Cable on 53-man roster
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Saturday, September 5th, 2009 at 5:47 pm in Oakland Raiders.
A transcription of the media’s conference call with Tom Cable regarding the Raiders’ roster cutdown to 53-men:
Note: Sound quality was poor and quesitons were edited, sometimes heavily, because I had a difficult time hearing them.
Q: Have you got the cuts, coach?
Cable: I do. Jerome Boyd, Darrick Brown, Greyson Gunheim, Johnnie Holland, James Marten, David Nixon, Slade Norris, Chris O’Neill, Marcel Reece, Gary Russell, Ricky Schmitt, Darrell Strong, Mark Wilson, Ryan Boschetti, Jeff Garcia, Morlon Greenwood, Justin Miller, Terdell Sands, Seth Wand. We waived three guys injured, Michael Hawkins, Rashad Baker and John Wade.
Q: What was the thinking on Garcia?
Cable: I think first and foremost, we are committed to JaMarcus Russell as our starter. I think that when you look at the preseason, and practices in camp, and the games, that we played, all four of the games, three of the four which Bruce and Charlie played, and they probably were the most productive in terms of scoring points and moving the football team. I think that the fact that whether or not he’s comfortable in his role as a backup, it is what it is. JaMarcus is our guy and those other two guys did a great job in terms of performing on game night.
Q: Did Garcia asked to be released?
Cable: There was some talk about whether or not, how he would fit and all that, but for right now, the best way for me to approach it was the fact that that those two guys played so well and we’re committed to JaMarcus.
Q: Missing time with the calf strain, did that hurt?
Cable: I don’t know that, it’s hard to say. It’s unfortunate that he had to miss any time, but how that affected him, only he would know that.
Q: What affect will this have on JaMarcus, will it hurt to have no one to push him?
Cable: I don’t think so. I think both guys in the room with him now, Bruce and Charlie, bring a lot to the table in regards to JaMarcus. I think his relationship with the two of them is strong. I think that they understand that they have to be there and push him every day just like Jeff would if he was here, but he’s not going to be, and so you just move forward. For JaMarcus Russell to think he was anointed or something like that would be ridiculous. I don’t think he’s that way.
Q: Why Louis Rankin over Gary Russell?
Cable: I just think, again, it came down to production. That was a tough call, no question. Gary Russell is a fine football player, as is Rankin. I think with the release of Justin Miller, needing depth at the kickoff return spot as probably part of the difference. But certainly, Louis Rankin, he’s been pretty solid the whole way through, his improvement, as a blocker, I think is what put him on this football team.
Q: Seven WRs in part because Schilens won’t be available in the opener?
Cable: That had something to do with it, just making sure that we continue on the right path with that group, and not having Chad, having six going into that game, we’ll probably only dress four, maybe five, so you just want to make sure you’ve got the right numbers.
Q: Chances there will be someone different on this roster tomorrow?
Cable: I don’t know that yet. We’ll listen to anybody that’s willing to talk right now, certainly. We’ll that all the way up to the deadline, but whether or not it will be different tomorrow, it would be hard to tell you at this point.
Q: Was Rankin’s ankle from the Seattle game an issue?
Cable: A slight ankle sprain but if we practiced yesterday he could have practiced so no not really
Q: Difficult to dump a fourth-round pick, what happened with Slade Norris?
Cable: Just overall development and his ability to make the transition from being a guy rushing the passer with one hand down to standing up and playing it enough. Although he did some of it in college it just didn’t feel like it came along quick enough. So we’ll see what it means.
Q: Terdell Sands, lack of production or Desmond Bryant coming on?
Cable: Oh I think both, I think both. There’s no question, both.
Q: Were injuries to Wade and Baker (stingers) serious?
Cable: They both would be out for an extended period of time as of right now. I don’t know exactly how much time but I know it’s a long period of time and so we need to put this team together now with who’s available.
Q: Who is the No. 2 quarterback?
Cable: You know I think that’s yet to be decided. I think those guys both as this thing kind of played itself out they really were equals. That’s really kind of the approach to it now. We’ll have to make a decision when we get to game day.
Q: How do you determine that with JaMarcus getting all the snaps?
Cable: We’ll do that as we go. That’s just something for another day.
Q: Impressions of Shaugnessy in return?
