Gradkowski better equipped this time
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 1:14 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Bruce Gradkowski can at least be comforted by the knowledge that his Pittsburgh homecoming can’t go any worse than it did last Dec. 28.
Starting for the Cleveland Browns less than a month after his arrival, Gradkowski was 5-for-16 for 31 yards and a pair of interceptions in a 31-0 loss. The Browns were punching the clock in the last game of the Romeo Crennel regime. The Steelers were sharpening up for a Super Bowl run.
Gradkowski had zero chance to succeed and a quarterback rating of 1.0.
He called it a “good experience” Thursday when talking to the local media, and when pressed, downgraded it to “an experience,” believing any playing time is worthwhile, regardless of the supporting cast.
“Going up against a great defense and not really knowing your own offense, it was quite an experience against a team that was on fire and headed to the Super Bowl,” Gradkowski said.
A Pittsburgh high school star at Seton-LaSalle, Gradkowski’s family will number more than 40 and he expects more than 100 people to be there.
“My family, my cousins, they’re die-hard Steeler fans. Last year when I was with the Browns it was hard for then,” Gradkowski said. “They wore neutral colors but I think being with the Raiders this past year and getting to know these guys and being with this team, I know I’ll have the family behind me on this one.”
Gradkowski plans on having some teammates over to his parents’ home for some home cooking, although he’s not sure where they’ll all fit.
Of a bigger concern is a Pittsbugh defense ranked No. 1 in the NFL against the run (74.9 yards per game) and yet to allow an individual runner to break 100 yards this season, with Baltimore’s Ray Rice getting 88 last week for a season high against the Steelers.
Pittsburgh has been historically difficult to run against. Even in 2002, with running backs such as Tyrone Wheatley and Charlie Garner, the Raiders abandoned the run and instead spread out the Steelers, throwing 41 times in the first half and 64 times in the game.
Gradkowski won’t be asked to do what Rich Gannon did, but chances are the Raiders will have to pass more than they run and they’ll need a 60 percent completion percentage and minimal turnovers to have a chance.
“They’re a good defense because they have a variety,” Gradkowski said. “They’re very good up front and they’re also good in the secondary.
“They don’t really lack in any position on defense, and they’re experienced. They’re led by (James) Farrior on defense and it shows. So they’re a good defense with experience and they’re going to change up the looks. We kind of have to be ready for anything.”
PRE-PRACTICE NOTES
Defensive end Greg Elllis (knee) was not on the field for the second straight day as the Raiders concluded warmups and drills. Running back Justin Fargas (stinger) was practicing again.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Jerry
Do you still think play-calling is irrelevant?
Nnamdi 2009:
“We’re a team that chooses to be who we are regardless of who we’re playing against and regardless of the matchups or the things that the other team is going to present,” Asomugha said. “We’ve got one way of doing it and that’s what we do, and teams can get us into some tough situations. And teams know that, so communication can break down sometimes, just because we’ll see what other teams in the league won’t see, because of the nature of our defense, so it doesn’t matter what week it is.
“That stuff can happen in Week 16 if you’re not adjusting and you’re not adapting to who you’re playing against.”
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
# The Real MaddenRaider Says:
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:16 pm
BAG Says:
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:17 am
You know there are several pro football teams in the NFL and even a few in Canada. If you hate my Raiders so bad why not just walk away.
……….
Because if we did there would only be about 10,000 fans left world wide, if even that many. We don’t want the Raiders to get disbanded nor do we want to root for another team. We want Al Davis to retire so our favorite football team can win again. Did you see that billboard? Beautiful, isn’t it? Have another look at it.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef0120a70675a7970b-pi
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Jerry
In response to a question in your chat, about Asking Al Davis the hard questions about firing coaches every year etc. You replied that you previously asked Davis about the rumored Front Office hire. And that he doesn’t answer directly, blah, blah, blah.
How Lame on your part. Keep asking until you get a friggin answer, journalist!
