DHB, Ellis don’t practice
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at 3:46 pm in Oakland Raiders.
News, notes and quotes Thursday following the Raiders open locker room, practice session and press briefing with coach Tom Cable:
– Aside from left guard Robert Gallery, Raiders who didn’t practice were wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey and defensive end Greg Ellis.
Cable said Heyward-Bey was improving but allowed he would probably have to practice Friday to be considered ready to face Washington Sunday. Given his experience level, it’s less important for Ellis to actually practice.
Both are questionable to play.
Center Samson Satele was limited and expected to start at center, with Chris Morris moving to left guard.
– The Raiders running game averaged 126.8 yards in the four games since the return of Gallery, out for the season and awaiting back surgery the nature of which was not disclosed.
Gallery was hurt in the third quarter of the win over Pittsburgh on an attempted trick play when Bruce Gradkowski threw to Darren McFadden, who threw it back to Gradkowski, who was sacked before he could get a pass off.
“It was a clean block, it didn’t look like anything abnormal,” Cable said.
– Schuening, expected to be activated from the practice squad when Gallery is played on injured reserve, was a fifth-round draft pick of the St. Louis Rams in the 2008 draft. He played in one game with the Rams last season and was cut Sept. 5 at the close of training camp this year. He was later signed to the Raiders practice squad.
– Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell was his usual cordial, low-key self while talking with reporters for the first time since Nov. 15, giving a trademark wink at the close of the eight-minute interview session.
On one hand, Russell seemed humbled by the demotion and determined to be the starting quarterback in the future, while at the same time seeming to either disagree or be in denial about his weight, work ethic and dedication issues which have plagued him since the start of training camp.
It was as if receivers and the players surrounding him magically began playing better when Gradkowski took over and it was simply bad luck they hadn’t done it for him.
– Cable said he is confident that if Russell was pushed into action because of an injury to Gradkowski that his performance would be much improved.
“I think he’ll go in and do what we ask him to do,” Cable said. “That bar has been raised to a level that the expectation, anything below that would be unacceptable. So you’ve got to be able to move the team.”
In Russell’s absence, wide receivers have been introduced as a more consistent weapon, something Cable believes would carry over if Russell took the field.
“I see no reason why not. It’s just decision making in terms of throwing the ball to them and all that,” Cable said. “They certainly are improving so I would expect him to go out there and be similar.”
While Russell maintains outside criticism has no impact on him, Cable assumes the words carry some sting.
“He’s human. Regardless of what a person says, human beings, they want to have people to respect them and see who they are as a person,” Cable said. “That’s just natural.”
– Gradkowskimania wasn’t enough to prevent the Raiders sixth consecutive blackout, as they failed to sell enough tickets before the 1 p.m. deadline and will not be televised locally.
The Raiders have averaged just over 38,000 vans over their last three games _ some 22,000 short TV territory. Their crowd count of 34,112 on Nov. 22 in a 20-17 win over Cincinnati was their lowest home game attendance in more than 30 years.
– Rich Gannon may not be welcome at the club facility, but Gradkowski was flattered by comparisons with the last Raiders quarterback of a winning team.
(Or, if you prefer the company line, the man who played the worst Super Bowl in NFL history).
“I could look at our games being similar, but you know, he’s on a different level,” Gradkowski said. “He’s proven himself. He’s been a consistent leader, a consistent winner in the NFL, and I’m trying to get there. He’s one of the guys that I look up to and I want to kind of copy his game.”
– It should be no surprise that Gannon is a fan of Gradkowski, telling AOL Fanhouse the quarterback switch has given the Raiders hope.
– For a guy who bristles at quesitons regarding his former team, defensive end Richard Seymour had no problem telling the Boston Herald about the problems with the Patriots now that they’re struggling at 7-5.
The good news for the Raiders is Seymour puts a positive spin on his new situation and the potential of the team rather than be embittered by the losing.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
December 10th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
“trademark wink”???
oh Geez, this kid is full of shyte,
for sure…
December 10th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
By Cable’s remarks about JaMarcus, the heat is coming down from Al Davis about Gradkowski. Cable expects Russells results to be similar. Bullpucky Cable. Defenses could go back to defending 1 side of the field and not respecting the pass. Better win Sunday or Hanson replaces you Monday.
