ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) Coach Dennis Allen will get a prime-time stage to the start of his tenure with the Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders will once again open the season in the back end of a Monday night doubleheader on Sept. 10 at home against San Diego. This marks the fourth time in five years that Oakland has opened in the late Monday night game.

”I’m excited about it. You grow up watching Monday Night Football and the theme song,” Allen said Tuesday. ”We’re excited about getting to open up the new era of Raider football both in the preseason on Monday night and in the regular season.”

The NFL released the 2012 schedule on Tuesday, the same day Allen held his first voluntary minicamp since taking over as Raiders coach from the fired Hue Jackson in January.

Many of the players had already been at the facility the past two weeks for voluntary offseason conditioning, but this was the first time Allen and his coaching staff could get them out on the field.

”We’re using this as an opportunity to really install a core base offense, defense and special teams,” he said. ”Really just get a chance to let the guys go through the motions of breaking a huddle lining up in a formation, lining up in a defense, lining up in a punt team formation and allow them to get a feel for what we’re going to do and how they’re going to be asked to do it.”

This is the first chance for the staff to get a firsthand look at their new players. General manager Reggie McKenzie said last week this would be a particularly important three-day test for second-year quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

The Raiders used a 2012 third-round pick to take Pryor in the supplemental draft last August but never got a chance to see what the former Ohio State star could do. He signed too late to play in the preseason and got on the field just once in the regular season, committing a false start on his only play.

”What I want to see is that every day he gets a little bit better,” Allen said. ”That’s what we’re looking for with all of our players. None of us are where we need to be right now.”

One encouraging sign was that star running back Darren McFadden was able to participate. McFadden missed the final nine games last season with a sprained right foot and never got a chance to play with new quarterback Carson Palmer, who made his debut with the Raiders later in the game that McFadden hurt his foot.

McFadden ran for 614 yards and scored five touchdowns in seven games last season. He had a big season in 2010 when he gained 1,664 yards from scrimmage and scored 10 touchdowns but has missed 19 games in four seasons because of various injuries.

”He’s one of our most explosive players on offense,” Allen said. ”He’s a dangerous weapon. We’re looking forward to finding different ways of using him and kind of exploiting his talents.”

Allen hopes to have a healthy McFadden for the entire season. Other highlights of the schedule include a Thursday night home game against Denver on Dec. 6. That comes in the middle of a three-game homestand to start December, with games also against Cleveland and Kansas City.

The Raiders end the season with their only back-to-back road games, making trips to Carolina and San Diego. They also have road games surrounding their Oct. 7 bye, going to Denver before the week off and Atlanta the following week.

The trip to Atlanta is one of five to the Eastern time zone, the most the Raiders have ever made in a regular season, including a Week 2 trip to Miami.

Oakland also hosts Pittsburgh on Sept. 23 and travels to Cincinnati Nov. 25, where Jackson returned as an assistant after being fired by the Raiders.

There may be a lot of pressure on Oakland Raiders’ running back Darren McFadden to live up to this season, but he sounds ready for the challenge, and just as fired up as quarterback Carson Palmer to get the 2012 season started.

McFadden left the game early in week seven in which the Raiders faced the Kansas City Chiefs in Oakland. Many of us would like to forget that day in October that seemed to be the beginning of the end to a disappointing finish in 2011. With Jason Campbell and Darren McFadden on the field, it seemed that anything was possible.

Over a 15-day period, the Raiders’ iconic owner Al Davis died, Campbell suffered a broken collar bone and McFadden experienced a serious foot injury, and we all know how the rest of the story went.

In 2012, things are looking up. Palmer not only has the passion, but the talent and the leadership skills to get the Raiders back to their winning ways. He was missing a key player out on the field last season, never getting the chance to throw to McFadden.

This afternoon, the exceptional running back spoke to Sirius XM NFL Radio on his foot injury and the feeling that the Raiders have behind the scenes during the offseason in Alameda.

McFadden said, “I’m feeling pretty good now.” He also remarked that he can’t worry about getting hurt again because he’s got to concentrate on playing hard. He reiterated what every other player wearing the silver and black has said recently, stating, “It’s a great feeling around the organization,” and said that everyone is very excited about the new coaching staff.

