Postgame wrap
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Sunday, December 6th, 2009 at 4:27 pm in Oakland Raiders.
News, notes and observations from the Raiders’ 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday at Heinz Field:
– It was a day to put aside talk of district attorneys, “Outside the Lines,” first-round flops, billboards and petititon drives.
The most stirring Raiders win since they ruled the AFC West seven years ago made Tom Cable look like a prophet instead of a hopeless optimist.
Cable insisted all along there were plays to be made in the passing game as the Raiders went week after week without making them.
Suddenly, there they were, a flood of them in the fourth quarter, to all but knock the defending Super Bowl champions from their throne.
Bruce Gradkowski completed 20 of 33 passes for 308 yards, and saved his best work for the fourth quarter. Gradkowski is the first Raiders quarterback to pass for 300 yards in 33 games, since Daunte Culpepper passed for 344 against Minnesota on Nov. 18, 2007.
The team that had scored one touchdown or less in nine of 11 games came from behind three times on Gradkowski touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. Oakland put more points on the board against the Steelers in the final 12 minutes than they had in any complete game all season long.
Gradkowski’s fourth-quarter numbers: 10 of 16 for 188 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions and a quarterback rating of 142.7.
To those of us who suggested Gradkowski was no more than a temporary rest stop until JaMarcus Russell was given his job back, we stand corrected. You put Russell in for any reason other than injury over the remaining four games after what transpired against Pittsburgh and the other 52 players will head to the check out line.
It’s the second time in three weeks Gradkowski took his team 80 or more yards with less than two minutes to play in a game the Raiders won. The Raiders tied the Bengals and with a 10-play, 80-yard drive inside of two minutes and then won it when Cincinnati fumbled the ensuing kickoff. The Steelers were beaten on a 10-play, 88-yard march in which the Raiders had no time outs.
Close your eyes and it was Rich Gannon out there, evading the rush, scrambling eight yards for a first down on third-and-3, and throwing up a duck that Louis Murphy somehow came down with among three defenders for a 23-yard gain.
Except Gannon never threw three touchdown passes in the third quarter. The last player to do that? Guy by the name of Stabler, on Dec. 3, 1979, as the Raiders erased a 35-14 deficit to beat the New Orleans Saints, 42-35.
“They left us too much time,” Gradkowski told television interviewers following the game. Gradkowski had never passed for 225 yards in a game or thrown three touchdown passes in a game (let alone a quarter).
Gradkowski also had what a winning quarteback sometimes needs _ luck. He threw an interception directly to Steelers rookie Joe Burnett with 41 seconds to play. Burnett dropped it. The next pass was the 23-yard pop fly to Murphy which got the Raiders to the 17.
“It seemed like an eternity,” Murphy told reporters afterward. “It was up there forever. A lot of leaders just turned to me and said, `Murph, we need a big play.’ ‘
Murphy’s four catches for 128 yards was the first time in 33 games that a Raiders wide receiver broke 100 yards. Ronald Curry had 120 yards in receptions against Minnesota. All his catches and yards came in the last 5:42.
– The Raiders were very good in the first half defensively, and utilized a lot of rookie second-round pick Mike Mitchell. That increased the pressure on Tyvon Branch, who spent less time in the box and more in coverage. He was victimized on back-to-back throws by Ben Roethlisberger on Pittsburgh’s first scoring drive of 34 and 27 yards. The second one, to Santonio Holmes at the pylon, was simply a perfect pass.
A delay of game penalty didn’t hurt because Ryan Clark drew an unnecessary roughness penalty with a head-to-head shot on an incomplete pass to Johnnie Lee Higgins, putting Oakland at the 11.
– Bruce Gradkowski Sr., talking on the KPIX postgame show following the game, was overcome with emotion in an interview with Kim Coyle. Nice moment.
– The Raiders simply refuse to do anything the easy way, which in this case made the win even more remarkable. They gave up an 83-yard kickoff return to Stefan Logan to open the game, were victimized for 225 yards of Steelers offense on six snaps (and 176 yards on the other 42), twice gave up fourth-quarter following touchdowns and lost both center Samson Satele and left guard Robert Gallery, forcing them to finish it out with Langston Walker at left guard and Chris Morris at center.
The win speaks volumes for Cable’s ability to keep a team interested and capable of playing late in the season when a season has already gone south.
– Things started to go south for the Steelers when coach Mike Tomlin, who promised to “unleash hell” in December following last week’s overtime loss to Kansas City, opted to have field goal kicker Jeff Reed attempt a 53-yard field goal rather than punt the Raiders deep into their own territory. Never mind that Reed has never made a kick longer than 50 yards, and the direction he was kicking is notoriously difficult because of swirling winds.