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Let’s do the math. Raiders worth $797 million. Al through AD Football Inc. owns an unencumbered (that means free and clear)67%. AD’s share in a bad economy is $533,990,000 give or take a few thousand. This is NOT Al’s only paid for investment. Home worth several million in the Coachella Valley (no mortgage). Raider’s paid for by an original investment of $180,000 in 1966. Return on investment 4,500 per cent. He has plenty of money. Don’t fool yourself.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
KK,
Those reporters (including you Jerry!) are clearly scared of Big Al unless they are writing from their cubicles.
He owns them at the (almost) yearly coach-firing press conferences.
They talk tough on paper, but then Al walks into the room and intimidates them into asking worthless questions, lol.
Al still has the it factor when he walks into a room…even if he has a ShamWow duct taped to his pants people are stymied by his presence.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Forgot to subtract the money not paid to Shanarat and Lance.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:30 pm
ExLa
You have no freaking ideas what his encumbrances are.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:31 pm
They talk tough on paper, but then Al walks into the room and intimidates them into asking worthless questions, lol.
——————————
AD used to walk, now he get’s wheeled in.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
[...] Gradkowski better equipped this time – Inside the Oakland Raiders … [...]
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Lol, oh yeah, when he is rolled/pushed/carted into the room…
Thanks for clarifying that Exla.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Koolkell, you are in real estate. Look up his property in Palm Desert and check for liens an/or mortgage.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Exlaraiderseasonticketholder Says
He has plenty of money. Don’t fool yourself.
—————————–
Yeah, that’s why he’s looking for money, sure.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:37 pm
ATTENTION MEN WITH JOBS
lol, never mind. noone in this htread has a job
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Exlaraiderseasonticketholder Says:
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Koolkell, you are in real estate. Look up his property in Palm Desert and check for liens an/or mortgage.
—————————-
Whether he owns his home outright or not is TOTALLY IRRELEVANT.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Pittsburgh is #1 against the run.
Its going to be fun watching Fargas running into a wall.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Even if he sells 10%, his 57% is still worth over $454mil. The NFL is a limited club with only 32 and clubs alway sell for more than worth.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
When I typed that last one, KK and MR were the only ones in the thread and I was working on my comedy.
My apoligies to anyone with a job
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
I should be hurting as much as he is! LOL
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Exlaraiderseasonticketholder Says:
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Even if he sells 10%, his 57% is still worth over $454mil. The NFL is a limited club with only 32 and clubs alway sell for more than worth.
————————–
Yeah, that’s why he’s looking for money.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Exlaraiderseasonticketholder Says:
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
I should be hurting as much as he is! LOL
————————-
Everything is relative, In our circles, yes, that’s a lot of money.
In NFL circles, he’s a pauper.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
MR says:
Because if we did there would only be about 10,000 fans left world wide, if even that many. We don’t want the Raiders to get disbanded nor do we want to root for another team. We want Al Davis to retire so our favorite football team can win again. Did you see that billboard? Beautiful, isn’t it? Have another look at it.
——————————————————-
Only 10,000 fans left world wide? LOL!!!! You don’t really understand how far reaching the Raider Nation is do you. But honestly I don’t want to convince you I want you and any other fair-weather fan to walk. Just let it go. You don’t need the Raiders and we definitely don’t need you. The Texans are looking for fans. Hey the Lions are looking stronger than ever go be a Lions fan. Or I know how about them Saints. I sure you want to be a Saints fan so you can finally enjoy a winning tradition. LOL!! I personally have little to no confidence that whatever NFL suit takes over after Big AL’s demise is going to do anything but just enough to sale tickets. Which is in line with most of the owners in the NFL as there are still several teams that have remained at the bottom of the league year after year and in a perpetual state of rebuilding. Lastly, in my opinion the billboard is a ridiculous waste of time and resources. All involved could have saved that worthless effort for another team. The Miami Dolphins could use some more fans. You know the Tuna has got those guy’s working hard. Or maybe the Bengal’s their on a roll or even the Sea-chickens they’re no longer in the Raiders division so the rivalry isn’t the same anymore. Just stop whining, man-up and go elsewhere, simple.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Check it out
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Video-Florida-State-s-Zebrie-Sanders-redefines-?urn=ncaaf,206179
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Can you people read or not? Or comprehend what’s said.