The 24-year-old told Sirius XM that he also believes Palmer will do a tremendous job for the offense in 2012 and is anxious to get back out on the field again.

When McFadden is healthy, he’s considered to be one of the best running backs in the NFL. In the first game of the 2011 season, he rushed for 150 yards against Denver. It was the most ever for a Raiders’ running back in a season opener.

In barely over six games last year, he accumulated 614 yards and 113 carries with four touchdowns. In 2010, he amassed 1,157 rushing yards with 223 carries and seven touchdowns and on the receiving end he had 47 catches, 507 yards and three touchdowns.

The feeling of excitement that’s in the air is undeniable. If fans were waiting for the players on the Silver and Black to show the same passion on the field that the Raider Nation has for the team, it looks like they’re on the right track.

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.

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A huge thanks to the Oakland Raiders’ PR department for sending out a transcript of coach Dennis Allen’s media session on Tuesday morning from the owners meetings. Let’s look at some of the highlights:

On Peyton Manning joining the division: “I think obviously, Peyton is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game, so he creates a big challenge for all of us. One of the things, when you look at the quarterbacks in this division, you think about Carson Palmer, Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers, this is one of the better divisions in football as far as the quarterback position goes. So, I think it’s an awesome challenge for all of us in the division. I think every defensive-minded coach in this division is excited about the challenge.

My take: Allen makes a good point. This is a strong quarterback division, assuming Palmer gets comfortable in the Raiders’ system, and Matt Cassel makes strides in Kansas City with his big basket of offensive weapons.

On putting his own stamp on the program, and still respecting the past: “I think with every great program in the National Football League, I think you really have to respect the history and tradition within the organization. The Oakland Raiders. It’s one of the most storied franchises in all of sport, not just the NFL. We want to embrace those, embrace the past, and the history of the organization. But yet, we want to do it our way. Reggie and I are going to work together to do it the way we want to do it, and put the best team out on the field we can put out there. You have to embrace the tradition of the Raiders and what Mr. Davis was able to build there. But at the same time, Reggie and I have to do it our way. We’re committed to doing that. Reggie’s done an outstanding job since he’s been there, of putting his own stamp on the organization. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with the players and putting my stamp on the team.”

My take: I love the handle Allen and McKenzie have on this deal. They know the history (McKenzie is a former Raiders player), but they also know they need to be in charge of taking this team in their own direction in the post-Al Davis world. I think they are approaching it the right way.

On Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie: “What you find out about Reggie, he does let the process play out. He’s not going to be swayed in any way by public perception. He’s going to do what he thinks is right for himself, for the organization, and he’s not really going to look back.”

My take: Allen nailed it. Every time I’ve been around McKenzie (dating back 13 years ago in Green Bay), he appeared never to have a worry in the world. He is approaching this job with a calmness that only should help the Oakland organization.

On young players on the roster: “We’ve got some young players on our team that I’m excited about. I’m excited about the receiving corps. I’m excited about Tyvon Branch at the safety position. I’m excited about the opportunity to get to work with Rolando McClain as a middle linebacker. There’s a reason why he was drafted so high. I think Darren McFadden is someone I’m excited about, still a developing player. When you look at our team, we really have some young talent that has a chance to grow. How you can sustain success in this league is to develop young players. That’s critical.”

My take: Yes, the Raiders have taken some major hits in the offseason, but they also have some solid, young talent. That is their chance to be competitive.

On Oakland’s top defensive assets: “Our strongest area, I think defensively, is we’re going to be good up front. I think that’s been a key asset to the team over the last couple years. We’re big, we’re physical up front. And then I think we’ve got team speed all over the field. I think where we need to get is, we have to be able to develop some of the young players, some of the young talent. You look at DeMarcus Van Dyke, Chimdi Chekwa and some of the draft choices last year that we’ve got to develop. Rolando McClain is one of those guys we’ve got to develop. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to get to work with those guys. We do have talent. We’ve got to bring them along.”

My take: There is no doubt, the Raiders’ defensive assets are on the front line. It all starts there. Oakland must have good health up front as it continues to develop in the back seven.

