Thumbnail sketches of the Oakland Raiders:
Coach -- Bill Callahan, 1st year -- Spent the past four seasons as the Raiders' offensive coordinator and was promoted to coach after Al Davis sent Jon Gruden to Tampa Bay. Trying to become just the third rookie coach to win a Super Bowl. The others were George Seifert for San Francisco in Super Bowl XXIV after the 1989 season and Don McCafferty in Super Bowl V after the 1970 season. Guided the Raiders to a 4-0 start and did not panic after a four-game losing streak. Ended the losing skid with a 34-10 win at Denver and the Raiders went 7-1 in the second half of the season. Prior to joining the Raiders, Callahan coached the offensive line for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1995-97.
Offense
QB -- 12 Rich Gannon, 6-3, 210, 16th year -- Earned NFL Most Valuable Player honors at age 37. Set a league record with 10 300-yard games and eclipsed Warren Moon's mark for completions (404) in a season. Completed 418 of 618 passes (67.6 percent) for a league-high 4,689 yards and 26 touchdowns with just 10 interceptions for a passer rating of 97.3. Also added three rushing touchdowns. Completed 43 of 64 for 403 yards in a win at Pittsburgh in Week 2; was 29 of 39 for 381 yards and four touchdowns in a rout of Tennessee in Week 4 and was nearly perfect in a win at Denver, completing 34 of 38, including 21 in a row at one point, for 352 yards and three scores. Went 20 of 30 283 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the divisional round win over the New York Jets. Was tremendous in the AFC championship game win over Tennessee, going 29 of 41 for 286 yards and three touchdowns. Also rushed for 41 yards and a touchdown. Was a backup much of the time with Minnesota, Washington and Kansas City before signing with the Raiders as a free agent in 1999. Has been named to the Pro Bowl each of the last three years and was Pro Bowl MVP each of the previous two years. Has thrown 105 of his 171 career TD passes and 15,787 of his 26,945 career passing yards since donning the silver-and-black uniform.
RB -- 25 Charlie Garner, 5-10, 190, 9th year -- Nearly had 1,000 yards rushing and receiving, finishing with 962 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground and 91 catches for 942 yards and four scores. Averaged 5.3 yards per carry in a pass-happy offense. Had 93 yards on 21 carries in the divisional playoff win over the New York Jets. Had a 12-yard touchdown reception in the championship game win over Tennessee. Finished with seven catches for 55 yards and added 36 yards rushing on seven attempts. Has 6,874 yards from scrimmage over the last four years -- two with San Francisco and two with Oakland. Originally a second-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1994, but started just 17 games in five seasons for them. Rushed for a career-high 1,229 yards for San Francisco in 1999.
FB -- 40 Jon Ritchie, 6-1, 250, 5th year -- Pass-catching fullback in the West Coast offense. Makes way for Zack Crockett in goal-line situations. A third-round pick out of Stanford in 1998. Caught a career-high 45 passes for 408 yards in 1999.
FB -- 32 Zack Crockett, 6-2, 240, 8th year -- Utilized as the short-yardage and goal-line fullback and produced eight touchdowns. Has 26 touchdowns since signing with the Raiders as a free agent in 1999. Scored on a one-yard run in the divisional round win against the New York Jets. Also had a seven-yard touchdown run in the championship game win over Tennessee. A third-round pick of Indianapolis in 1995 out of Florida State. Played three years with Indianapolis and one with Jacksonville before joining Oakland.
WR -- 81 Tim Brown, 6-0, 195, 15th year -- One of only three players with 1,000 career receptions, compiling 1,018 catches for 14,167 yards in a 15-year career, all with the Raiders. The all-time franchise leader in catches, receiving yards, yards from scrimmage, punt return yardage and receiving touchdowns (97). Also the franchise leader with nine Pro Bowl appearances. Surpassed 1,000 receiving yards nine straight seasons (1993-2001). Caught 81 passes for 930 yards and two touchdowns this season. After catching three passes for 27 yards in the divisional round win over the New York Jets, Brown came up huge in the championship game with nine catches for 73 yards. Matches up against Ronde Barber in Super Bowl XXXVII. Set career-highs with 104 catches for 1,408 yards in 1997. First-round pick of the Raiders in 1988 after winning the Heisman Trophy at Notre Dame. Was named to the Pro Bowl twice as a kick returner before emerging as a receiver in 1992.
