Cable on benching Russell
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 3:39 pm in Oakland Raiders.
How coach Tom Cable responded to questions about benching quarterback JaMarcus Russell in favor of backup Bruce Gradkowski:
Q: Why make the change?
Cable: Just felt like he would give us the best chance to win, and we need to get to playing better offensively and win football games.
Q: Is this a long-term switch or something that is week to week?
Cable: No, I don’t want to be like that. This is where we’re headed and what we’re going to do, and he’ll take this team and go with it.
Q: How did JaMarcus take the news?
Cable: Disappointed, as you would expect him to be. But explained to him why and the reasons behind it, and the decision’s final, and this is where we’re going to go. And he came out today and worked hard and did what he needed to do.
Q: What do you want to see from Russell when he’s not starting?
Cable: I really think it’s all those things, still prepare as a starter, just as Bruce and Charlie do. Really get yourself ready to play on Sunday. He’ll be the No. 2 guy. So if something happens or he’s needed, he’s got to be ready to go.
Q: What does Bruce bring to the table?
Cable: I just think his leadership, his management, understanding of what we’re trying to do… accuracy. Just a lot of those intangible-type things, and give him a chance to get all the reps and go out and build some chemistry with the receivers.
Q: Does the offense change for Gradkowski?
Cable: No, I don’t think so. I think we stay the course, look for getting more completions, those kinds of things.
Q: How did Gradkowski look today and how much will he benefit from first-team reps?
Cable: Well, I expect him to benefit greatly, getting all that work, and he looked really good today.
Q: Gradkowski said he began to get more reps last week. Why?
Cable: Just really come out of the bye week having as much preparation time, with extra time, getting more guys work.
Q: How much of this decision has to do with Russell’s inability to get wide receivers involved in the offense?
Cable: Well, I think that was the primary concern. Just feel like we’ve got some guys out there, albeit had a rough day on Sunday, dropping the ball. But we’ve got guys open, and I think we’re getting better in understanding what we’re doing. So we’ve got to put the ball in their hands and find a way to do that, and I think this will give us an opportunity to do that.
Q: Can simply switching quarterbacks do something to spark the offense?
Cable: Well certainly. You know, certainly. I think everyone right now wants to have something to hold onto and believe in and I think that this is a step in the right direction.
Q: How did Bruce handle the backup role?
Cable: Very well. I mean, he and Charlie are absolutely pros. I mean, they’re here all the time. They’re here early. They’re here late. They study. They watch film. They talk about it. They draw it up. They involve they’re teammates to a great degree. Just what you’d expect.
Q: All those characteristics you speak of, is that where JaMarcus is coming up short?
Cable: Well, I think this – I think those guys helped him in that area, in terms of putting in the time and what it takes to be prepared.
Q: What did Al Davis say about the move, and did you go back and forth on it?
Cable: No, no. He left this up to me; this is my decision. We talked about it and he supported it.
Q: How much does it help to have the autonomy to make that kind of decision?
Cable: Well, I think it’s important. At the same time, as we all know, it’s important to include him in everything so he knows what’s going on with this football team.
Q: Do you still see JaMarcus as the future of this team?
Cable: That’s my hope. This is in no way giving up on the guy. This is just trying to jumpstart this team and really break it down and make a decision based on what gives us the best chance to win.
Q: How much help do you need from the receivers to make this work?
Cable: We have to catch the ball. We can’t have any drops. Between them and the running backs, we have to catch it and I think we will. We can’t emphasize catching the ball more than we do, really. We do it before practice, after practice, during practice. So it’s just a matter of believing you’re going to do it and getting it done.
Q: Is JaMarcus your No. 2 quarterback now?
Cable: Yes.
Q: Did you agonize over the decision to bench JaMarcus?
Cable: It was an easy decision because I feel the responsibility for this football team to give them the best chance to succeed.
Q: Is Charlie Frye in the mix at all?
Cable: Sure he was. I think you have to look at the whole picture in order to make the right choice.
Q: Was JaMarcus benched for any reasons other than what took place on the field?
Cable: No at the end of the day it’s what we do on game days that matter and that’s all I based it on.
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November 18th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
SnB offense defense specialteams Says:
November 18th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Also,
Why would a Sam Bradford, or anyone in his caliber, even want to play in Oakland.
He would refuse….look at our track record. He would be throwing his career away putting it in the hands of Al Davis
__________________________
Yep. I wouldn’t be shocked if the agents for the top ten players in next year’s draft tell Al thanks, but no thanks…you might pay us great on the rookie contract, but you will ruin the player before he can get his second let alone third contract.
And then Al will say…who are your guys anyhow? I want player X (who most have predicted will go in round 2) lol
November 18th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Bench yourself Cable you POS!
November 18th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
If Davis wants to win soooooo bad, then he must be friggin incompetent, no?
November 18th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Jerry, think you can maybe merge the rest of your planned blog entries today into one entry? We’re trying to have a discussion in your comments section.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
i just saw a video from when he was in highschool and he was looking guys off and everything the stuff everybody says he doesnt do now if he was doing it in 9th grade through his jr year in college but all of a sudden he cant do it now than its obviously the raiders fault if cable wasnt an idiot and let javon play didnt call horrible games than maybe jruss wouldnt be so bad but if al never hired the caveman and didnt draft dhb this wouldnt be a problem
November 18th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
ColoradoRaiderFan Says:
November 18th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Al want’s control obviously. But he doesn’t want to lose. If we don’t win, he can’t fill luxury boxes, then he doesn’t make money, and apparently the man isn’t worth as much as he used to be.