On free agency: “Here’s the first thing: There’s good players out there. They really form most of your team. We weren’t able to go out there and make the big splash, the big name, through free agency. We won’t be able to go out and make the big splash, the big name through the draft, because we don’t have a first- or second-round draft choice. What we’ve got to be able to do, we have to find those value picks that fit what we want to do, offensively, defensively and in the kicking game, that allow us to do that. Then, we’ve got to develop of them as coaches.”

My take: It’s the right attitude. He has no other choice.

On whether the Raiders will play a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme: “No, we haven’t decided any of that yet. We’re still going through the process of acquiring talent, looking into who we’re going to have on the team next year. Once we get through the draft, we’ll have a better feel [for] what we want to do there.”

My take: I think Allen has to be already leaning toward a particular scheme. I don’t think there are many players who will be available at No. 95 who can sway his opinion on whether to run a 4-3 or a 3-4. The existing talent is flexible enough to play both schemes, and I think we will see, as Allen has said in the past, Oakland use multiple sets.

Although I’m an Oakland Raiders fan, I’ve followed Peyton Manning over the last decade and have always felt he was one of the best. As long as the Raiders weren’t battling it out with the Indianapolis Colts, I was rooting for Manning’s team to win. When it was reported on Tuesday that he would be released today, it was hard to swallow.

There are few truly great quarterbacks and Manning is definitely one of them. It feels like the end of an era, and though he spent 14 years with the Colts, it does seem like that ending came a little too soon. After being so loyal to the franchise, and taking them to great heights, saying goodbye this way isn’t the best way to reward him.

On a selfish note, I’ve always wished he could come over to the dark side and wear the silver and black, but at this point the chances of him becoming a Raider are probably about the same as mine for winning the lottery. As long as he didn’t play for an AFC West rival, for my own personal reasons, I’d enjoy continuing to watch him in the NFL, but I believe it’s time that Manning retires.

One of the greatest wide receivers of all-time, Jerry Rice, would like the San Francisco 49ers to persue Manning. He told the Chronicle and Bay Area News Group during an interview yesterday, I think you go for it, you really do… Not knocking what Alex Smith did … but a guy with the knowledge and talent of Peyton Manning, I think you’d take it to a whole different level. If he’s healthy, he’s going to have a chip on his shoulder like crazy. He’s going to be pissed.”

I can see Manning in a 49ers uniform, they’ve had some of the best quarterbacks in history on their team with Joe Montana and Steve Young, but after spending so many years in the blue and white, and achieving what few can hope to achieve in the NFL, is it worth risking further injury?

Manning is a Super Bowl Champion, a four-time NFL MVP, the Colts all-time leader in c areer Wins, passing touchdowns , pass attempts, pass Completions and passing yards, and the list goes on. He’s said to be completely recovered from his neck injury, but once something like that happens he’s at higher risk for further injury, and who knows what the next hard hit could result in.

In addition to being a great football player, Manning seems like a great guy and is obviously very intelligent when it comes to football. He’s also got a beautiful family. Why risk his health when he could move on now to the next stage of his career? Possibly as a quarterbacks coach? I’d be ecstatic to see him help out the Raiders, but whatever happens, I believe he’ll be successful in any endeavor he takes on.

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.

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Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

With the Oakland Raiders 2012 season still almost six months off, fans have a lot of time to plan a vacation or a short trip to attend one of their away games. While we don’t have the specific schedule yet, it’s never too early to decide which is the best to head out to.

The Raiders will face their AFC West rivals, the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers, of course. In addition, they battle Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers.

Denver Broncos

Some of my favorite battles have been between the Raiders and the Broncos, and having lived in the Denver area for almost a decade I’ve attended a lot of games at Sports Authority Field. While you might have to endure a little harassment, it’s well worth going. The view from the stadium at a mile high is pretty amazing too.

At the season opener last year, the Silver and Black defeated the Broncos, 23-20, and Sebastian Janikowski kicked a record-tying 63-yard field goal. In 2012, he could just break that record here. Plus, with the new head coach Dennis Allen coming from Denver, I really think this is going to be one of the best to watch. I can’t wait to see the Raiders defeat Tim Tebow.

Kansas City Chiefs

While the scenery surrounding Arrowhead Stadium may not be as picturesque as Colorado, the game on the field should provide enough drama to make up for it. I’m looking forward to watching Stanford Routt get penalized on the flip side.