Tomlin is one of the game’s best coaches, and in one way the move made complete sense. He was playing against a team that hadn’t scored more than 20 points all year and didn’t have a touchdown in the game. There was absolutely no reason to believe the Raiders were up to the task of moving 57 yards and actually scoring a touchdown.
Except that’s exactly what they did, with Chaz Schilens (or Chaz Scheelins, according to CBS analyst Bill Cowher) scoring on a 17-yard touchdown pass.
Tomlin had unleased hell, all right. Only not in the way he imagined.
– The Raiders gained 396 yards, four yards shy of a 400-yard game, last accomplished on Oct. 23, 2005. That’s 70 games ago.
– Had to love that pitch on third-and-2 to Darren McFadden on the Raiders’ first scoring drive, getting their best perimeter runner to the perimeter. Feel free to use it again. Like at least three times per game.
– Johnnie Lee Higgins will hear about giving up a deep route in the fourth quarter, but caught four passes for 63 yards. That’s more yards and twice as many passes as injured rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey has caught in a single game through 11 starts. Heyward-Bey sustained a foot injury in Friday’s practice and was inactive.
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December 6th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Fire Mr DAVIS
December 6th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
FIRE Trask, Herrera, taylor and the rest of the org…
December 6th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
3rd!
December 6th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Move the team HQ to concord..
December 6th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
6-10 record this year?? We can beat Clevland for sure…and Broncos or Redskins I think…to be fair we could win all our last few games if we played as well as we can…
December 6th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
jhill Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Vegas,
I like Fargas, so there is no real issue there. I said Bush should be traded this past offseason for whatever Tampa was offering.
Fargas can have his 15 carries a game or so, but I would love to see Cable find a way to get DMAC at least 15 carries a game, and 5-10 passes thrown his way.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
i dont understand how cable can get mad at bush for being tired after 5 straight runs for 30 yards and its not like hes just running he was busting through the lines and fighting off tackles that was just a bogus reason to keep him out of the game
December 6th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
england thats true i almost wanted to blow up al’s house when i heard dar i didnt even need the whole name i was like you old ignorant bastard what is wrong with you but with this year any reach still might be a good pick unless its a something crazy like a long snapper in the 1st rd
December 6th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Bruce!!!!!!!!!!
December 6th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Good win Nation, Enjoy…out
December 6th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Good riddance, Jamarcus. Ye shall not be missed.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I keep telling you guy’s it’s obvious that Cable drafted DHB, he never says a negative thing about that kid and he cost us at least one and maybe a many as three games with his drops and route running. We should never have drafted that kid………..period
DHB IMO is the single reason that Russell was benched because he refused to throw to him.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
I’d be surprised if JLH doesn’t have a concussion after the shot to the head he took. Hope he comes back soon, and doesn’t “hear footsteps” when he’s about to catch a pass.
I wouldn’t blame the guy for being “gun-shy” after some of the licks he’s taken this season.
And here’s hoping Scheelins is okay after getting his head bent back.
and…what a great game! GO RAIDERS!
Gradkowski for Mayor.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
lefty12 Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
if Fargas and Dmac are asked to run the same plays,Fargas gets better production every week.until Dmac reverses that Fargas will continue to get the bulk of the carries.as for Bush,he must do something they don’t like,but i have no idea what it is.funny how when discussing the WRs all people talk about is production,yet when talking about RBs production doesn’t seem so important.
=======================================================
Bush has the best production on the team when he gets more than 10 carries.
Still the only back on this team to have over 100 yds rushing in a single game the last 2yrs.
If you bench the guy after a fumble….only give him 5 carries a game…of course he won’t produce.
I have yet to see Fargas have a signature game since the effort against the Dolphins many many months ago.
Bush is the guy. We have too many running backs. Should have NEVER drafted DMAC.
Water under the bridge. We will keep the soon to be 30 yr old crash test dummy and let Bush walk on.
then we will spend another 1st or 2nd rounder on a running back
December 6th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Fox just proclaimed Bruce the “Ultimate Fantasy Player of the Day”.
What more do you need to see, Priest. Keep painting yourself into that corner. There are probably a few more inches left to paint. LMFAO!
December 6th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
priesttj Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I keep telling you guy’s it’s obvious that Cable drafted DHB, he never says a negative thing about that kid and he cost us at least one and maybe a many as three games with his drops and route running. We should never have drafted that kid………..period
DHB IMO is the single reason that Russell was benched because he refused to throw to him.