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Davis makes enough money from the league revenue sharing (which the Raiders contribute little) to be profitable.
Davis has already long paid off any loans he needed to make when he got the team for a song back in the 70s. He doesn’t have any expensive capital tied up in a stadium or massive renovation…and he has few if any other business interests that are draining his cash flow.
So he isn’t nearly as sensitive to empty seats as other owners. That’s why he doesn’t maximize the value of this product. Few marketing tie-ins….no lucrative radio…no fans at training camp etc..etc..etc
Davis is an old school owner. If a new owner bought the team and had a bunch of debt to repay…you would see much more rapid changes
November 18th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Cable: No, no. He left this up to me; this is my decision. We talked about it and he supported it.
____________
You are not man enough to take a piss without Al’s permission you wife beater.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
I’m putting the over/under at 30,000 tickets this Sunday.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
You’d might as well interview any random fan on the benching of Russell. They know just as much as Cable does, and have about as much control as he does. Tom Cable doesn’t exist. He was hired to lose. He replaced a guy who was trying to win. So go figure.. he knows how to keep his job and get his money.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
I will bet $1000 that the playcalling changes.
You will see more screen passess called…you will see only a couple of deep strikes…you will see more of a pure WCO.
Bet on it.
That is the only benefit to the benching. The playcalling will become more sane
November 18th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
COMEDY HOUR!!!!!
“Q: What did Al Davis say about the move, and did you go back and forth on it?
Cable: No, no. He left this up to me; this is my decision. We talked about it and he supported it.”
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BWAAAAAAHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!
OMG, I’M GOING TO PUKE I’M LAUGHING SO HARD.
MAKE IT STOP
MAKE IT STAAAAAAWP AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAH!!!
November 18th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
You will see playcalling that looks similiar to that Houston game that the 16yr old fan posted.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Real MR,
Davis is thinking ahead on this one. Sure he said yes to Cable. Davis knows the season is over….he will give the illusion that there is all this freedom…sure go ahead with Gradkowski….when he continues to fail…I will fire you and cut that kid and hire the next great coach to develop my QB….
LOL
November 18th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
16yearold,
I know damn well that something changed from last year. That playbook and associated playcalling changed…and Russell’s two receivers disappeared, replace by a 40x freak that can’t catch and a hard working, albeit raw, talent that is learning the game.
The plan should have been JLH and Schilens. Period…but Schilens got hurt…his backup should have been Walker…case closed.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
I thought you were being serious, SnB, until you said Al will hire “the next great coach”. Ha ha. Good one.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Q: How much help do you need from the receivers to make this work?
Cable: We have to catch the ball. We can’t have any drops. Between them and the running backs, we have to catch it and I think we will. We can’t emphasize catching the ball more than we do, really. We do it before practice, after practice, during practice. So it’s just a matter of believing you’re going to do it and getting it done.
Q: Is JaMarcus your No. 2 quarterback now?
Cable: Yes.
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LMFAO!
You make a point of saying that the WRs and RBs need to start catching the ball?
And why the fugg is Frye not #2?
Real MR, I’m with you all the way on this joke ! Al is trying to get outta Oakland!
Frye not being #2 is ridiculous!
DHB still starting is INSANE!
How Walker, Schillens, and JLH are 1, 2, and 3 on the depth chart is LUDACRIS!
November 18th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Davis forced DHB on the offense, along with changing the routes.
Javon Walker can’t get a shot on the Raiders????????????? really.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
And LMFAO at sistaBrown!
Talk shyt when I’m here dude!
I see you always back down and go to your 5 year old games when I’m here talking football. Now you comment and play games when I’m not here?
What a child!
November 18th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
The playbook did change. When you consistenly miss the receiver across the middle, you stop running that play. When your late on the slant, EVERY SINGLE TIME, you stop running that play.
Hopefully, since DHB consistently drops the ball, they’ll stop calling his play.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
SnB,
The play calling will NOT be different. Grads comes in and ball immediately go to DHB and Murphy DEEP.
And when it is not open, Cable will count of Grads to do his Garcia immitation and run the ball.
DHB is about to get fed this weekend, my friend!
November 18th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Mayble Al allowed the change because he knows he has to win some games to avoid another expensive top 5 draft pick. Can’t afford to screw up another pick.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
You guys DO realize that Cable and Hackett are running a TIMING offense, right?
Our young WRs need to come out of there breaks on time, not one step off b/c they are thinking about what the DB is going to do.
You guys are really underestimating the WRs role in the timing of the play. NOTHING changed when Gradkowski came in, so expecting much different with these same WRs is a problem. We BETTER hope to see Chaz, Walker, and JLH getting most of the reps!
November 18th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
So JHill, if DHB gets his number called 7 or 8 times, how many will he catch?
November 18th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
jhill Says:
November 18th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
SnB,
The play calling will NOT be different. Grads comes in and ball immediately go to DHB and Murphy DEEP.
And when it is not open, Cable will count of Grads to do his Garcia immitation and run the ball.
DHB is about to get fed this weekend, my friend!
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Jhill,
Cable knows that the arm isn’t there. He will tone it down for this kid. Bet.
He will still go deep inexplicably…only he will do a couple of times and not 50% of the time like the first K.C game.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
You’re kidding Colorado, right?
Have to be!
You’re telling me that Al Davis has more faith in Gradkowski than Russell?
Are you telling me that he is putting all his $ on DHB instead of DMAC and Russell?