It is entirely coincidental that this billboard went up two days after it was reported, for the second time since January, that Davis is trying to sell a portion of the Raiders. If Fox Sports reporter Jay Glazer is right — and everything I’ve heard indicates he is — at least 10 percent of the franchise is very available. Davis owns by far the largest percentage of the team.
While there are numerous wealthy shoppers gazing at that Silver-and-Black slice of the NFL’s massive pie, nearly all have no desire to invest heavily in the organization as currently being operated.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/sports/ci_13905090
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Hey Al Davis, there will be no Federal Estate Tax in 2010! If you die today, you will owe Uncle Sam approximately .45 cents for every dollar your estate exceeds $3.5 million…and it will get worse in 2011 with a 55% tax on any estate assets exceeding $1 million! But there is a one year window in 2010 where there is no Federal Estate Tax!
That means big savings if you kick the bucket in 2010…any good financial manager will strongly urge you to consider moving to Oregon in 2010 and taking advantage of their Death with Dignity Act!
Just some sound estate planning from a life-long fan!
(Dell…shhhhh, don’t remind him about the 15% capital gains tax that goes against estates starting in 2010)
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:58 pm
The NFL requires a majority owner to control at least 30 percent of the club. The exception is the Steelers and the Rooney’s. The Dolphins sold for $180mil to huizenga in 1992 and are valued at $1.billion not including the Stadium. Not sure what the final number was for Stephen Ross as he bought the stadium too. But he has been selling off pieces to celebrities.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Dakota,
Dr. Kevorkian is out of prison.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Gradkowski’s an admission of failure by this whole Cable regime.
If Cable can’t get his #1 overall quarterback to even practice hard and accept his leadership role, fug it…
Another write off year…
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Nnamdi21 Says:
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Gradkowski’s an admission of failure by this whole Cable regime.
If Cable can’t get his #1 overall quarterback to even practice hard and accept his leadership role, fug it…
Another write off year…
___________________________
Very true, I and a few others saw it coming last year…but people got drunk off a two game win streak to end the season and started sucking Cable’s balls. Some even started comparing him to Madden for cripe’s sake!
The amazing part is that even though Cable has proven me right all year long there are still some fans that want him back in 2010…I guess they want to write off 2010 too?
Amazing.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Dakota Says
Very true, I and a few others saw it coming last year…but people got drunk off a two game win streak to end the season and started sucking
Cable’s balls. Some even started comparing him to Madden for cripe’s sake!
The amazing part is that even though Cable has proven me right all year long there are still some fans that want him back in 2010…I guess they want to write off 2010 too?
————————–
The choice at the time was to give the young QB some stability, or start all over AGAIN with yet another Head Coach.
But anybody looking at the situation honestly, and not grandstanding, would acknowledge the obvious:
09′ 3-8
08′ 5-11
07′ 4-12
06′ 2-14
05′ 4-12
04′ 5-11
03′ 4-12
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Becker and company banned 4eva.
I didnt know he said anything deserving of a banning?
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Plunketthead Says:
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Becker and company banned 4eva.
I didnt know he said anything deserving of a banning?
————————–
4eva, lost control that night, throwing around the kiss my “D” word etc. That Billboard rattled him.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Al has picked a few decent coaches in the past 25 years…Shanny, Gruden, maybe even Kiffin will end up being a good coach…sooooooo
I am willing to take the chance that Al can somehow pull another decent HC out of his hat over the chance that Mr. Wife Beating 18-51 Buffoon is going to somehow turn into a legit HC.
Yes we need stability at the HC position, so Al needs to pull his head out of his ass and once he finds a decent HC, leave them alone and pay them appropriately, however, stability alone is not an appropriate argument to keep a dog schyt coach like Cable.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:20 pm
“that billboard rattled him”
Lol
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Cables 5 wins in 08′ were the most since 04′. C’mon man.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I saw that some of you were talking about 4eva like had gone off the deep end, so I went back and looked at the posts and I didn’t see anything outrageous…were all those comments deleted by the mod or something?