=======================================================
Perhaps….surely DHB dropping that pass against the Chiefs sealed the deal for Russell. Although Russell sealed his own deal with his weight issues and his inability to win over his coaches and teammates
December 6th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Learning the playbook, endearing himself to the players, being a leader of men….
December 6th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Big question.
What will be the starting lineup next week?
December 6th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
You forgot staying shape, showing up to meetings, not blaming everyone else, not wearing ugly azz furcoats, . . . the list goes on.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
That passive quiet leader SH!T is okay for maybe collwge.
The diff between Grads and BRL is leadership.
BRL is not and will not be a leader of men…
December 6th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Bruce:”They gave us too much time” Don’t get cocky.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
I knew it Jerry!
I knew you were thinking of the Snake when you watched this game!
Come on McDonald! Own up! You’re really part of the Nation!
December 6th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
I agree with this fans sentiment:
Russell should be on the bench. Mcfadden should just be a 3rd down/”WildCat” formation back. Fargas and Bush should split carries. Fargas always runs hard and Bush is a load. Murphy and Schillens should be the starters at receivers., and DHB should just be used on deep routes and maybe an occasional reverse
December 6th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
SnB you’ve got a good point, the Gallery injury didn’t look serious on TV but you never know with a back injury.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Thec07 Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
That passive quiet leader SH!T is okay for maybe collwge.
The diff between Grads and BRL is leadership.
BRL is not and will not be a leader of men…
======================================================
The difference is completing passes. I am not big on all the rah rah stuff. That’s half the reason why some players play over others on this team.
Its ALL ABOUT PRODUCTION.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Two kinds of Raider fans:
1) People who think today’s win means something long term
2) People who know Al will mess this up one way or another.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Gradowski won the game with NINE seoncds left and he tells the press:
“They left us too much time.”!!!
LOL.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
I forgot about that play where JLH gave up on the pass. And it was right after he made a nice play on the sidelines and the announcers were all over him for celebrating, lol.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Watkins drop in the endzone shouldn’t be overlooked, it could have been costly,
December 6th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Al will screw this up, just like he screwed the Gruden team up. Gannon played till ‘04. Gruden could still coach. Gruden/Gannon could have ran through ‘04. Al had other plans. Heck, if Gruden drafts Gradkowski when in Oakland, Grads could have been Gannon’s successor. Raiders could have had decade run being competitive. Al had other ideas, just as he will for this current team that’s finally found an avenue back to being competitive. I’ll bet you Gradkowski isn’t even here next year.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Here come the trolls, no need for anybody to read any more comments on this blog for the rest of the day. We all know what they will be like.
Somebody hide the steak knives, MR isn’t going to be able to handle the Raiders winning and he will off himself.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
S&N as i said there must be a reason Bush isn’t used more.maybe it’s his attitude,maybe he doesn’t work as hard as the team wants him to,who knows,but there has to be a different reason than Cable doesn’t like him.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Starting JLH was the most important move in this game………….period.
Jerry’s comment that this is the first game the Raiders have gone for more than 400 yards in a game in 70 games speaks VOLUMNS. IMO that is the most telling stat of any I’ve heard in a long time. That’s 5 years of football games and i’ll bet it was Kerry Collins at QB when we first got Moss.
You just can’t win in this league without an offense to help out the defense. The offense finished a game for us for the first time since Russell beat KC to win in week two.
With this defense if we can start to score points early we can win a lot of games.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Hey MaddenRaider, best win in 7 years, today is a great day to be a Raiderfan, give the cr@p a rest for one day, bask in the glow of a great victory, enough with the Al non-sense.
go raiders.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
What makes you guys think Al Davis isn’t going to screw this up? What’s different now?
December 6th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Priest:
Give us a break here fella.
You’re telling us that it’s DHB’s fault that Russell sucked?!
Did DHB move him move so slow going back in the pocket, did DHB render him unable to sense he was about to whacked in every game, did DHB throw all those balls in the dirt to open receivers, did DHB throw all those uncatchable balls?!
December 6th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
With this defense if we can start to score points early we can win a lot of games.
——————————————————
That’s the main carry over I hope this 4th qtr win has is to the FIRST qtr of the next game. Washington has areally good defense too, so I hope we continue to use Gradkowski’s mobility to our advantage. Keep moving the pocket and keep the rookie WRs in the slot.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Best win in 7 years? Where do you come to that conclusion? Only if we build on it. We beat Denver in ‘04, Pittsburgh in ‘06. We’ve been here before during the 7 year drought. It doesn’t mean anything until we build on it. Al Davis always finds a way to screw things up. You know we’re going back to vanilla defense next week, and we’re going to choke to the Skins, who came within a skin of beating NO today.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
raidingtexas i agree with you about everything about jamarcus but it is so immature to not like a guy based on his choice of clothing
December 6th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
I’ll bet you guys Gradkowski isn’t even here next year.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
September 2010, opening week, Raiders starting QB: JaMarcus Russell. Who thinks this won’t be the case?