Gradkowski getting the nod over Frye, and Frye NOT being #2 is Al setting Cable up for one of those nice PCs.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Schilens and Bush have to start. The DHB experiment is a failure.
And run the wildhog thing some more. Till you get it right.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Here is another youtube pearl:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK3k-LLnZ7k
Now seriously: I’m shocked!!! No intelligent man speaks in the way Russell does. If I was responsible for his hiring in any capacity, after a two minute conversation I would know beyond any doubt and once and for all that he is unqualified for anything but MAYBE a job as an operator in the local car wash. I would not need to see any CV or football highlight reel or anything to come to this conclusion. Seriously, I mean it. NFL quarterback? Leader?? Gym rat??? Face of the franchise??? You’ve got to be kiddin’ me!!
November 18th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
jhill Says:
November 18th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
You guys DO realize that Cable and Hackett are running a TIMING offense, right?
Our young WRs need to come out of there breaks on time, not one step off b/c they are thinking about what the DB is going to do.
You guys are really underestimating the WRs role in the timing of the play. NOTHING changed when Gradkowski came in, so expecting much different with these same WRs is a problem. We BETTER hope to see Chaz, Walker, and JLH getting most of the reps!
======================================================
Must read for those paying attention! Timing routes are about being on time and at the right place. ON not selling the route….The QB has to trust you will be exactly where you are supposed to be.
Russell was bad…..but if his receivers did their jobs and caught most of their catchable passes…this team has 4 wins right now and we keep slogging through.
But because of Al “I love the 40s” Davis…we had receivers not ready for prime time thrusted into a situation with a head coach who has no concept of rhythym and balance
November 18th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
SNB is right. The play calling will moderate, Since Davis’s sterotypical Russell-DHB connection won’t be in play.
Cable will have the freedom of not having to placate Davis, Sunday.
Russell plays thanksgiving.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
ColoradoRaiderFan Says:
November 18th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
So JHill, if DHB gets his number called 7 or 8 times, how many will he catch?
——————————————————
I HONESTLY can’t answer that! And I SWEAR to GOD that I am rooting for the kid. I don’t think he should get 7-8 balls thrown his way. Has he really earned that? DHBs drops are no worse than Russell accuracy problems. Choosing to bench Russell b/c he refuses to throw the ball to DHB while Murphy continues to drop the ball is unexplainable, IMO.
Frye should be starting along with Chaz, Walker, and JLH. DHB should be worked into the lineup based upon production.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
I think Al knows the Raiders can’t compete this year leaving Russell in. He probably still thinks of Russell as the future, but I think he needs to win a few now.
As far as DHB and DMAC, I think they’ll both be on the field for most snaps.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Cable is probably being setup right now.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Anyone see there was another girls soccer brawl? The fight escalated into the stands. If this had happened in central America, we’d be like, “Well, there you go”. The United States of America = slowly becoming 3rd world. And, these are middle class people, the girls and the fans. Global free trade has put us at the mercy of the global economy. No turning back. Enjoy these computers while you’ve got ‘em.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
WHAT!
Cable as much as told you that Russell was benched because he wasn’t throwing the ball to DHB.
Gradkowski comes in and the ball goes to DHB 3 times.
I’m almost willing to take your up on that G-banger, SnB.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Everyone keeps mentioning Walker. Can he still play? I don’t think I’ve seen him play for any length of time since he was in Denver.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
RMR,
Those highlights IO saw last week of the girl punking those other girls on the soccer field was crazy. Ole girl taking the other girl down by the pony tail was outlandish. I can’t believe they were letting her get away with that?!?! I was thinking, what a buch of puhseee’s …
Oh wait!
November 18th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
The LOUSSSSY RAIDERS!!
LMAO!
Thanks Al Davis for turning this franchise into a freakin joke!
Keep up the great work Al!!
Draft USAIN BOLT with the #1 pick in the draft next year! LOL
November 18th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
I hear people saying that type of play happens all the time in men’s soccer. The outrage is because it happened in women’s soccer. Is that true? Not a soccer fan so I don’t have a clue.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
The point with Walker is they chose to keep him and pay him 2 million rather than cut him. He has more NFL catches than all these guys combined. The question is, can he REALLY be any worse than Todd Watkins? Or either of these rookies?
Walker was decent last year before he got hurt. I think he was pulling 3 or 4 catches a game with a 1st year off target QB. More than we can say about these rooks, lol!
November 18th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
jhill Says:
November 18th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
The point with Walker is they chose to keep him and pay him 2 million rather than cut him. He has more NFL catches than all these guys combined. The question is, can he REALLY be any worse than Todd Watkins? Or either of these rookies?
Walker was decent last year before he got hurt. I think he was pulling 3 or 4 catches a game with a 1st year off target QB. More than we can say about these rooks, lol!
=======================================================
Exactly JHill!!!!!!!!!!!
There is no excuse for this madness. Guys like Walker, Walter, Porter and Allen are kept on the roster to carry out some sort of vendetta or punishment.
Who in the hell wastes a roster spot on a player that is not going to play? Not a reform for a couple of weeks type of thing…but the entire season.
What they did to that kid Walter was doggone shame
November 18th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Cable sold himself out to be honest.
Questionable playcalling, stupid favorites over production, Club Med during training camp….practicing celebrating a touchdown,…not practicing a play until they get it right.
He’s unqualified.
But let’s be honest. The reason he was the option is because of an Owner THAT CANNOT GET A REAL COACH
November 18th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Cable is a freakin’ moron. PERIOD!