Man, I wish I hadn’t missed that!
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:24 pm
The Raiders played pretty well down the stretch in 08′ The options were to start over with yet another new puppet HC, or build off that stretch run.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
The fact that it is AD inc. tells me his personal finances are completely seperate from the team even if the raiders were to go under which wont be allowed Al’s fortune is safe.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Dakota Says:
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I saw that some of you were talking about 4eva like had gone off the deep end, so I went back and looked at the posts and I didn’t see anything outrageous…were all those comments deleted by the mod or something?
—————————-
Yes they were. I was giving him fits.
But sorry he’s banned, he’s not a bad guy. I’ve never seen him meltdown like that before. He just wasn’t having that billboard.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Thats ok Plunketthead, I retired at 43 and I have been retired for 9 years……..I take no offense……the only problem is everyday is saturday and the weekend means nothing
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Al Davis is a pauper in NFL circles. Always has been. He doesn’t have any outside interests, like the other Corporate and Billionaire owners in the NFL. Which always made him endearing to Raider Fans.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Lol, Cable only won 4 games in 08, Kiffin got one before he was terminated…
Gooooooo Cable!
People forget that even in December of 08′ Cable coached us to two of the most embarrassing losses in Raiders’ history and was 2-8…and then he beat the mighty Texans and the broken, falling apart TB Bucs…and Raider Nation’s expectations being so low many screamed in euphoria that we had found our savior!
lmao
How many blowout losses can Cable coach us up for before some of you see the light? He has lost 10 of his 23 games by more than two TDs!
Pats 49-26
SD 34-7
Falcons 24-0
Ravens 29-10
NO 34-3
Denver 23-3
Houston 29-6
Giants 44-7
Jets 38-0
Dallas 24-7
How many more thumpings must we take before someone realizes that Cable cannot get his team ready to play and cannot develop these young players?
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:39 pm
The problem is who is going to coach this jr. college team……….with an owner that died ten years ago and everyone is afraid to tell him, no one worth a damn thats for sure
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:41 pm
30,248 petitions signed and validated
14 people have donated $175.01
Current Media Project: The Newspaper Ad
Our current project is a Newspaper Ad on a major Oakland Newspaper. We will publish the ad until we collect the required amount of $2,000. If you are interested in donating, click here to do so.
The ad will have a respectful petition to Mr. Davis to have a private meeting so we can share with him the “blueprint to success”, a 5 point plan to return the Raiders to greatness. This 5 point plan is based on what other successful NFL franchises are doing to get and stay at the top of the league.
Any donation above or equal to $100 will have (if requested) the name of the donator at the bottom of the ad in a very small font. The full list of donators (with removal requests honored) will be published on our website.
Please make this new project a reality. DONATE NOW!
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Blueprint to Success: 5 step plan to return to greatness
1) Multi-tier football operations management including the following positions:
• General Manager
• Director of Football Administration
• Director of Player Personnel
• Pro Scout
• 5 Area Scouts
• Salary Cap Analyst
• Player Development Administrator
2) Complete autonomy to General Manager to choose, organize and develop his/her own staff.
3) Complete authority to the Head Coach to select and hire his own staff including Coordinators and Assistants.
• Allow the Head Coach the authority to select the offensive, defensive and special teams schemes that fits us best and puts us in the best position to win.
• Allow the Head Coach and General Manager (working as a team) the authority to draft players based on “Best Player Available”, “Position of Need” and “NFL-readiness” best practices followed by successful NFL franchises.
• Allow the Head Coach and General Manager (working as a team) the authority to hire free agent players based on the team needs, our particular scheme and other requirements.
• Allow the Head Coach the authority to select his starting team and bench players upon his choosing.
4) No interference with General Manager and Head Coach decisions.
5) Enjoy the playoffs after 3 seasons of following this plan. You deserve only the best Mr. Davis. Nothing would make us happier than seeing you carrying another Lombardi trophy! Go Raiders!