December 6th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Bruuuuuuuuuuce!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 6th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
lefty12 Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
S&N as i said there must be a reason Bush isn’t used more.maybe it’s his attitude,maybe he doesn’t work as hard as the team wants him to,who knows,but there has to be a different reason than Cable doesn’t like him.
=====================================================
That’s the problem with cable. You have to play production. Fargas is not a workhorse running back. He’s a share the load guy. Sort of like the guy that plays opposite Pederson.
All I know is that Bush is the one running back on this team that has had complete games for his position.
Fargas works hard and has a great attitude…but his runs are rarely the difference. Picking up blitz coverage is a big part of the job…but so is getting over 100 yds!
If Bush is not the answer…and we know DMAC isn’t the answer….then the Raiders need to go draft another running back.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
I guess the ‘49 game is over.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
You’re telling us that it’s DHB’s fault that Russell sucked?!
—————————————————–
And also had a lot to do with the why Grads looked so bad in his first few starts. Every game since the bye week has been an utter disaster for DHB. Dropped passes that DIRECTLY led to Russell’s benching, and dropped a game winnning TD pass from Grads to win that same game. Was AWFUL in the 2 starts for Grads. Targeted way too many times and was never open. Should have been playing him in the slot from the beginning with JLH and Chaz starting.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Gradkowski will be gone. Only way Al keeps Grads is if Denver or KC makes a move for him, and even then, he’ll ride pine and back up JaMarcus next year. Cable will be gone either way.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Priest,i know you want Russell to succeed so it hurts but come on-’since Russell beat KC’.the Def. won that game.sure he drove us down at the end to win it,but he stunk up the place for the rest of the game or he wouldn’t have had to make that winning drive at the end.and stop with the Russell failed because of DHB crap.he failed because he isn’t an NFL caliber QB at this point in time-period.maybe he will be someday,but not today!
December 6th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
M Lonetree Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
The07,
did you ever see Cliff Branch in his first year? Thought not.
FYI, Cliff stunk. Absolutely stunk. Couldn’t catch, couldn’t field punts. Bust. Zero.
—————————–
Cliff Branch was a 4th rd Draft pick, (not#7 overall) who started exactly 1 (one) game until his 3rd year.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
How much is Gradkowski’s agent going to want to keep him here next year?
Does Al pay it, or will we be back to Russell?
Will another team offer Grads the $ and he leaves?
December 6th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
No but he and Murphy sure dropped a lot of passes to help things along not to even mention their route running. The Oline was also a factor in Russell’s lack of production. If we play JLH and Chaz and today’s Murphy with Russell I can almost gaurantee he doesn’t get benched at all.
There was much more to Russell’s demise than his poor play which I’ll admit was at times very damning.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Niners too. If the Niners make a move for Gradkowski, Al will keep him. Anyone other than KC, Den, or SF, and Al will let him go. What does he care? As long none of his rivals succeed with him.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
JHill, Al only pays for Gradkowski if KC, Denver, or SF make a move. You know that. None of those 3 make a move, and Grad is gone.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
# SnB offense defense specialteams Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
lefty12 Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
if Fargas and Dmac are asked to run the same plays,Fargas gets better production every week.until Dmac reverses that Fargas will continue to get the bulk of the carries.as for Bush,he must do something they don’t like,but i have no idea what it is.funny how when discussing the WRs all people talk about is production,yet when talking about RBs production doesn’t seem so important.
=======================================================
Bush has the best production on the team when he gets more than 10 carries.
Still the only back on this team to have over 100 yds rushing in a single game the last 2yrs.
If you bench the guy after a fumble….only give him 5 carries a game…of course he won’t produce.
I have yet to see Fargas have a signature game since the effort against the Dolphins many many months ago.
Bush is the guy. We have too many running backs. Should have NEVER drafted DMAC.
Water under the bridge. We will keep the soon to be 30 yr old crash test dummy and let Bush walk on.
then we will spend another 1st or 2nd rounder on a running back
=======================================================
McFadden had like 160 against the chiefs last year.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Russell will start next year. Not because I want him to, but because Al has not even come close to giving up on him. Gradkowski either rides pine for us next year or goes elsewhere.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Seriously, DHB and Russell are not in this teams future.