San Diego Chargers

With San Diego a doable, but long, day’s drive, this will be another good one for fans to attend. The Raiders played a great game here in 2011, defeating the Chargers 24-17. One of the San Diego fans was so upset about the loss he drank too much on woke up on a stranger’s couch . The 81-year-old woman got the fright of her life, and the sulking fan went to jail.

Cincinnati Bengals

While Cincinnati, Ohio is a little harder to get too, this would be a good one to attend if you can. With our former head coach Hue Jackson on the side of the Bengals, I’m interested to see how this one will go. Not to mention the fact that Raiders’ quarterback Carson Palmer led the team here for almost a decade.

Miami Dolphins

Last year’s game in Miami, Florida was a blowout for the wrong team, with the Raiders losing 34-14 to the Dolphins. I don’t think that will happen in 2012, and this one is also a great excuse to enjoy sunny Florida, and maybe even plan a little vacation in The Keys, just an hour south of Miami.

Baltimore Ravens

The Raiders haven’t had a lot of success against the Ravens , the record in the series between the teams is at 6-1 with Baltimore leading. I keep hoping that will change. If enough fans wearing the Silver and Black fill the stands will it make the difference?

Atlanta Falcons

Oakland leads the series against Atlanta , 7-5, but when the Raiders faced them the last time in 2008, they were shut out 24-0. That was 2008, however, with quarterback JaMarcus Russell leading the team. While I probably won’t be heading out to this one, I’d be willing to bet that we won’t be shut out in 2012, and will hopefully get the victory this time.

Carolina Panthers

The Raiders and Panthers have met just four times, with the series tied at 2-2. They last time they played was in 2008, and Oakland was defeated 17-6. While I haven’t been to Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte , North Carolina, this might also be a good one to attend and watch the Raiders take the lead in the series.

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.

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Oakland Raiders’ Carson Palmer Loves the Pressure and is Excited for 2012: Fan’s Take

Oakland Raiders’ Dennis Allen Calls Darren McFadden Vital to the Team: Fan’s Look

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Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

The Oakland Raiders’ new offensive coordinator, Greg Knapp, is so excited to be back on the team he used the world “excited” when speaking to CSNBayArea.com six different times. Knapp was with the team in 2007 and 2008, working with the quite forgettable JaMarcus Russell and head coach Lane Kiffin.

Knapp said he had hoped to return to California but was especially eager to sign on with the new general manager, Reggie McKenzie, and head coach, Dennis Allen.

Knapp remarked, ” There’s a definite positive vibe going on. I was very excited to see what Reggie’s plan was when I came in and initially met with him. He added, “D.A.’s energy is contagious with everybody. The players are feeling it. The guys who have been in the building for a long time—equipment guys, trainers, video guys—are feeling it. It’s neat to be a part of something at the ground level and build this thing.”

His comments are not surprising to me at all. I’ve yet to hear a bad word said about Allen or McKenzie, and in fact, am hearing from everyone about how the Silver and Black are headed in the right direction in 2012.

The most revered quarterback in recent years for the Raiders, Rich Gannon, tweeted in regard to the OC’s hiring recently, ” better situation and opportunity for Knapp and the coaching staff in OAK. It’s a chance to start over and do it the right way.”

A blog over the weekend written by “Al’s Wingman,” summed up the feelings of many within the Raider Nation, writing that it was his first time in being a fan for over two decades that he’s agreed with everything the front office in Alameda is doing. He remarked that Mark Davis, the late Al Davis’ son, is a lot more open and forthright in his comments to the public, and that “t he entire roster is being evaluated in terms of talent equitable to the player’s salary,” noting that this is a first in Raiders’ history that does not factor in the personal taste of the late owner.

There is no doubt that a new positive energy seems to be beaming around the Silver and Black. The former great running back Napoleon Kaufman has noticed as well, tweeting on February 24, ” A lot of news today on new Raiders coach Dennis Allen. I met him last week, this guys serious and I like him. Trust me not all change is bad.”

Although sometimes change is difficult to swallow, as far as the Silver and Black are concerned, I believe the majority of changes taking place are going to take the team, and fans, to greater heights than we’ve seen in decades.

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.

