Oct 9, 2011; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Raiders safety Tyvon Branch (33) wears pink gloves and shoes in observance of breast cancer awareness month during the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Texans 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Certainly Oakland’s cap constraints have played a role in the delay in getting a deal done. Reggie McKenzie has dropped plenty of phat cat contracts but he’s still got plenty more work to do. So thinking long-term might not be the highest priority for McKenzie at the moment.

Of course it would be in McKenzie’s best interest to get Branch under contract. Not only would a long-term deal help to reduce Branch’s cap figure it will also provide some goodwill throughout the Raiders locker room.

No doubt there has got to be some angst amongst the Raiders that were rewarded with Al Davis specials. That McKenzie would quickly part ways with Stanford Routt and Kamerion Wimbley while choosing not even to pursue Michael Bush must have sent some feelings of unrest throughout the roster.

By keeping Branch around for the long haul, one of the most productive players on the roster, it says that McKenzie isn’t just looking at numbers on paper. It would reflect his understanding of the roster he inherited. It would also be the right thing to do. Guys like Branch don’t grow on trees and if Oakland’s defense is going to make a dramatic turnaround then Tyvon needs to be on board.

With San Diego’s Eric Weddle getting a respectable deal last year there is a precedent that has been established in the AFC West. Not saying Branch is owed Weddle money – at least not yet – but if Branch continues his upward trend he’ll be able to command more money than McKenzie might be able to offer and perhaps more than Weddle got. That’s another reason it’s in Oakland’s best interest to secure a deal for Branch now.

As it stands Branch has some leverage but not enough to warrant a contract with an average salary greater than his current tag number. Now should Tyvon make a Pro Bowl this season and get some All-Pro love then all bets are off and McKenzie will have to show him the money.

The clock is ticking and there is plenty at stake in 2012. Branch deserves a new deal having completely outplayed his rookie contract and McKenzie needs a foundation for the future of the defense. It’s time to get this done now so things won’t get awkward later.

Just sweep, baby!

There were no secrets coming into today’s game. The Raiders needed to run the ball and put pressure on Philip Rivers in order to win. Mission accomplished as the Silver and Black bruised the Bolts in the trenches running for 251 yards and sacking Cry Baby Philip four times.

This was another Tom Cable special. Nothing sexy about it at all. Just football played the right way…well…except for those 13 penalties for 105 yards. Some things just never change.

What is changing is the dynamic of the Raiders-Chargers rivalry. After being so one sided for the last seven years the Raiders busted out the brooms and swept the season series.
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