Gradkowski is already ahead of Russell and I am confidently going to declare that there is no way that Russell will be able to outwork him.
No way! Had Walter and Garcia not quit…..Gradkowski could be home right now. And he knows it!
No way Russell outworks that kid. And the offense suits Gradkowski better than Russell.
If Cable is back next year….Russell is done……
Also, Bush will be done as well if Cable comes back.
Only DHB will continue to get tender care and feeding when it comes to Cable….oh, and Fargas too.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Priest, Bilitnikoff and Lester the Molester would have dropped Russell’s passes and they had extra help.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
As much as I loved what Grads did let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We have 4 more games and hopefully he gets better but LUCK was certainly a factor in this win. But I really don’t want to take anything away from him he was gutsy and at times outstanding. He won this game hands down.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Now Lefty, didn’t you get on me for saying our defense in the red zone and STs won the game for us against Cincy? Didn’t you get on me for pointing out that Grads only had 100 yds passing until the last 2 minutes of the game?
Just sayin’
December 6th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
SnB offense defense specialteams Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
If Cable is back next year….Russell is done……
…………….
HAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!
December 6th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
ZMiller and Chaz don’t drop them. neither does JLH. So shutup.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
S&B-you keep mentioning production.how many times do people have to repeat this-as of now,Fargas is the most productive back on the team.do i wish Bush or Dmac would force the team to start and give them the majority of the playing time-YES;have they-NO.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
wow, we actually had wide receivers out there today. playing with dhb is like playing with one man short on offense. i wonder if dhb’s *cough cough* injury is going to be one of those prolonged deals. one can only hope…
December 6th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
The OL was a factor in this game too-both the center and Gallery were knocked out and Bruce won anyway.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Russell’s not going anywhere.
“He’s a great player, get over it” – Al Davis, to Lane Kiffin
December 6th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Bruce has the advantage of only being here a few months. They’ll destroy him too in time.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
SnB offense defense specialteams Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Seriously, DHB and Russell are not in this teams future.
——————————————————-
So AL is going to pay Grads starters $ next year?
DHB not in the plans?
LMFAO!
December 6th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Al Davis will never give up on Russell, ever
December 6th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
“He’s a great player, get over it” – Al Davis
December 6th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
While I would like to see an offensive coordinator I think Cable’s coming back.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Man, some people just prefer things to be bad.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
revenue sharing is going away …..
I think that is a pretty big deal for a team that can’t sell any tickets.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
While I would like to see an offensive coordinator I think Cable’s coming back.
——————————————————-
Cable winning today pretty much guaranteed him another year. Totally with you on the OC thing. At a minimum, give up playcalling so you can manage the rest of the game.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
But Davis’s abuses of power have become increasingly visible. For example, after practice it is customary for him to enter the equipment room, drop a towel on the floor and wait for an employee to clean his shoes. “I saw him make someone wipe his shoes in front of 75 people,” says Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, who coached the Raiders in 1988 and was fired four games into the ‘89 season.
—————————-
Lefty,
Was that you or BHP?
December 6th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
ticket sales was never part of revenue sharing. Merchandise is and the Raiders are always towards the top of the league in merchandise sales.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
The Real MaddenRaider Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Two kinds of Raider fans:
1) People who think today’s win means something long term
2) People who know Al will mess this up one way or another.
=================================================
3) People who can enjoy a win for what it is….a win.
MR what are you gonna do with all of your free time when Al stops running the Raiders?
December 6th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Hey RealMadden Raider! Do you ever shut up?? Give it a rest, like someone else said.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
# ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Man, some people just prefer things to be bad.
……………
Agree, and his name is Al Davis.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Wow, the taint-sniffer MR is pi$$ed off after a Raider win and spreading lies. Big shocker.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
JHill, too true. It would actually make Cable better. Cable handles the players well. With three wins they’re usually laying down by now but Cable’s got them fighting.
In fact he did that last year too.
When it comes to play calling some times he’s good but then we get plays like McFadden down the middle on third down again-twice at least in this game.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Revenue sharing is is everything that has to do with what the individual team generates. What the league itself generates is something else. Your logo and image is now yours to keep in that senario the raiders will almost certainly prosper. They are very popular and if they start winning the profits could be tremendous. So it’s actually a good thing for each team.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
DT42, I enjoy the win for what it is. Woo hoo! We won. Al’s still going to screw it up, like he always does. Notice how none of you has an argument to refute that with? You just want me to stop saying it. Because you know it’s true.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
LOL. “spreading lies”
December 6th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
John Herrera in the house, folks.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Jhill-we scored 13 points against a TERRIBLE KC team.we scored 20 points against a very good Cincy team-big difference and you know it as well as i do.we won today i’m not going to get sucked into this crap about complaining about this guy or that guy.we have totally different opinions on Russell and that is fine.we’ve gone over them time and again.i’m not changing my opinion of him until he makes me change it.i’m out,you guys can continue with your complaining and blame games.go Raiders-great win.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
with the win, I say keep grads in for the year.