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Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

The Oakland Raiders’ late owner, Al Davis, was well-known for his love of speedy players, and it’s not surprising that many of the fastest players in the history of the NFL Combine went on to wear the Silver and Black. Here is a look at some of the Raiders’ greatest running backs and their performances at the Combine. Who was the best ever?

Bo Jackson

Bo knows a lot of things, and one of those is how to run like lightening. Bo Jackson holds the record for the fastest 40-yard dash at the Combine, ever. The player who many call one of the best athletes of all-time reportedly ran a 4.12. Although some questioned the validity of that time, a 4.18 ran the same week made believers out of the biggest skeptics.

If a hip injury hadn’t taken Jackson out of the game after just four seasons, he would have undoubtedly gone on to break numerous NFL records that might not have been touched for years, if ever. Unfortunately, we can only say, “What if?”

Darren McFadden

Darren McFadden has been a stand-out player, at least when he’s at 100%. We hope that 2012 will be the year the great running back is able to participate in each game, or at least a majority of them. He was sorely missed after leaving in week seven against the Kansas City Chiefs, never to return. McFadden became the first running back to reach 1000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards since the awesome Marcus Allen in 1986.

At the Combine, McFadden ran a 4.33 40-yard dash, the second best time in the last decade. Chris Johnson of the Tennesse Titans holds the record at 4.24, set in 2008.

Napoleon Kaufman

Napoloeon Kaufman was also one of the speediest players ever out on the football field. In 1992, as a college player for the Washington Huskies, he ran a 4.22 40-yard dash. At the Combine he ran a 4.31. Kaufman went on to become one of the Raiders’ greatest rushers, setting a record of 227 yards in a single game against the Denver Broncos in October 1997. The previous record of 221 yards was held by Bo Jackson. Kaufman still holds the record today.

Who will be next to surpass the records of the some of the greatest to ever wear the Silver and Black?

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.

More from this contributor:

A Look Back at the Oakland Raiders’ Receivers in the 2009 to 2011 Combine and Beyond

Oakland Raiders’ Dennis Allen Calls Darren McFadden Vital to the Team: Fan’s Look

Oakland Raiders’ Hall of Famer Fred Biletnikoff Doing Great Work to Support At-Risk Youth

Oakland Raiders’ Dennis Allen Has the Right Mindset to Lead the Team to Greatness: Fan Reaction

Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

At yesterday’s media conference with the Oakland Raiders’ Dennis Allen, the new head coach stated that the NFL Scouting Combine is just as important as ever, despite their lack of picks in the upcoming draft. Allen remarked, “I told the coaching staff the most important thing we can be doing right now is picking players, and making sure we’ve got the right guys on our team. The offensive scheme, the defensive scheme, that’s going to take care of itself.”

The Raiders have two picks in the fifth and sixth rounds of the draft, and will also receive compensatory picks due to a loss of a few of their free agents last year.

Oakland’s late owner Al Davis, was known for choosing the players specifically for their speed but both Allen and general manager Reggie McKenzie said that the 40-yard dash speed will only be a consideration between “two guys who are about the same football playing-wise.” Allen also said, “we’re not going to take guys just because they are real fast because that doesn’t correlate to being a good football player.”

Taking a look back at three current receivers on the team, how did they do at the Combine and beyond?

Receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey recorded the best time at the Combine in 2009, at 4.3 in the 40. He reportedly was timed at 4.23 during 2006 preseason drills. There were many who questioned the Raiders decision in snagging Heyward-Bey over players like Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin, and in his first two years in the NFL, it looked like he was on his way to becoming a big disappointment. But by the end of 2011, he recorded 64 receptions for 975 yards and four touchdowns, becoming the most improved player on the team. So much for the skeptics, and even fans of rival teams who continue to criticize the move based on his first two seasons and not his third.

At the 2010 Combine, Jacoby Ford ran a 4.28 in the 40-yard dash, and recorded a 6.52 in the 60-meter dash. During his rookie year with the team, Ford brought the Raiders to victory against Kansas City with two miracle catches in the final minutes of the November 2010 game. In 2011, he had an outstanding run in the game against the Cleveland Browns, and was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after his great efforts including the incredible 101-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

The expert analysis of Ford at the Combine said he lacked the ” prototypical size,” and it stated: “r eturn potential is there, but return skills could use some refinement. Despite his track speed, open field running could improve.”

