads that led to an interception in the second quarter, and then lost a fumble on a toss play. Murray, who was replaced by Roy Helu after the fumble, finished with with just 49 yards on 16 carries.

Malcolm Smith paced the Raiders’ defense with nine tackles. Oakland’s defensive unit as a whole registered three sacks and forced two fumbles (both recovered).

The Silver & Black converted two turnovers into 10 points, but it wasn’t enough for Oakland to push their record to 3-1.

After finishing their two-game road trip 1-1, Oakland returns home to host AFC West-leading Denver Broncos Oct. 11.

Oakland Raiders podcast with Jeremy Kahn: Raiders face winless Bears for chance at their third straight win in Chicago

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by Jeremy Kahn

photo credit sportsworldreport.com Latavius Murray Oak Raiders

ALAMEDA–Tonight on the podcast the Raiders (3-1) head out to Chicago for their meeting with the Bears (0-3) at Soldier Field. The Raiders are coming into the contest coming off two straight wins against the Ravens and Browns can the Raiders do it a third time? Quarterback Derek Carr has led the Raiders to the promise land with those key victories and he has the respect of the players right now.
On receiving Carr is getting help from wide receiver Amari Cooper with 134 yards and eight carries last Sunday in Cleveland also the Raiders got some offensive help from Seth Roberts and Marcel Reece. On rushing running back Latavius Murray topped rushers with 26 carries for 139 yards. He looks like he’ll be the go to guy again this week.

The Raiders coaching is looking good and lots of credit to the strategy of head coach Jack Del Rio. Can he be the successful coach for the Raiders after so many coaching changes over the years for this franchise?

Jeremy answers all those and more on the Raiders podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com