WR -- 80 Jerry Rice, 6-2, 200, 18th year -- The NFL's all-time leading receiver was selected to his 13th Pro Bowl at age 40. Spent the first 16 years of his career with the San Francisco 49ers and was a member of three Super Bowl-winning teams. Signed with the Raiders as a free agent in 2001 and caught 83 passes for 1,139 yards and nine touchdowns. Topped that this season with 92 receptions for 1,211 yards and seven scores. Had four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown in the divisional round win over the New York Jets. In the AFC championship game, Rice had five receptions for 79 yards. All-time leader with 1,456 catches for 21,597 yards and 202 touchdowns. Has 14 career 1,000-yard receiving seasons. A two-time NFL Most Valuable Player in 1987 and 1990. Caught 100 or more passes four times. Set an NFL record with 22 TD catches in 1987. Had career-highs of 122 catches for 1,848 yards, another single-season league record, in 1995. Also the all-time postseason leader in catches and yards. Holds Super Bowl records with 28 catches for 512 yards and seven touchdowns.
WR -- 84 Jerry Porter, 6-2, 220, 3rd year -- Has learned at the feet of Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. Made major strides as the third receiver with 51 catches for 688 yards and nine touchdowns this season. Caught six passes for 123 yards, including a 29-yard TD, in the divisional playoff win over the New York Jets. Also made an impact in the championship game against Tennessee with four catches for 52 yards, including a three-yard touchdown. A second-round pick out of West Virginia in 2000.
TE -- 88 Doug Jolley, 6-4, 250, Rookie -- Became a factor in the passing game in the second half of the season, finishing with 32 catches for 409 yards and two touchdowns. With Roland Williams nursing a knee injury, Jolley is the postseason starter. A second-round pick out of Brigham Young, Jolley was the 55th overall selection.
LT -- 65 Barry Sims, 6-5, 305, 4th year -- Unsung hero of the line. Protects QB Rich Gannon's blind side. Very solid pass protector with quick feet, but lacks power as a run blocker. Matches up against Simeon Rice in Super Bowl XXXVII. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Utah in 1999 who made his mark in NFL Europe with the Scottish Claymores.
LG -- 73 Frank Middleton, 6-4, 330, 6th year -- Tends to be vocal with the opposition, but has backed up his words with solid play. Signed with the Raiders as a free agent in 2001 after spending the first four years of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Matches up against Warren Sapp in Super Bowl XXXVII. Switched over from right guard, where he started 11 games in 2001, to left guard this season.
C -- 63 Barret Robbins, 6-3, 320, 8th year -- Selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time this season and is considered by many to be the NFL's best center. Bounced back with a brilliant season after missing most of 2001 with a major knee injury. Will be matched against Shelton Quarles in Super Bowl XXXVII. A second-round pick out of Texas Christian in 1995, Robbins has started 96 of 112 games.
RG -- 79 Mo Collins, 6-4, 325, 5th year -- A first-round pick out of Florida in 1998, Collins made the transition from left tackle to right guard in 2000. Had an injury-plagued 2001 season, starting just five games, but enjoyed his best year between stars Robbins and Lincoln Kennedy. Matches up against Chartric Darby in Super Bowl XXXVII.
RT -- 72 Lincoln Kennedy, 6-6, 335, 10th year -- Named to the Pro Bowl for the third straight year. Has excellent size, speed and mobility. Acquired by the Raiders from the Atlanta Falcons in 1996 and has been a fixture at right tackle. Matches up against Greg Spires in Super Bowl XXXVII. A first-round pick out of Washington and the ninth overall selection in 1993.
Defense
LE -- 91 Regan Upshaw, 6-4, 260, 7th year -- Will be relied on to provide a pass rush from the left side with designated pass rusher Trace Armstrong out for the remainder of the playoffs. Had a sack in the divisional playoff win over the New York Jets. Matches up against Kenyatta Walker in Super Bowl XXXVII. Signed with the Raiders as a free agent in 2000 and had a combined 13 sacks his first two years before getting injured this season. A first-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1996 out of California. Had 14 1/2 sacks over the 1997 and 1998 seasons, but was traded to Jacksonville in 1999.