How the hell can you contradict your decision so greatly? You bench your QB and in the same breathe say the WRs and RBs can’t be dropping the ball. HELLOOO!!! For 1 second did you not think this had a effect on the offense MOVING, in particular your QBs stats??????
Then why the f’k are you benching the QB for the rest of your skill players f’k ups? This sht is completely ASININE.
Inaccurate my arse – he was inaccurate because he was throwing wildly he was inaccurate because THEY KEPT DROPPING THE BALL!!!
November 18th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Cable is being setup.
Cable Does Not run the show!
November 18th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Cable did not force DHB into the No#1 WR role.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
And JHILL was absolutely right on this one. This guy had Gradkowski practicing more the week leading up to the game; but decides to pull this stunt during the game itself! What a jack!
If he wanted Gradkowski to start all along why not have him prepared all week and start on Sunday?
He had this whole sht concocted in his head. Only thing happened to f’k it up was JR was actually playing a good game (would’ve when AT LEAST 17/24 if not for the drops). AND HE BENCHED HIM STILL!
This is no HC ladies & gentlemen. This telling of a guy that cannot adapt to changing circumstances. The QB was playing good ball but you benched him still b/c you had it “pre-planned”.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Cable is the consumate puppet.
He did the yes boss thing the whole way.
But he also put his finger prints on this disaster too.
He’s unqualified…period…
But Davis is the one running the show.
Davis is fine with putting Russell on ice…
He will blame Cable at the end and fire him..and dismiss Gradkowski….hire the next great coach to develop the QB he has ruined
November 18th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
The QB was playing good ball? Really?
November 18th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Hey, Andrew Walter…probably should have stuck around and collected that check for one more year
November 18th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
And for all of you who didn’t browse #85s comments …read again.
Dude said from what he can see JR actually a great QB but lacks the supporting cast (queue WRs) …the QB can only be as good as his supporting cast ….you put Brady/Manning in Russell’s situation and it would look no different ..per #85.
I’m not jumping on the ‘great’ bandwagon at this time but clearly this team did nothing to support its QB and help him succeed.
Cable is just making it worse. This season can’t go by soon enough. Gotta get rid of this guy.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Sup Nation, sup Terrapin.
I feel you on the JRuss issue, and I agree. However, dropped passes being a problem that has ADDED to JRuss’ troubles and stress, even those passes being completed all year wouldn’t have taken the focus off of the huge amount of botched throws, reads, and poor decisions he has made.
He really needs to be number 2 behind someone for now. He needs to watch how it is supposed to be done and go back to perfecting his fundamentals. Being on that sideline, I feel, is the only thing for him that will push him to become the poised and motivated leader that he can be, as well as perfect his game.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Terrapin,
Yup, I agree with you. Get this Cable guy out of here.
Go hire someone that was an NFL head coach before and wants the job.
Fassel comes to mind. Just bring his backside in here so we can at least get professional management
November 18th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
The LOUSSSSY RAIDERS!!
LMAO!
Thanks Al Davis for turning this franchise into a freakin joke!
Keep up the great work Al!! I know the fans of the other teams in the division want you to keep up the great work!
Draft USAIN BOLT with the #1 pick in the draft next year! Just do it! LOL
November 18th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Colorado,
Was the QB playing good ball?
Well, he started of 3-3, and then DMAC dropped a nice swing pass, lol. Remember DMAC dropping it, then picking it up and running with it? Then Murphy drops one, on 3rd down. Fargas dropped one and then got a penalty for being frustrated. DHB dropped a nice long TD pass. Murphy had a big gainer called back b/c of a penalty. Miller had a nice screen pass to the 4yd line called back b/c of a penalty.
And those are just off the top of my head. To just discount those things and focus on Russell 4 bad throws is crazy. They were ALL problems of equal value. For Russell to be benched, and DHB not, is CRAZY!
I bet you ANYTHING if you asked the players to chose who gets benched between Russell and DHB, they would chose DHB 51-0!
November 18th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
You see how it’s going in here. Cable & JaMarcus are taking the blame, for Al Davis’ decisions.
As if the Raiders troubles just began.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Q: Thoughts on Russell?
Ochocinco: Man JaMarcus is extremely good. You have to remember a quarterback can only be as good as his supporting cast. Case closed. Always. It will always be that way. Always. You put a Tom Brady or a Peyton Manning, you take them out of their supporting casts, you take them out of the elements they’re in now, and you put them in JaMarcus’ situation do you think it would be that much better. I’m just asking. Realistically.
Q: Not when you have a different offensive coordinator every year, rookie receivers, I guess probably not.
Ochocinco: Thank you. Thank you. JaMarcus is a great quarterback but he can only be as good as his supporting cast. People have to remember that.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
If you don’t think 17/24 MINIMUM is good ball …then go back to Madden video games and leave the real analysis to us.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Trust me brotha …Gradkowski is not going to show JR how “its supposed to be done” ..lol
November 18th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
With the #85 comment, absolutely right in that the supporting cast has let him down as well. No doubt about that there. But I would say, beyond any shadow of a doubt, #85 is smoking heavy doses on the latter comment; saying that if you put Manning or Marsha Brady in there that there would be no difference. I beg to differ, there would be offensive fireworks, s$%t offensive line or not. Those two are true professionals and make things happen.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Maybe you’re right. Maybe I focus on the bad passes more than the drops. But with JaMarcass, doesn’t it feel like a toss up whether the pass will be catchable or not?