Also, if cable keeps em fighting the rest of the year, does he deserve the job next year? If so, they should bring in an O-coordinator to help him call a better game.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
The Real MaddenRaider Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
DT42, I enjoy the win for what it is. Woo hoo! We won. Al’s still going to screw it up, like he always does. Notice how none of you has an argument to refute that with? You just want me to stop saying it. Because you know it’s true.
—-
That’s because you make broad statements that are completely asinine. Much like me saying that jackoff Obama will bring change to this country. You’re a self-rigtheous uneducated POS, who knows nothing about the Raiders or its history.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Do you guys honestly think Gradkowski will be here next year?
December 6th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
LOL Lefty …
You always pull that. It was you who started with the it’s great to see a QB who knows the playbook stuff, but you’re not going to get sucked in? LMFAO!
You hear what you want to hear when it comes to Russell. How do we disagree on him? I said he’s been playing like crap since week 2. I, like you, also say that he has potential but isn’t showing it RIGHT NOW.
Have a good evening man!
December 6th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
[...] Read more. [...]
December 6th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
I honestly think the way he is playing, if he continues on this tangent, he deserves a shot next year.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Cable’s a scumbag. This win today had nothing to do with him. Gradkowski led the team in spite of Cable. Anyhow, both of them will be gone next year. Russell will be our starting QB at the start of next year, and you guys know I’m right.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Stats when getting more than 10 touches:
Bush 15 touches 86yds 5.5 per touch .5 TDS per game
Fargas: 17 touches 70yds 4.1 per touch .16 TDS per game
Cable is looking for intangibles. I don’t know what those intangibles mean from a win loss.
But if I were that coach….I would hitch my wagon to the guy that got me my job in the 1st place.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
You want russell to have a shot next year as bad as he has played over gradkowski?
December 6th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Good point, Priest.
But we have to start winning!
December 6th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Since Russell got here, he’s kind of acted like he’s in high school and the teacher keeps giving him extra work which he doesn’t want to do.
It’s always been entirely up to him and he just plain hasn’t cut it.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
I want Al Davis to die and for a GM to take the team over, and I want all of this mediocre garbage gone, from top to bottom, primus. This isn’t about what I want. It’s about what Al will do. And you know Al’s going to start Russell next year. You know he’s not going to stick with a WCO QB. What is the matter with you guys? You’re acting like you just became Raider fans this past week. Dont’ you know anything about your team, it’s organization, its owner?
December 6th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
MR actually i want you stay just like you are. I’m not gonna tell you too shut up or anything like that. Your meltdowns on gamedays are classic. I wouldn’t miss them for the world. Your Cincy meltdown is now stuff of legend. I am disappointed that you didn’t go off today. More passive aggressive than usual. You must be getting soft.
As to saying Al Davis will mess it up. Until he produces a better record than the last 7 years your right. But until you come up with a couple of hundred million $$ to buy the team, you can’t do jack about about it.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
jhill Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
revenue sharing is going away …..
I think that is a pretty big deal for a team that can’t sell any tickets.
=======================================================
Its a huge deal. Of course, it makes getting the stadium filled up extremely important now.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Fine huckfead, you say Jamarcus will start next year, yet somehow he’s on the bench right now. You also say Gruden would had Grads as his successor yet completely ignore that the fact that Gruden CHOSE to replace him in Tampa…BTW, give up on the Al Davis vanilla defense. You couldn’t explain what any defense is running out there because you know about as much about football as Jim Rome does. In fact, you’re probably him since you’re such a flocking pu$$y.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Gradowski will be here next and will be starting-what’s going to stop him?
December 6th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Actually, it’s fun to both ignore Mr and to watch him melt down on days when the Nation wins.
He’s going to be doing a lot more melting.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
The reality of the situation is that Gradkowski is on a 1 year contract, right?