In the 2011 Combine, Denarius Moore ran a 4.45 in the 40-yard-dash, the analysis of the receiver listed several weaknesses, stating that Moore “d oes not possess adequate explosion and quickness,” and “t akes too long to reach top speed and will struggle to gain separation on underneath patterns.”

Moore became one of the best deals of 2011, and was named Rookie of the Week three times over the course of the season. Former h ead coach Hue Jackson called Moore not only the most impressive rookie at training camp, but one of the most impressive of all the players. In the second game of the regular season against the Buffalo Bills he hauled in five passes for 146 yards and scored a touchdown. In week ten, he caught five passes for 123 yards and scored two touchdowns in the Raiders’ 24-17 victory over the San Diego Chargers.

During the all-important must-win game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Eve, Moore caught four passes for 94 yards and scored a touchdown.

The so-called experts are certainly not always right when it comes to their analysis. Who will be a stand-out in 2012? Fans have another six months or so to wait, but there is no doubt that the upcoming season will be an exciting one for Raider Nation.

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.

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Oakland Raiders’ Dennis Allen Calls Darren McFadden Vital to the Team: Fan’s Look

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The Oakland Raiders’ new head coach Dennis Allen spoke to the media at the 2012 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis today, and provided a few answers to some lingering questions in regard to a few of the players. There has been some speculation as to whether or not Darren McFadden might be traded in return for some much needed draft picks.

Allen answered that question without hesitating, stating that when he was the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, McFadden was one of the biggest challenges when it came to defeating the Raiders. When asked if the running back was in Oakland’s future plans he adamantly stated, “As far as I’m concerned he is.”

Allen feels that the running back is one of the biggest strengths on the team’s offense, and called both McFadden and Michael Bush the “two-headed monster.”

Allen was also asked about McFadden’s foot injury and stated that it’s much better, and that he’s also been working out quite a bit. He commented, “there is no doubt McFadden will be ready to go when the 2012 season gets underway.” The organization is also looking at injuries from a lot of different aspects in order to determine how they cane be better prevented in the future.

With the emphasis on McFadden and Bush as a team, this could mean that they’ll work hard to keep Bush, although he seemed to put the bigger priority on McFadden. I think the future of the backup running back that rushed for nearly 1,000 yards while filling in for the injured player is still pretty questionable. Allen did not discuss the future of the players who become free agents.

Coach Allen also answered a question about safety Michael Huff’s future in regard to becoming the cornerback in 2012. Before the former head coach Hue Jackson was fired, he stated that he’d planned to move Huff to that position. Allen remarked, “The one thing do I do know about Michael Huff is he’s an extremely good athlete and he has skills athletically of a corner. And so that obviously would be an option for us, but again, we won’t make any decisions along those lines until we know exactly what we got.”

In regard to Rolando McClain, the coach said, “We’re going to give him every opportunity to prove that he’s the type of player that he’s capable of being. I think if he’s willing to come in and work and do the things we ask him to do, he’ll reach that potential.”

Out of everything Allen discussed, probably the biggest question answered was the future of McFadden, and it looks like he is one who is definitely here to stay. If he can stay healthy, I’m certainly with Allen on this one.

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.

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The injury report for the Oakland Raiders heading into the all important game against the San Diego Chargers may be the shortest list we’ve seen all year. That’s especially good news for the Silver and Black who have their postseason on the line with this final game of the regular season.

There are just three players who are definitely out, and that’s quarterback Jason Campbell, who wasn’t really expected to return after suffering a broken collar bone in week six, running back Darren McFadden, whose chances were already slim to none, and defensive tackle, Big John, John Henderson, out with a knee injury.

The players who are listed as questionable, are likely to see at least some time on the field, and receiver Jacoby Ford and safety Michael Huff have already been pretty adamant about getting in the game.

Ford commented, “It was definitely a positive week for me so I feel good going into the game. If I practiced this much this week and I’m not out there, I’d be mad.”

He could become a big factor in a victory for the Raiders. Ford and Palmer displayed a great rhythm together. In Palmer’s second outing with the team as they faced the Denver Broncos in Oakland, Ford made an incredible catch in the end zone for an 18-yard touchdown. Just days later in San Diego, he somehow grabbed a 41-yarder, making it look easy.