Cable: I think leading up to the foot injury, Shaughnessy did nothing but get better every day, kind of like Bryant did. We know we have a really good young player there. Then he comes back and even though he’s really just coming off the injury, did nothing but get better each day he was practicing and I think he showed up big time on Thursday.
Q: Did Sam Williams’ play in the middle help him survive in addition to his special teams play?
Cable: I think he did show we’ve got some versatility there now. But primarily, the role was to be on special teams and give us a backup linebacker.
Q: Why practice Sunday, just to round up the 53 for the first time?
Cable: No it’s just the fact that we’re playing a Monday night so the week is a little different in terms of the practice schedule and all that.
Q: Who will be your starting center?
Cable: Right now it’ll be Chris Morris.
Q: How did that happen?
Cable: I think that, you know it, it probably came to him that he’s going to have to take his game to another level. I think he did that and he did that consistently. I think that . . . you know about offensive line play, consistency is what wins. It doesn’t have to be pretty. It doesn’t have to be the biggest or the baddest. You have to be consistently good and I think Chris has done that.
Q: Who are your starting linebackers?
Cable: I’ll get into all that when we get closer.
Q: Did John Bowie step up his play of late?
Cable: I think really John stepped his game up. He did give up the big play the other night but he made a bunch of plays on the field, tackled well. Again the guy just played himself onto the football team. That’s what it really came down to.
Q: Did you overlook Nick Miller’s fumble because of his playmaking?
Cable: Naw, I don’t think you ever overlook a turnover. I think understand a lot of those happen with a guy like Nick who is pressing so down hard to make make too many big plays or make a big play every time he touches it. He’ll learn rather quickly that you just let the game come to you.
Q: Where did Jerome Boyd come up short?
Cable: I just think that the drafting of Mike Mitchell in the second round and Tyvon Branch, Hiram Eugene and Michael Huff, that’s a good group of safeties. Just wasn’t able to break into that group.
Q: What is the progress of Mitchell’s hamstring?
Cable: Good.
Q: Good as in . . .
Cable: Good enough to practice.
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September 5th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
# SnB offense defense specialteams Says:
September 5th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Brien,
The defense is set. The Raiders have to roll with what they got and hope for the best. They had a couple of opportunities to upgrade and willingly chose not too.
Its to doggone late now….its to doggone late!
Roll with Ellis, Kelly, Warren, Scott, Brown, Morrison and Howard and hope for the best.
Just wish the Raiders didn’t draft a couple of tweeners and try to convert them into new positions…Hope Shaughnessy can play. Is Mitchell healthy!
************************
Disagree with you my friend. Teams always are looking to improve………hopefully
September 5th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Sign Pollard!!
Sign Shaun Smith!!!
Sign Marcus Freeman!!!
September 5th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Rankin will dominate this season!!!
September 5th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Brien,
I don’t think you are going to find any starters among these cut players….Depth maybe…but no starters.
The Raiders F’ed up by passing on guys like Raji, Brace, Gilbert, Brinkley and others.
They have to roll with the guys on the roster and hope they play better.
September 5th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Shaun Smith = Terdell Sands 2.0
Sign Pollard, Pashos, Mahan, Freeman
Dump Watkins, Eugene, Lawton, Rankin to practice squad.
September 5th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
I heard from my source that Fargas and next years #1 will be traded to the Broncos for Brandon Marshall.
September 5th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
he
September 5th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Sign Pollard!!!! SS
Sign Marcus Freeman!!!!! MLB/ SLB
Sign Shaun Smith!!!!! Run Plug!!!!
Sign!!!!!!!!!
September 5th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
John Bowie actually had good coverage on that big play he gave up. He didn’t interfere – Seachicken’s WR pushed him off and it was clear as day.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
I forgot about T Pashos!!!!!!
Sign Him Too Al!!!!! Please!!!!
September 5th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Raider O,
Eugene/Huff have to play better
Morrison and Brown have to play better
Warren/Bryant have to play better
John Marshall has to call a good game that masks the weaknesses.
Hope for the best!
September 5th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Terrapin Says:
September 5th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
John Bowie actually had good coverage on that big play he gave up. He didn’t interfere – Seachicken’s WR pushed him off and it was clear as day
=======================================================
Let’s just go into this season with our eyes wide open.
John Bowie is on the scholarship program. As is Sam Williams and Michael Huff.