November 18th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
i know gradkowski won’t Terrapin, I know. But still. JRuss has to learn from someone, and he is all we got for now. He can’t be allowed to run free anymore. Taking it away is the only way to reach this kid. He is a lazy ass, we all know it. He needs fear of loss to motivate him.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Russell should have to get down to 250 lbs, and make his work hours 6am to 6pm before he ever allowed back as the #1. He should actually be #3 right now!
What is Cable thinking? So how long of a rope does Grads have? And if Grads ends up with 2 picks and no TD before halftime, do we go to the next guy in line? What would Russell have learned?
Why is Frye, with all his accolades, not ahead of Russell on the depth chart?
November 18th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
09′ 2-7
08′ 5-11
07′ 4-12
06′ 2-14
05′ 4-14
04′ 5-11
03′ 4-14
Let’s not play games about Cable & Russell, ok?
November 18th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I think Grads goes the whole game regardless of how he plays. I think the real question is does JR start again on Thanksgiving.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I think this is more of a wake up call for JR to start to act like a professional QB 7 days a week, not just on Sunday.
Sure he didn’t get ANY help on Sunday, but he’s not working hard enough during the week, period. If he was really ‘busting it’ at the facility 24/7 he would never have been benched…
November 18th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Tom Brady and Peyton Manning would make more plays than a 3rd year starter, no doubt about that.
But let’s just take a few highlights from out season for a second.
Denver game – Cable calls 4 verticals out of our endzone. JRuss puts the ball out there for DHB, and DHB falls down.
Jets game – Cable calls 4 verticals out our endzone, AGAIN, and Barnes gets pancaked causing a turnover.
KC game – Cable calls another deep route, DHB drops a perfect pass on the 5 yd line. Very next play, 50yd play called back on a penalty.
Make a QB switch in that same game, Murphy drops a deep ball, and we all saw DHB at the end of the game.
Just sayin’
November 18th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
That’s true JHill. Unless Cable has zero confidence in Frye …Grads messes up you’re right back in square 1 ..JR on the field …which would further contradict Cable …what would he have learned?
November 18th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
JHill spot on there with the 6 to 6 post. Jerry Rice. Tim Brown. First there, last to leave. Committed. Beyond the call of duty. That is a leader. And JRuss is the opposite. He needs to become that man, and the bench is where he is going to realize it.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
i know gradkowski won’t Terrapin, I know. But still. JRuss has to learn from someone, and he is all we got for now.
——————————————————
Why isn’t it Frye, the guy we are so lucky to have? The guy who has the same type of arm and game that Russell, or at least closer to it? Gradkowski is NOT the same type of QB that Russell is, so this move makes no sense. Frye should be the starter with Grads backing him up, and Russell as #3. No reason for Russell to interact with Cable and Hackett for the rest of the year, lol. They’ve fugged him up enough.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Manning nor Brady can be effective if the WRs and RBs drop the balls. I don’t care if you’re Dan freakin’ Marino – all he can do is pass the ball – somebody else has to catch it.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
jhill Says:
November 18th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Russell should have to get down to 250 lbs, and make his work hours 6am to 6pm before he ever allowed back as the #1. He should actually be #3 right now!
=====================================================
That’s what will happen in New England or Carolina or somewhere else in a two years…….
Someone will see through some of the B.S and bank on Russell learning a lesson or two….and then we will still be in here cussing as to why Sage Rosenfelds keeps letting us down
November 18th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Michael Irvin says God couldn’t survive at QB in Oakland.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUCvLA-DnjM
November 18th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Terrapin,you are right about Manning and Brady having drops from our receivers too, but they are way better at getting away, dumping to the tight ends or running backs, and scrambling. they have presence. they would have won more games for us this year without question, even with all the drops.
JHill and Terrapin, I agree that JRuss should be #3. If Grad fails then we have Russ again, nothing learned or solved. Just a tard decision right there.
November 18th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Remember …Cables excuse for benching JR right after the game was he f’kd up or misread 2 plays prior. I say again 2 plays! And then says something about him being inaccurate (of course ignoring the dropped balls).
Now ask yourself how many plays are ran in a game …and JR only screwed up 2 of them according to Cable?!?! And that’s cause for benching? Does anyone else find that rather peculiar?
The guy had this sht pre-concocted …what a freakin’ idiot. And then comes up with the master stroke AFTER HE SUPPOSEDLY WATCHED THE FILM: “He had 4 drops and Gradkowski had 4″ ….WHAT THE FFF!!!!!
November 18th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for posting that link Kell!
I was talking about that on here last week when they ran that on NFLN.
Same thing Ocho Cinco said today. Look at the plays in that clip, lol! Same ones I was mentioning earlier! Like Sapp said, would you want to be the QB when your RT gets pancaked on first down on your own goal line? Irvin laughed at DHB saying the guy doesn’t even do for the balls thrown his way.
Let’s see the blogger argue with the professionals on TV, lol!
November 18th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Raider4Life – Maybe you didn’t realize it but JR had “presence” vs KC Sunday …he was scrambling and making things happen …he dodged a number of hurries to get the ball out …one in particular was that pass DMC dropped …I was shocked that he was able to get it off. But hey DMC dropped it, so Cable benches Russell.
Listen, I know the guy has had some bad games but this game wasn’t one of them. The coach had no reason to bench him this game. None!
November 18th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
We all know wassup Terrapin!
Cable saying 2 bad reads translates to Russell is NOT throwing the ball to DHB.
Russell is still #2 because the ONLY lesson is to throw the ball to DHB.
November 18th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
As if Cable or Russell is the root problem here.