This offseason, will Al Davis pay Gradkowski enough $ to stay in Oakland. It’s not a matter of who the fans want as the QB, obviously, but who is under contract. If Gradkowski keeps this up, other teams will be bidding for his services.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
england he’s only under contract this year which means al will have to resign him im not saying he wont but al can stop him from starting or even being here next year
December 6th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Wow, wishing for him to die? You’re a bigger POS than I gave you credit for MR. I’m thinking a lot of people would miss Al Davis if he was gone. Can’t say the same for you. Unless you count your blowup doll.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
I’d take Jim Rome’s money. Rome’s not as much of an embarrassment to himself as Al Davis is. If I have to choose trading existences with one of the two, it’d be an easy pick. Anyhow, you guys know Davis is going to screw up whatever chemistry developed out of this win today. You know he is. He doesn’t even believe in chemistry. He hates a team that’s playing together. It threatens him. He likes his soldiers at each others throats. If they win that way, so be it. If they don’t, so bet it. Just as long as he’s god and everyone around him assumes their roles as peasants.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
My Ultimate Hope:
We win out the rest of our game or at least 3 to go 7-9 and avoid breaking the record of having 6 straight seasons of double digit losses.
I do not recall if it was injury or coaching call but Drew Brees missed a few games his first three seasons in San Diego and then blew up his fourth year to become one of the top 3QBs in the league. Jamarcus sucks!!!!!! at this point in time I only hope he somehow can become the QB we drafted him to be otherwise next year is his last year to show anything worth keeping him.
DHB I dont even know what to say, the guy is a good blocker but he is a WR and has to catch the ball!
Cable win out and remain the coach
December 6th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
what’s wrong with wishing death on Al Davis? There’s nothing wrong with wishing death on evil people. it’s perfectly noble. Everyone wants Al Davis today, especially Raider fans who want to see the team in the post season again.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Jhill-i’m talking about today after a great win.maybe we can debate the issue in the future again.but i must say that while you say Russell hasn’t played well this year,in your next statements you give excuses for his terrible performances so it seems as if you are supporting him.anyway,have a good one-i will-we won,the whiners lost-can’t ask for a better Sunday.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Grads shows me something that Jruss does not have. Alot of things actually. the will to win. The will to get better. Pocket presence. Better accuracy. Better chemistry with the receivers. does not keep the defense on the field the whole game, thus the defense can play harder. Grads at this point is just a way better QB than JRUSS, and I know Al can see it. If not, JRUSS would be starting again already.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Excuse me, not “today”, but “to die”, everyone wants Al Davis to die. You know who wants Al Davis to live? Denver, KC, and San Diego. Al Davis has made their division a 3 team division. They love him.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
16:
Sure Al can do anything he wants and usually does.
He may well be asking Russell to restructure his contract and that will leave money for Bruce-and several million other people.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
LMAO! Al has lived his dreams. Maybe you have to, since I’m sure you’ve dreamed of being a self-righteous prick all your life…’Al doesn’t believe in chemistry’…Another lie. I believe the exact quote was “winning brings chemsitry” if I’m not mistaken. What a phuktard you are.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
primussuxxx Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Grads at this point is just a way better QB than JRUSS, and I know Al can see it.
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Stop it, please, make is stop…
BWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!
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December 6th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Hey Al,we know you read Jerry’s stuff. Did you read that billboard?
How about it Al?
How about being a genius by hiring a great GM?
December 6th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
If Al has lived his dream, why won’t he retire? Whatever his so called “dream” is, he’s obviously not satisfied. Is there anyone here who knows anything about the Raiders? Or did you guys all just become fans within the past week?
December 6th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
england
who do you think al likes more the guy he said will “be a great playuh” and fired a coach over or a guy who is the favorite of the other coaches
December 6th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Primuss:
I agree with you: at this point Gradowski is a way better qb than Russell and Al knows it.
What does Al like to do more than anything else? Win football games.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Al may be old and stubborn, but he has forgotten more about football than you I and this whole room knows. Unfortunately, it is all based on pre 1983 football. And please, do not mock me sir. i am not doing it to you.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
The Real MaddenRaider Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
what’s wrong with wishing death on Al Davis? There’s nothing wrong with wishing death on evil people. it’s perfectly noble. Everyone wants Al Davis today, especially Raider fans who want to see the team in the post season again.
————
My gawd you are a piece of crap!!!!…What’s wrong with wishing death on him? Now he’s evil? Maybe you should wonder why he’s inducted all those people into the HOF and watch the courage of his convictions speical on him.
You truly are a POS MR. Wishing death on him. It must eat at you that he is a success story and you forever be a POS that cant’ stop lying about him.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
16:
Sure, but again, Al isn’t stupid and most of all he likes to win and he like Jerry and the rest of us haven’t seen anything like today’s game in an long time.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Love all the backhanded ‘player hating’ on Grads, all the guy does is work hard and play w/ everything he’s got, which most importantly is a freakin’ game brain.