Let’s just hope these players on defense step up and play the game with intelligence and intensity and most importantly…PRIDE!
September 5th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Actually it was damn good coverage. Offensive interference.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Raider O,
You do know that these guys you want got CUT riiiiiight??? Dont think they are the answer to the problem.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Fuck Raji. Brace I hear ya. Why not make a trade to GB since they have another NT besides Raji?
September 5th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Terrapin,
Y wont you answer my ??
September 5th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
YA,
Who’s Mahan?
SnB,
It’s not too late Dude, and we can still try to fix this Run D!
Font give up bro!!!
Sign :
Pollard
Pashos
Freeman
Smith/ Anthony Bryant
September 5th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Raider O-
ana min amrika, ya3nni atakellum shway. Sa7ebi a7san falasteeni, yeskun bi shafat bil ouds. Kntu bi falasteen isbua7een fi sayf al ma3di.
Back to football…Shaun Smith was just cut by Lions, he’s probably worthy of a waver claim…can’t be any worse than our weakest link I would say.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Raider O,
Mahan is a G/C who started for the Steelers for a couple seasons before being traded to Tampa Bay last season.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
The answer to the problems!! Maybe not, but it’s a good start!
September 5th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Dudette in the house
September 5th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Brien,
We could have used this guy. Next to Tommy Kelly. Hell even at DE
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d81214432/Pre-WK-2-B-J-Raji-highlights
September 5th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
– Bowie? That’s weird. Still trying to save face over the Moss trade? Give it up already. He’s got to be the first to go if there’s a CB out there on waivers they like.
– Tough call between Rankin and Russell. I think Rankin has more upside while Russell can pick up the hard yards and looked good in special teams coverage. Good point by Tommy about the kick return depth. Rankin could compete for that role. Wish there was a way to keep them both, but you can’t keep 5 HBs and I figured they wouldn’t cut Fargas.
– From the headline “Cable on 53-man roster” I thought Tommy was coming out of retirement. Can’t you see him out there as the starting center, barking out line calls in a leather helmet and long-sleeve sweater jersey.
– Maybe they can trade Bowie for Marshall.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Free Palestine,
I’m from San Diego, and my wife is from Shafat! Small world! lol
I lived in Jordan, Saudi, And europe before I came here. I was in Jordan 2 years ago, and may go there again in Jan.
Back to Football:
Sign Pollard, move Branch to FS, and keep Mitchell and Huff!
Sign Marcus freeman, and cut Williams!!
Sign T Tony Pashos, and cut Green!
Sign Shaun Smith, move D Bryant to LE, and cut ?? Anyone!!
September 5th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
God, do I wish the team would stop trying to save face on the Bowie thing. There’s no reason Sam Williams should still be around, either. It’s stuff like this that drives me crazy about this team.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
He’s more descriptively from the Sahel in Shafat, so since you know the area that should make sense. My arabic is coming along, I was actually there a month ago, didn’t wanna leave. Whats your wifes family name? (if you don’t mind).
LJ SHelton and a couple viable OL’s just came on the grid I saw on the ticker. I’d say a couple more O-L would be a good idea before too long.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
It’s not a good sign when you get cut by the Lions, but rookie OLB from Cal Zach Follet is now available. I do think the Lions might have some decent depth at OLB though. Didn’t they acquire Julian Peterson and another vet LB in the off-season?
September 5th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
I just pray there is a decent CB out there we can snag because if we leave our season in the hands of Routt & Bowie backing up Asomugha and Johnson. We all seen how bad Routt has turned out and to actually hear Cable give Bowie credit makes my gut turn sour. Teams are going to exploit them worse than they did Hall last year.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Raiders should definitely be looking at the available DEs, LBs and reserve CBs.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
mark my words Gradkowski will lead u to the promise land…..
September 5th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
I’ve seen Routt play pretty well in the past. He got burned this preseason, but it’s only preseason. He’s never looked bad like that before and he’s probably only 26 or something. I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. If he starts screwing up in the regular season, then you dump him.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
I thought CB Rod Hood would be a good pickup, but it’s never a good sign when you get cut from two teams in as many weeks.
Can’t be any worse than Bowie or Brown, though.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Jeber!