09′ 2-7
08′ 5-11
07′ 4-12
06′ 2-14
05′ 4-14
04′ 5-11
03′ 4-14
Let’s not play games about Cable & Russell, ok?
November 18th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Yeah, Irvin is pretty accurate there.
Terrapin, he did have good presence in the KC game. He did. You are right. And if Hey Bey learned to catch we could have pulled off a win. That is true, without question. Overall, JRuss had a pretty decent game Sunday from the perspective of his own performance.
What I am saying though bro, and sticking to it, is that JRuss needs to be CONSISTENT with his poise, accuracy, and decisions. He just isn’t there yet. I still believe in him. I do.
November 18th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
AL DAVIS SUCKS!!!!!!!
November 18th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
KoolKell Says:
November 18th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Michael Irvin says God couldn’t survive at QB in Oakland.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUCvLA-DnjM
=======================================================
KoolKell,
The Davis apologists and assorted others who try to find hope wherever they can will totally dismiss that entire NFL Network segment which should be required viewing by anyone before they post ANYTHING.
Those guys were right. The organzation is jacked up, the receivers are jacked up, the coaching is jacked up, the line is jacked up…..and on and on.
Michael Irvin: Give Russell some receivers that will fight for the ball….
Marshall Faulk: Who in that building is telling him what it takes to be great? Who has the experience?
Sapp: You drop back and your right tackle gets bulldozed in your lap
Davis is a disaster and has soiled his legacy
November 18th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
# KoolKell Says:
November 18th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
As if Cable or Russell is the root problem here.
09′ 2-7
08′ 5-11
07′ 4-12
06′ 2-14
05′ 4-14
04′ 5-11
03′ 4-14
Let’s not play games about Cable & Russell, ok?
——————————————————-
Good point. There are far bigger and deeper issues of poison within the organization. But the qb performing better and the receivers catching would make an immense difference immediately, despite the deeper issues.
November 18th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
put a fork in us with Bruce…only good news about this is now we have a legitmate shot at the #1 pick with him at the helm, and cables play calling
November 18th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
If Al Davis has no cash flow problems why the hell is he selling minority stakes of his beloved Raiduhs?
November 18th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
The object of the rest of this season is to win enough games to get a draft pick out of the top 10. Al can’t afford it and we don’t know how to use it or trade it.
November 18th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
[...] Read more. [...]
November 18th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Benching Russell is complete BS. I made a few calls and the root of the problem is Paul Hackett. Case in point, at one point in the KC game, they called the SAME PLAY three times in one drive. It is not that Russell doesn’t know the playbook because they installed 50 1st and 2nd down plays for the KC game however, they called 10! If they are installing 50 plays in practice, why all the BS about the guy not knowing the playbook? You don’t install 50 plays if the guy only knows 10 or 12- sorry- but since Boomer Esiason said it, I guess it’s true. Hackett wanted Garcia or Grads as the starter and he purposely called bogus games to get what he wanted. You don’t have to agree with me but I am telling you that this guy is a happy camper right now and this was a calculated move.
Russell has been mischaracterized as a lazy QB and the media has done everything in their power to make that label stick. Coming in at 630 was not a one time occurrence, he’s been doing that for months however, they make a story of it because “he’s lazy…he would never do that”. They’ve been watching film at his house every Tuesday since the beginning of the season, no one comments on that.
I read somewhere that “he’s not the type of QB to make people around him better” Well; guess what if Dwight Clark doesn’t extend and make “the catch” for Joe Montanna, they lose the game. Who made who better? If Michael Irvin didn’t own DBs when he played for Dallas, Troy Aikman has about 50 less TDs on his resume- who made who better? That’s spin. Football is a team sport and you make each other better- Harrison made some great catches for manning, but it’s a given that Peyton made him better…right? You cannot win in the NFL with a young QB AND young receivers. It is not possible without really sound coaching. I look all around the league and I see QBs playing with guys they have had for three, four seasons and here we are on the fourth playcaller in two seasons, no veteran offensive presnece and a bunch of young guys at virtually every position on offense and you people expect an offensive Juggernaut. maybe on Madden but not in the NFL.
Paul Hackett has systematically destroyed or tried to destroy the will of Russell fro day one when he brought in his noodle armed girlfriend Jeff Garcia. How’s this for common sense, Garcia claimed to have such a great work ethic yet he missed the entire training camp with a “strained calf” or for “personal issues”. He lollygagged the entire camp, but he’s such a hard worker. He thought he could cruise through camp and win (take) the starting job and so did Hackett. Fire that guy right now. How do you go from having a 90 QB rating over the last six games of 2008 to being in the bottom of the league. What changed from last season? Russell’s weight only went up 5 lbs yet “he’s overweight”. Russell was at the facility mostly all of the off season with the exception of two funerals (he lost an uncle in April and another in July) yet “he’s not dedicated”. Russell’s been busting his tail this season yet he’s criticized because he’s not doing enough or he’s not accountable. Where is the accountability for the guys that drop TD passes? Shouldn’t the same logic hold true for them when you have a perfectly healthy Javn Walker on the sidelines who cherishes Friday practices because that’s the only time he can really shine? Where is the accountability for missed blocks and assignments? Oh right, we have a truck load of guys that we are “coaching up” because none of them are playing their natural position on the O-line- but they will do. Invest a 3rd round pick into the O-line, bench him and then bring him back as the LT- what kind of bizzaro world orgamization is this?