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Al Davis is going to hire this 22 year old to be his Head Coach and the poor guy is probably going to drop everything hes working so hard for for a once and a lifetime opportunity haha. Seriously…Be strong young padawan.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Frank YoooooooLLL,
I know that a great coach like Cowher, Dungy, Holmgren etc are all pipe dreams…and even a decent college HC like Ferentz is also not going to happen…
But a vet coach like Fassel would do ten times the job Cable is doing right now. He was coach of the year and took a team to the SB. Cable couldn’t hold his jock.
Same goes for that arrogant bastard Brian Billick who really wants back in badly enough to even consider the Raiders.
I can’t believe I am about to say this, but even Dennis Green would be a better HC for us in 2010 than Cable.
Or another brash young college guy might be the ticket…Kiffin had us playing and contending into the 4th quarter in games in 07…you can’t say had Al hired his dad and fired Rob fukin Ryan that we would be worse than we are right now can you?
Just because our options our limited by Al Davis, doesn’t mean we should just give up and let Cable continue to make a complete joke out of the Raiders…Al does that enough by himself.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Marc Trestman for HC been saying it for awhile.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:55 pm
4) No interference with General Manager and Head Coach decisions.
______________________
????? I think every owner in football has to sign off on most big ticket items…don’t get crazy kid.
Think the Bills owner didn’t have to sign off on TO? Think the Eagle’s owner wasn’t consulted when they signed Vick? Do you think the Broncos owner didn’t have a say in the Cutler trade?
Come on now.
But hiring a GM and at least allowing him to make MOST of the decisions would be a great start. Hell, even allowing a GM to influence Al a little would be a good start.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Please make this new project a reality. DONATE NOW!
———————-
Done.
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Marc Trestman makes the most sense. he coached here, he knows Al and he will not command a huge salary. if I had my way though, it would be none of the above mentioned. harbaugh is my choice. and bring Andrew luck with him.
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Fassel would be a desperation pick. he has already lobbied for the job, and Al passed.
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
primussuxxx Says:
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Fassel would be a desperation pick. he has already lobbied for the job, and Al passed.
_________________
Lol, just because Al made a mistake the first time doesn’t mean he should pass again…the desperation pick was hiring a guy that couldn’t even coach at a low-level college (11-35…what a resume!).
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Trestman has already committed to his players he’s returning to Montreal.
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:30 pm
They should bring in Popp and Trestman.
Popp loves Trestman and so do his players.
Last guy in the world you’d think would be a great HC but he is totally sincere to his players and treats them like men.
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Dakota, no one in the NFL has given fassel any chance at all. Billick gave him a shot at QB coach and help with the offense (wikipedia says offensive coordinator, but if I recall, he was like an assistant of some sort, but not a coordinator), but dude has gotten squat from the NFl since he was fired as the NY Giants coach. he was fired in 2003 and it is damn near 2010. why would nobody else give him a shot at head coach again? it is coaches like Fassel, ones on the scrap heap, they will be the kind of coaches we choose from. or maybe we get lucky again with a young coach. As for trestman saying he commited to his players in the CFL, please.
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
[...] Read more. [...]
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Raiders should just forfeit this game, it will be a loss. We are one of least physically imposing teams in the league despite all those important workout numbers we have. We will not be able to run and the passing game will get ripped apart. The Raiders used to be right there with the Steelers in terms of physicality but now we are soft and weak and have been for a long time. The Raiders can’t even call ourselves a “finesse” team because our team is so inept. Al Davis has completely tarnished his once great legacy and it is sickening to see.
December 4th, 2009 at 4:05 am
[...] McD: Gradkowski better equipped this time Gradkowski better equipped this time – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the h… __________________ RaideroftheSith aka [...]
December 4th, 2009 at 4:11 am
[...] Gradkowski better equipped this time – Inside the Oakland Raiders … [...]
December 4th, 2009 at 6:58 am
“How Lame on your part. Keep asking until you get a friggin answer, journalist!”
KK, nice!
December 4th, 2009 at 7:05 am
Tom Cable isn’t going anywhere! Al must develop Cable as Cable must develop the players. Now, if Cable is unable to develop the players, only Raider insiders would know this, then he should lose his job. But I don’t believe Cable has been given sufficient time as HC to make any determination on his future.