September 5th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Why wouldn’t Sam Williams stick around? He is a great ST player, a good dude in the locker room and ever team needs a 5th LB. If Norris wasn’t better, which he wasn’t (on D or ST), than why should he stay? It’s not like Sam is going to see the field much, except when he is making big tackles on special teams. I don’t understand the hate towards Sam.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Routt is still cool as a nickel back
September 5th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
I like Marcus Freeman more than Follet.
I also like hood as a backup CB.
Cut & Sign!
September 5th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Last chance for FF
Need 5 more players by tomorrow noon
NFL.com
league name = scarys raiders
password = bestyearever
September 5th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
The problem with Sam Williams is that we’re already paying a pure special teams LB in Ekejuiba. And with how little depth we have at LB, we could use a guy whose skills go beyond that.
I brought up David Herron earlier. He’s played exceptionally well for the Vikings in the preseason, and only didn’t make the team because they’re already pretty deep at LB. I think (in a perfect world) he would be a huge upgrade from Sam Williams.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
cut routt, and move huff 2 nickel back
September 5th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
cut williams please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
looks lost in every play!
September 5th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Tell Davis no more tweeners in the draft!
Slade Norris, Stryker Sulak…both big reaches that were not natural linebackers.
So the roster remains largely the same!
September 5th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
YoungAmerican Says:
September 5th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
The problem with Sam Williams is that we’re already paying a pure special teams LB in Ekejuiba. And with how little depth we have at LB, we could use a guy whose skills go beyond that.
I brought up David Herron earlier. He’s played exceptionally well for the Vikings in the preseason, and only didn’t make the team because they’re already pretty deep at LB. I think (in a perfect world) he would be a huge upgrade from Sam Williams.
****************************
Is David Herron better at Special teams than Sam? NO, and that is what is most important with your 5th LB and 50th man on your roster.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Cut Eugene, add Pollard.
Cut Watkins, add Pashos.
Cut Pears, add Mahan.
Cut Bowie, add Hood.
Rankin to practice squad, add Freeman.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Jaber is a name my friend knows btw, I just asked him. Really small world it seems, his family name is Sa’adeh if you recognize it.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
That trade to NE for Brace still pisses me off!!
September 5th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
add pollard and move branch to free safety
September 5th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
cut bowie and add hood
September 5th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
The Oakland Raiders will be 5-11 this year.
Reasons:
Terrible lines.
Worst WRs in NFL.
Below AVG QB.
Bad run D LBs.
Sorry ladies. Those are the facts.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
# RaiderRon Says:
September 5th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
The Oakland Raiders will be 5-11 this year.
Reasons:
Terrible lines.
Worst WRs in NFL.
Below AVG QB.
Bad run D LBs.
Sorry ladies. Those are the facts.
***********************
And the bitch is back
September 5th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Just stating the facts Brein. Disagree??
September 5th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Good to see Garcia go, one less distraction.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
If Russell goes down this team goes winless. Good job AL.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
4-12
or
6-10
Whatever its doesn’t matter all that matters is a another season of being bottom of the league!!
Now cue the talking heads and their canned personalities as they hack aimlessly at the Raiders organization. Their opinions don’t matter.
Here is mine.
This team has no DESIRE!
Bunch of complaisant chitheads playing for a paycheck!
September 5th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
666, it seems so, but we haven’t seen the real team we are putting on the field yet, Honestly, there is still time to correct deficiencies, and other teams are facing these same things. We TAKE the WEST!
September 5th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
The west could be won with a losing record this year, sd might have our number, but this division sucks all the way around. The only reason sd made playoffs last year was because Denver sh*t tha bed……we may not be great, but neither is anyone else in the division. I won’t relenquish hope til week 5……….til then—it’s a new season and anything can happen on Sunday……….too bad Mondays usually suck.
September 5th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Hahhahahahaa
Raider ron I remember you tellin me rankin or nmiller wouldn’t make it what say u now?
We can complete the trifecta bt gettin rid of fargas…
September 5th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
everyone wants Bowie gone.it reminds me of how everyone wanted Johnson gone a couple of years ago.this is NOT the final roster.relax.
i’ve never said this before,and i probably won’t say it again,but here it goes-O,shut up!you make no sense.
September 5th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
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September 6th, 2009 at 7:03 am
4 weeks ago I asked JerryMac in the Q&A whether the Raiders would keep Gradkowski and Frye and cut Garcia. He said absolutely not. No Way! LMFAO