Bottom line, there is no way that you can pin everything on the QB without benching a whole lot of other folks too. When he’s been accurate, the ball still ends up on te ground because we have a 23million dollar decoy that is afraid to take a hit (I know this because this is what was told to me as to the reason the guy drops passes- he does not want to take a big hit for fear of having some serious injury and another guy just trying too hard.
How can we pin the blame on Russell when he was given absolutely NOTHING to work with since day 1? I know there is a contingent of fans that, for whatever reason, don’t like the guy but if you exercise even a modicum of common sense you can’t help but come to the conclusion that this guy was set up t fail from the get go- from the minute they put unprecedented language in his contract- language that had NEVER been in an NFL contract before, EVER. People want to criticize him for the hold out…real organizations get guys in on time and sign them before the draft. Eric Metz and Ethan Locke are very astute agents and they knew that contract was bogus as it was presented. Blame the organization for the holdout. They knew that the money goes up every year for the 1 pick yet they tried to play hardball and insert clauses that no one had ever had to adhere to.
Bottom line, if this is what it takes to give the team a spark- so be it, but I don’t agree with the move. I don’t think that there is enough accountability from Hackett who’d rather coach his own pupil than to coach Russell. They don’t get along and Hackett has made it clear to Russell that he doesn’t care too much for him. Calling the same play three times in the NFL is tantamount to suicide considering how much film players study. I consider him a saboteur and if any one disagrees, check his resume and get back to me on when he ever tutored a QB that was lights out. He is the real problem and I will take that to my grave. He ruined Chad Pennington, Carson Palmer (at USC) and now he’s trying to ruin Russell. I hope Grads can get off a pass in under three seconds Sunday because if the Bengals blitz him like they did Roethlisberger it will be a long day reagardless of who’s under center. This is a bogus move to get fans back into the stadium- why else would Cable say that it was final? And did Grads’s hammy heal up overnight? It better work because changing the QB without changing the guys that have t catch the ball from the QB or replacing their hands makes zero sense.
November 18th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
“but he’s not working hard enough during the week, period. If he was really ‘busting it’ at the facility 24/7 he would never have been benched…”
Once again, HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT???? You don’t. I don’t care how hard you work, it you gotta do it all by yourself brother, it won’t matter. If you work with the receivers after practice yet they still drop the ball…guess what? All of your work is in vain. Everyone is speculating about his work ethic but has anyone noticed that Cable said absolutely NOTHING about it since the beginning of the season- the guy was doing something right at the end of the season and all of a sudden he forgets how to play football? He’s not a West Coast QB yet the organization brings in a west coast QB coach and coordinator—yep, that makes a lot of sense.
November 18th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
“Terrapin,you are right about Manning and Brady having drops from our receivers too, but they are way better at getting away, dumping to the tight ends or running backs, and scrambling. they have presence. they would have won more games for us this year without question, even with all the drops.”
They are also WAY more experienced. Everyone wants to compare JR to someone that is super experienced or has playmakers at every position. There is no one currently in the NFL with the same set of problems that this guy has so there is really no one to compare him to. If you look at manning for instance, it took the guy almost 10 years to win a playoff game. That was with weapons on offense and a solid O-line. They are only as good as they are because of experience. Manning had some really bad games early in his career but he played through the bumps and bruises. The same thing should happen here however, with impatient fans, a win now mentality and the NFL becoming a cash machine- it’s “what have you done for me lately”.
November 18th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
I have to admit at least when Gradkowski’s in the game I figure there’s a chance the offense will put together a string of decent plays. Russell’s inaccuracy means they simply haven’t sustained enough drives–seems like most of the (few) scores have come on a couple of bigger plays on a short field.
Gradkowski reminds me of a slightly better Tui, he’ll hustle and move the team down the field before making a critical mistake and turning the ball over. But it’s more fun to watch than Russell firing balls into the dirt and getting the ball stripped repeatedly.
I root for Russell but can’t imagine him becoming anything more than a journeyman QB–how do you teach accuracy on simple patterns or pocket presence?
November 18th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
“I root for Russell but can’t imagine him becoming anything more than a journeyman QB–how do you teach accuracy on simple patterns or pocket presence?”
Accurracy cannot be taught but to go from a 60% passer to a 40% passer- don’t you think there is alittle more to that? Different system- based on timing and rhthym- not his style of offense. Receivers MUST be where they are supposed to be.
Pocket presence, again, if the pocket breaks down BEFORE it is supposed to, you can have all the pocket presence in the world and you’re gonna take a sack. If guys aren’t open or the pocket collapses pocket presnece is a moot point. Not to mention, if you watch his college highlights, he has plenty of pocket presence- he didn’t take many sacks in college and he had a decent but not great o-line- he played in a ssytem that suited him and this system clearly does not.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
I hear you DownTheBay, but is he really going from 60% to 40% (is it that high), or did he have one decent streak where he was at 60%? I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking.
And I know he doesn’t always get a enough time, but wouldn’t you concede he doesn’t appear to “sense” pressure very well? And obviously he doesn’t protect the ball well when the pocket breaks down–especially for a man 290 pounds.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Nope, look at his completion percentage over the last 6 games- it was actually slightly over 60% but around 57-58% for the season- that still a 10% decrease from last season to this season- huge in football terms.