Moving, exploiting mismatches, hitting targets.Winning!
Reminded me a lot of the Snake, just getting it done in the 4th, winning time…
December 6th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Lefty,
You mean like you give “excuses” for DHBs poor play?
I’ll say it again. Russell will bounce 2 or 5 balls per game.
Russell should be around 240 or so.
Russell should take a page out of Magic’s book and take a few speech classes.
Russell should be the first one in the building and the last one to leave.
Until that happens, he should be 3rd string!
Let me say it again …
Until that happens, he should be 3rd string!
But don’t tell me the kid can’t throw the ball. 9 outta 10 people have an issue with his work ethic, not his talent.
It’s like the old beef between the fat person (Russell)and the ugly one (DHB’s hands). The fat guy can lose weight, but ugly is ugly.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
A very long time englandRaider. I have not smiled this big about a Raider game in a very very long time.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
LMN! You out there?!
I think we’ve still got a shot at 8 and 8!
I believe you promised a truck load of beer!
December 6th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Ugly is ugly. hahahaha
December 6th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Jhill-i’ve never questioned his physical talent-just everything else about him.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
was it just me or did Jared Allen just announce his school as Culinary Academy? hahahahahahahahahaha
December 6th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Enjoy your evening Lefty, we’ll pick it up another time. You know you’re my man 50 grand!
December 6th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
was fuggin great to see mike mitchell getting all those reps. he missed a sack as ben got out of the way. he is going to be good. and all 3 cbs played well today. routt included. few big plays while we were in a zone. great effort, great win. hopefully we can have a winning streak. 2 games. way to go grads. guess he is better than jr. when was the last time tommy kelly tackled anyone?
December 6th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
MR and KK are FILTHY Libs that will try to minimize this win. Great job Grad! MR, KK, FLUUCK YOU both
December 6th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
It’s 2 am here and time for bed.
Take it easy brothers and sisters of the Nation!
RAIDERS UBER ALLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 6th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Preist is right: Russell’s failures have little to do with Rusell. It’s DHB, Cable, no Chaz, bad o-line, coaches that intentionally gameplan for him to fail, racism, etc. It’s a good thing Gradkoswki is so damn lucky!
December 6th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Gradkowski will be our next Gannon. Write it down.
December 6th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
# SnB offense defense specialteams Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
I agree with this fans sentiment:
Russell should be on the bench. Mcfadden should just be a 3rd down/”WildCat” formation back. Fargas and Bush should split carries. Fargas always runs hard and Bush is a load. Murphy and Schillens should be the starters at receivers., and DHB should just be used on deep routes and maybe an occasional reverse
———————————————
Totally agreed. Mcfadden should be a 3rd down back, split wide as WR at times and when he is run generally to the outside in space, thrown screens etc. Bush should be the main back with Fargas splitting carries almost equally.
Bush is the most explosive (per results) and also gives a hellova pounding to the defenses.
December 6th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Hopefully we can build on this breakout game offensively. Some things still leave me wondering what is going on with the personell decisions throughout the game though.
We have a fullback returning kickoffs! WTF?
Third and one and we have mcfadden running in between the tackles leaving bush on the sidelines. WTF?
We already know who is behind DHB’s playing time. today proved he doesn’t deserve to be on the field as much as he is, YET. keeping our better options beached does not help this team.
I would like to see mcfadden used a returner. DHB as the other returner.
The salary of these young players ruin the game. Hopefully we play our best players regardless of their salary in the future. just win baby, right?
December 6th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
# unholySOB Says:
December 6th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Gradkowski will be our next Gannon. Write it down.
——
That is what Gruden thought when he drafted him
December 7th, 2009 at 6:34 am
[...] McD: Postgame wrap Postgame wrap – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly classified Oaklan… __________________ RaideroftheSith aka [...]
December 7th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Al Davis did not screw up any Gruden team. The Gruden team was old and got older. They threw the dice and held them together as long as they could hoping to grab a SB. That team should have come away with at least 1 SB and with some luck could have made it to 2 SB.
What does this win mean?, it means that the Raiders have a bunch more talent on the team than many fans want to give them credit for with most of them home growed through the draft.
As for DHB, talk to me about him in another two years and I might listen to you. Russell?, he is going no place and will be on the Raiders for at least a couple more years. If he works his way back and earns the spot by than great and if not than and only than will they give up on the kid.
Thank God that Al Davis and coach Cable do not panic like the fans and stay the course that they know will lead them to the promised land in time. Beat the Bengals and maybe it was a fluke, add in red hot Philly and now the Steelers and it shows they can play with anyone when they all decide to show up.
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