Huff is the player who saved the game for the Raiders against the Texans when he interception Houston’s Matt Schaub in the end zone. A healthy Huff will bring much needed improvement to Oakland’s defense.

Running back Taiwan Jones is a little more questionable. He’s been battling a hamstring injury, but it’s likely he’ll see time on the field as well. Michael Bush, once again, will be given the opportunity to show what he’s made of.

The Chargers’ wide receiver Vincent Jackson was reportedly not likely to be in the game due to a groin injury, but it looks like that has changed, and he’s now listed as probable. Jackson is one of the Chargers star players, but against the Raiders he caught just one pass for 22 yards. In their recent game against Detroit he had just two catches for 41 yards. He may be trying to play through pain, and I don’t think he’ll be a big concern for the Raiders on Sunday. San Diego’s running back Ryan Mathews is still questionable, with running back Mike Tolbert as probable.

Just one day before we find out the fate of the Silver and Black, things continue to look brighter. As always, whoever is on, or off, the field, Just win baby!

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan from the time she could walk. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett . Follow her at www.facebook.com/KCDermodyWriter, Twitter @kcdermody, or www.kcdermodywriter.com.

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The Oakland Raiders’ running back Michael Bush has done an exceptional job filling in for star running back Darren McFadden, who’s been out with a foot injury since he left in week seven in the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

It’s been Bush’s opportunity to shine as a starter, and he’s taking full advantage. This coming Sunday, Bush is being called on once again to steal the show against the San Diego Chargers, and he needs just 89 yards to surpass the 1,000 yard mark for the first time in his career.

Bush was signed by the Raiders as the first pick in the fourth round of the draft in 2007, but he’d been hobbled by a broken leg in college with the University of Louisville, and wasn’t able to get on the NFL field until 2008. In 2010, he rushed for 655 yards in 14 games and had eight touchdowns. Since filling in for McFadden this year, he’s got a total of 911 yards and seven touchdowns.

In Bush’s last game against San Diego, just after he came in for McFadden, he ran down the field 55 yards to set up a Raiders touchdown and by the end of the night, Bush was credited with a touchdown and 157 yards. In 2010, Bush played a significant part in the victory over the Chargers in the game at O.co Coliseum. In that match up, he had 26 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown.

Bush is in a very good position in the NFL right now, and he could make it even better on New Year’s Day. He’s coming to the end of a one-year, $2.6 million contract. After this season he’s a free agent, and playing so impressively, he’ll have a lot of teams taking a good look at this great running back. There is nothing like being a part of the Silver and Black, however, and he says he likes the weather in Oakland, so we’ll see what happens at the end of the year. Much of his decision could be riding on Sunday’s game, and the team’s continuation into the playoffs.

There are so many things riding on the New Year’s Day game, it’s hard to think of anything else. Just believe. Just win baby!

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan from the time she could walk. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett . Follow her at www.facebook.com/KCDermodyWriter, Twitter @kcdermody, or www.kcdermodywriter.com.

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The Oakland Raiders might have gotten their spark back after it seemed to go out during at least two of their three recent losses. It nearly died in the battles against the Miami Dolphins and the Green Bay Packers, and there just wasn’t enough to get that flame going to defeat the Detroit Lions. But fortunately, it seems to have returned, and players are starting to sound like they’re part of the team fans know and love.

The must-win defeat of the Kansas City Chiefs, and some exceptional stand out plays showed their heart is in it to win, and hearing some of the players and coaches shortly after the game over the last couple of days there is no denying that.

Stanford Routt, an Al Davis favorite, was responsible for one of two interceptions against the Chiefs’ quarterback, Kyle Orton, on Christmas Eve. He posted on Twitter after the game, “Not gonna dwell on the small stuff….just gonna enjoy this because I can’t ask for anything better than WIN on Christmas Eve!”

He also tweeted, “We’re a movement by ourselves…but a force when we’re together,” which I believe speaks volumes for the team.

Tommy Kelly, the Raiders’ defensive tackled commented on the Chiefs’ game, “At the end of the day, if we win 16-13, I don’t care how we get there. After last week losing 28-27 and giving up 14 points in the last five or six minutes, I don’t even care to tell you the truth. I just want to win and go to the playoffs for the first time in my career.”