I disagree, I think that when he was in an offense that he was comfortable in and was able to rely on instincts versus thinking too much, he sensed pressure. The ball security is a different issue but again, I think that when he is more comfortable, he is a much better QB. How many fumbles did he have at the end of last year? BTW, he’s actually about 260 right now which is the same weight he was at when he was in college. Let’s take this exam, and I’m just being real- if you were getting blindsided by the likes of mario williams, Shaun phillips etc- you’d probably have a few fumbles too.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Terrapin, I have to agree with you about the benching being premeditated. The playcalling was suspect and although I didn’t see the game, wasn’t he benched for a dropped ball from Brandon Myers? I have lost a ton of respect for Cable who has proven that he’s not a leader of men. How else do you explain the flat performances after good games? Any other coach would have been riding high off the momentum of the Eagles game- we on the other hand, come out and lay a goose egg against a team riding a 3 game losing streak. This guy is in over his head- I had given him the beneift of the doubt but truthfully, I am looking for Russell to be in a different uniform whenever his contract dictates so. With better coaching and better surroundings this guy has everything you need to be a successful starter. Hackett refuses to work (he’s ratehr sandbag it and bring in a guy that already knows his system rather than TEACHING it to Russell- WCO takes mininum 3 years to master- not 9 games + training camp) but the QB gets labeled as lazy.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
No doubt he was looking pretty good at the end of last year, but some of his throws this year seem so fundamentally flawed I can’t imagine him ever being great. But it wouldn’t be the first time I was wrong. His footwork looks horrible. The only thing that gives me any hope is that I know confidence and the mental aspects of the game are more important than anything else (given a certain base level size and athleticism of course. )
November 18th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Bottom line is that we’ll probably never know if JR could have been any good. Russell is the most inaccurate passer that i can ever remember seeing. But we Oakland has no offensive line, no credible wide receivers starting. A micro-managing owner who pulls the strings and then pretends to give the coach the power so he can blame him when we go 3-13. The whole organization is in chaos and i wonder will change even after AD leaves. His son is probably just like him.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Russel played well in college, look him up on youtube. RusselL was ACCURATE in college. I think it’s a combination of the game being to fast for Russell, AND the organization being a joke.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
I agree with most of that, Mauler, but I actually think the line has given Russell plenty of time in a lot games this year. There have been a few where every third down you know the DL will be back there as fast as he drops back, but I’ve also seen entire games where’s he’s had plenty of time. And that’s another thing about pocket presence–he often looks hurried even when the pocket is holding and rushes a bad throw. I know he comes by that fear honestly, but he doesn’t seem to have a sixth sense.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
So given the situation so far, of the three, who do you think will have the best career when it’s all said and done:
McFadden
Russell
DHB
November 18th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Last post- on the whole situation. Frye and Russell are both Metz-Locke clients. Frye was LIVID after the game because of Russell getting benched. He and Russell are really cool and I think they came up with the idea of the TUesday film sessions. he was not happy about JR getting benched and many other players were not happy either. They gave the guy a lot of support after the game and continue to support him. I think that this was a mistake but it’s one that Cable and Hatchett (hackett) have to live with.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
His footwork was fine at the end of 2008. The offense is timing based meaning the receivers have to be in a spot and if they aren’t then it’s probably a pick. He can throw the rock and make throws man. He has been butchered up by hackett, I’m telling you.
I can’t say who has the better career. I don’t know. I don’t think DHB will continue to be bad- he just needs to develop more hunger for the ball. I don’t think DMAC is bad, he’s got injury issues but I think he’s a good back- just not being used properly. I think Russell will benefit from a change of scenery and better coaching. But as far as who will be the best pro, I don’t know brother.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
No argument from me on that point. Cable’s handling and benching haven’t made a lot of sense. As many people have noted, Russell had a lot of bad throws but had also just put the ball where it needed to be on consecutive deep passes. Bad time to pull him. But then I’m sure the coaches know, see and hear things we don’t. And I’m sure they want nothing more than to win games (and/or assault coaches and women).
November 18th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Lol. I guess so.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
“I think it’s a combination of the game being to fast for Russell, AND the organization being a joke.”
A halfway decent QB coach will help slow the game down for Russell. As it stands right now, he only has a halfway QB coach. Coaching, coaching and more coaching is what will help in addition to the work that he does on his own time. He did it at LSU and he did it well. I don’t see why that same thing can’t translate to the NFL with the proper surroundings.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
I’m out guys. Peace.
AR
November 18th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
I’ve always guessed DHB will be a decent WR eventually–sort a James Jett in his good years. But WR is all about confidence, so we’ll see what’s he made of.
Dmac has been a disappointment, but like you, I think he’s mostly been used incorrectly. And I don’t see a guy who goes down at minor contact, I really don’t. He’s a hammer in there, always moves the pile and he brings it hard when blocking. He has an inexplicable tendency to slip and a fumble problem of late, but I still see huge potential. If the Raiders could get it to him in space occasionally…
Good talking to you guys.
November 18th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Gradfartski is waaaaaay too short to be good. He’ll get so many balls batted in his face he’ll feel like Rod Stewart.
November 18th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Goose Bad-Fartski will probably do better than JaRetard. Which isn’t saying much.
November 19th, 2009 at 4:35 am
[...] McD: Cable on benching Russell Cable on benching Russell – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly class… __________________ RaideroftheSith aka [...]
November 19th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
16yearsold16yearfan Says:
November 18th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
i just saw a video from when he was in highschool and he was looking guys off and everything the stuff everybody says he doesnt do now if he was doing it in 9th grade through his jr year in college but all of a sudden he cant do it now than its obviously the raiders fault if cable wasnt an idiot and let javon play didnt call horrible games than maybe jruss wouldnt be so bad but if al never hired the caveman and didnt draft dhb this wouldnt be a problem
Here ya go, kiddo. . Have yourself a period.