LT -- 95 Sam Adams, 6-3, 330, 9th year: A starting tackle alongside Tony Siragusa on the Baltimore Ravens' 2000 Super Bowl winning team. That Ravens defense set a record for fewest points allowed in a 16-game season. Now plays alongside John Parrella and helped the Raiders rank third in the NFL against the run (90.8 yards per game). Matches up with Cosey Coleman or Todd Washington in Super Bowl XXXVII. Signed with the Raiders as a free agent in 2002 after being part of Baltimore's salary cap purge.
RT -- 97 John Parrella, 6-3, 300, 10th year -- Spent the previous eight years with AFC West rival San Diego, but confessed he always wanted to be a Raider when he signed with them as a free agent last March. Never named to the Pro Bowl despite being known as one of the league's premier run-stuffers. Paired with Sam Adams inside to clog the middle. Recorded a sack in the championship game win over Tennessee. Matches up against Kerry Jenkins in Super Bowl XXXVII. Originally drafted in the second round by Buffalo in 1993, but the Bills let him get away and San Diego pounced on him. Played in Super Bowl XXIX for the Chargers in 1994, but did not become a full-time starter until the 1996 season.
DT -- 57 Rod Coleman, 6-2, 285, 4th year -- Used in passing downs at defensive tackle and is the team's sack leader with 11, nearly double that of runner-up Eric Barton (6). Had 1 1/2 sacks in the divisional playoff win over the New York Jets. A fifth-round pick in 1999 out of East Carolina, Coleman started playing in the tackle rotation in 2000 and had six sacks each of the previous two years.
RE -- 99 DeLawrence Grant, 6-3, 280, 2nd year -- Starts at right end ahead of Chris Cooper. A third-round pick in 2001 out of Oregon State, Grant suited up for just two games in his rookie season before emerging as a starter this year. Had three sacks and was credited with a half-sack in the divisional playoff win over the Jets. Matches up against Roman Oben in Super Bowl XXXVII.
SLB -- 53 Bill Romanowski, 6-4, 245, 15th year -- Has four Super Bowl rings, two with the San Francisco 49ers' back-to-back championship teams (XXIII, XXIV) and with the Denver Broncos' back-to-back championship teams in 1997 and 1998. After refusing to take a paycut with the Broncos, Romanowski was released and signed with the Raiders last March. Known for his intensity, which is the reason teammate Jerry Rice calls him "the insane one" as well as his durability, playing in 240 straight games. The additions of Romanowski, John Parrella and Sam Adams helped the Raiders improve to third in the league against the run. Had four sacks as well. Originally a third-round pick of San Francisco in 1988. Acquired by the Philadelphia Eagles for two draft picks in 1994. Signed with Denver in 1996 and was elected to the Pro Bowl twice as a member of the Broncos.
MLB -- 58 Napolean Harris, 6-3, 255, Rookie -- The second of Oakland's two first-round picks and 23rd overall selection out of Northwestern. Immediately moved in as a starter when veteran Greg Biekert refused to take a paycut and was waived. Provided the Raiders with more speed and athleticism at the position and the addition of veterans Romanowski, Parrella, Adams and Rod Woodson more that offset the loss of Biekert. Harris has the benefit of playing behind Parrella and Adams and in front of Woodson. Matches up against Jeff Christy in Super Bowl XXXVII.
WLB -- 50 Eric Barton, 6-2, 245, 4th year -- Had six sacks and two interceptions to lead the team's linebackers in his first year as a starter. Had an interception in the divisional playoff win over the Jets. A fifth-round pick in 1999 out of Maryland, Barton started just four games in his first three seasons.