Possibly my favorite quote after the victory on Christmas Eve was a tweet by tight end Brandon Myers, “Early Xmas present to #RaiderNation we are gonna give it our ALL to beat SD an make the playoffs. Much love.”

Myers was part of that amazing play when they pulled off the fake field goal and punter Shane Lechler, the holder on the play, threw a shovel pass to Myers who ran untouched into the endzone for the touchdown. Unfortunately it was called back for a delay of game penalty, but at least this time, we’re not talking about how that penalty (and others) led to a loss.

Although it’s too soon to know which injured players will make a return for the final game of the season coming up this Sunday, there is a possibility that we’ll see receiver Jacoby Ford back on the field. He’s missed eight games, but if he can be in for this final, must-win situation, he will.

Safety Michael Huff, who had never missed a game at any level of his career, has missed four this season with a hamstring injury. This morning he commented, “It feels good to be this close. It’s been a while since it’s been like this around here. It’s a good feeling. We know we have to go out there and handle our business this week and everything will take care of itself.”

Huff also added, “I’ll be out there,” Huff said Monday morning. “I’m not going to miss this one.”

There is a possibility that running back Darren McFadden could return for week 17, but he’d have to play through pain, and head coach Hue Jackson might want to save him for a playoff game rather than risk further injury. We won’t know more until later in the week, and I think the chances are pretty slim for him to come back against San Diego.

Either way, the spark has returned, and it’s bigger than ever. I do believe we’ll see them defeat the Chargers. It’s rare that you’ll ever hear me say this, but “Go Chiefs!” And, of course, to the Raiders, “Just win baby!”

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan from the time she could walk. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett . Follow her at www.facebook.com/KCDermodyWriter or on Twitter @kcdermody.

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By Bill Hanstock

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Dec 25, 2011 – The Oakland Raiders have a lot riding on their final game of the 2011 NFL season. They have a chance at capturing the AFC West in Week 17 as they host the San Diego Chargers. A win on Sunday combined with a loss by the Denver Broncos would seal the deal and get the Raiders into the postseason. Wins by both teams would result in the Broncos being crowned the West champs due to tiebreak rules. There is no guarantee that the Broncos will be handed a loss by the visiting Kansas City Chiefs, but without a Raiders win over the Chargers, the result of the Broncos/Chiefs game will be a moot point.

To that end, the Raiders could use the assistance of two key players. Running back Darren McFadden has been out since November 4 with a foot injury. The Raiders have, up to this point, been very cautious about not bringing their star rusher back before he is ready. Wide receiver Jacoby Ford also has a foot injury, being listed as week to week since December 9.

On Sunday, Raiders beat reporter Steve Corkran of the Contra Costa Times made the following suggestion that perhaps Oakland would be willing to pull out all the stops in order to ensure a win next week:

This is purely speculation on Corkran’s part, of course, but consider that Corkran is a significant and respected beat writer for the team. He, of all people, would be careful to throw around idle speculation without something substantial to back up his hunch.

Michael Bush has been filling in for McFadden during McFadden’s time away with injury. Bush has been doing a very fine job, but if McFadden were available to play at close to 100 percent, he would be a valuable asset in the game against the Chargers. Likewise, while Darrius Heyward-Bey and Denarius Moore have been outstanding receivers for the Raiders, it would not hurt to have an extra wideout available for Carson Palmer to target.

Defensive back Michael Huff, also mentioned in the tweet, has been out since November 10 with an ankle injury and is currently listed as week to week. Help in the secondary would be much appreciated as the Raiders will need to contain quarterback Philip Rivers, who is the main offensive weapon for the San Diego squad.

It will be interesting to see if anything comes of Corkran’s hunch.

For all news and information regarding the Oakland Raiders, please visit Silver and Black Pride.

Read More: Carson Palmer (QB – OAK), Philip Rivers (QB – SDC), Michael Huff (FS – OAK), Michael Bush (RB – OAK), Darren McFadden (RB – OAK), Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR – OAK), Jacoby Ford (WR – OAK), Denarius Moore (WR – OAK), San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos

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