LCB -- 24 Charles Woodson, 6-1, 200, 5th year -- Has made a remarkable recovery after undergoing surgery to repair a broken left fibula last month. Appears to be at the top of his game in the playoffs after missing time with a broken shoulder blade and broken lower leg. Matches up against Keenan McCardell in Super Bowl XXXVII. A four-time Pro Bowler in five years in the NFL. Won the Heisman Trophy at Michigan and was selected fourth overall in the 1998 draft. Defensive Rookie of the Year with five interceptions, Woodson started 63 of 64 games before an injury-plagued 2002 season.
RCB -- 20 Tory James, 6-2, 190, 7th year -- Also suffered a fractured left fibula in December, underwent surgery and has played effectively in the playoffs. Had the interception at the New York 49 that led to Oakland's go-ahead touchdown in the divisional playoff win. Also forced a fumble in the win over the Jets. Matches up against Keyshawn Johnson in Super Bowl XXXVII. Had four interceptions this season to rank second on the team to Rod Woodson. Signed with the Raiders as a free agent in 2000 after spending the first four years of his career with the Denver Broncos. Was on injured reserve when the Broncos won their first Super Bowl in 1997, but played as a nickel back when they repeated as champions.
SS -- 33 Anthony Dorsett, 5-11, 205, 7th year -- The son of Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett, Anthony signed with the Raiders as a free agent in 2000 and started at free safety before switching to strong safety to accomodate veteran Rod Woodson. Considered the weak link of the Raiders' secondary, although he is better suited as strong safety. Played for the Tennessee Titans' Super Bowl team in 1999. Had seven tackles and recovered a fumble in the championship game win over Tennessee. A sixth-round pick of the Titans out of Pittsburgh in 1996.
FS -- 26 Rod Woodson, 6-0, 205, 16th year -- Many believed he was finished after he was part of Baltimore's salary cap purge in 2001. But Al Davis pounced on Woodson and the veteran safety justified the owner's faith with eight interceptions, tying him with Tampa Bay's Brian Kelly for the league lead. Woodson returned two of his interceptions for touchdowns, including one for 98 yards. Named to the Pro Bowl for the 11th time this season and the only player to be named to the Pro Bowl as a cornerback, kick returner and safety. Like Jerry Rice, a member of the 75th Anniversary Team and All-NFL Team of the decade for the 1990s. Has started 219 of 228 games in 16 NFL seasons and leads all active players with 69 interceptions. A first-round pick of Pittsburgh in 1987 out of Purdue, Woodson played 10 years with the Steelers and played in Super Bowl XXX. Signed with San Francisco in 1997 with an eye on a Super Bowl title, but ended up getting his championship with the Baltimore Ravens in 2000.
NB -- 22 Terrance Shaw, 6-0, 200, 8th year -- Played for the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots last season as an extra defensive back in nickel and dime packages. Served as the Raiders' nickel back and had two interceptions. Originally a second-round pick by San Diego in 1995 out of Stephen F. Austin. Played five years with the Chargers before signing with Miami in 2000.
Specialists
K -- 11 Sebastian Janikowski, 6-2, 255, 4th year -- One of the league's strongest kickers, Janikowski has drawn attention because of his problems off the field. Converted 26 of 33 field goals this season and was three of four in the divisional playoff win over the Jets. Made field goals of 43 and 32 yards in the championship game win over Tennessee. Known for his booming kickoffs. A first-round pick out of Florida State in 2000, Janikowski made 45 of 60 field goals in his first two seasons.
P -- 9 Shane Lechler, 6-2, 225, 3rd year -- His punting average dropped to 42.5 with a net average of 32.7 this year after making the Pro Bowl in 2001. Also had 12 touchbacks and plunked 18 kicks inside the 20. A fifth-round pick in 2000 out of Texas A&M.
KR -- 83 Marcus Knight, 6-1, 180, 2nd year -- Ranked fifth in the AFC with a 24.3 average on kick returns with a long of 65. Signed by the Raiders as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan in 2000 and spent his first season on the practice squad.
PR -- 23 Darrien Gordon, 5-11, 178, 10th year -- Does not appear to be the same player he was when he played at cornerback for Denver's back-to-back Super Bowl-winning teams. Averaged just 5.1 yards on 35 punt returns for the Raiders. Best known for returning two interceptions for 108 yards in Denver's 34-19 win over Atlanta in Super Bowl XXXIII after the 1998 season.