December 10th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
4eva…..
You still out there??
December 10th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Jmacs results will never be similar 2 Grads because Jmac has lost the team this year and the only way the offense plays 4 him is if wins back the job next camp,imo
December 10th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
yep 909
December 10th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
[...] Read more. [...]
December 10th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
# VanHeathen Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
“trademark wink”???
oh Geez, this kid is full of shyte,
for sure…
=================================================
LOL! Exactly what I thought.
December 10th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
4eva….
Had my back fixed in Jan. 03. L4 & L5 was herniated. Been good since. (knock wood) I do have to be careful on how I lift heavy objects, and try not to lift any REAL heavy stuff, like I did back in the day.
They have made a lot of progress in regards to back surgery. And I’m sure they’re better at it now, than when I had to go under the knife.
December 10th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Thankx 909 and I’m glad it’s working out 4 you =)
December 10th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
4eva…
BTW. I’m a ‘ol wood butcher here in SO-CAL. I probably framed a few of the cracker boxes you plumbed out here, back when.
I did some work in the Hemet, Temecula, Murrieta areas also. Did a TON of work in the Rancho Cucamonga area, before the prices got under cut, by you know who.
December 10th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Raiders4eva b losing
December 10th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Nancy Gay
Nancy Gay is a Senior NFL Writer for FanHouse
The greatest week of Bruce Gradkowski’s NFL career got even better Wednesday when the Oakland Raiders’ starting quarterback — yes, he’s the starter now, not JaMarcus Russell — learned he was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week.
For the Raiders (4-8), this is monumental; the last Oakland player to receive offensive player of the week honors was quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who won the award in Week 4 of 2007 for a two-touchdown performance against the Dolphins.
Gradkowski now has upset victories in two of his three starts this season, and this isn’t going unnoticed.
Rich Gannon, the former NFL Most Valuable Player and the last great Raiders quarterback, watched in awe as Gradkowski threw a career-high three touchdown passes Sunday — all in the fourth quarter — leading the Raiders to a 27-24 upset victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field.
“It was refreshing to see. I sent a text to one of the Raiders’ equipment guys right after the game to pass along my congratulations, because I didn’t have Bruce’s number,” said Gannon, whose brutally honest critiques of the Raiders this season in his role as a CBS analyst angered the franchise so much, it tried to ban him from broadcasting its games.
Since the Raiders’ organization underwent an epiphany in mid-November and determined that Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft, was not getting the job done with his 46.8-percent completion percentage, nine interceptions, five lost fumbles and 47.7 passer rating, Gradkowski has emerged as everything Russell is not.
Most important: he is a leader.
Six touchdowns, one interception in three starts, victories over AFC North-leading Cincinnati and Pittsburgh and a firm command of the offense and his teammates — all superlatives. And all uncommon for a Raiders’ organization that needs two victories down the stretch to avoid notching seven consecutive seasons with at least 11 losses.
Against the Steelers, Gradkowski completed 20 of 33 passes for a career-high 308 yards, including the game-winning 11-yard TD to rookie receiver Louis Murphy with nine seconds remaining. He’s the first Raiders quarterback since Ken Stabler (vs. New Orleans on Dec. 3, 1979) to throw three fourth-quarter touchdown passes.
Gannon finally got Gradkowski on the phone, and he found himself engrossed in conversation and impressed by this rags-to-riches quarterback, a Pittsburgh native and former sixth-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2006 out of Toledo whose career path has taken cruel twists.
Gradkowski started six games as a rookie for then-Bucs coach Jon Gruden, lost his job to Jeff Garcia, then bounced around the Rams and Browns before being claimed off waivers by Oakland in February.
“This means a lot to him,” Gannon said of Gradkowski’s huge performance at Pittsburgh. “I know how important it is to him. I know how hard he’s worked at it. I could just see it in his demeanor as I watched him play. You watched his facial expressions, the way he talked to the players in the sideline and the huddle — this kid just realizes that this is an opportunity of a lifetime and he’s going to make the most of it.”
Said Ben Roethlisberger, another MAC alumnus (Miami of Ohio): “He’s a good player. He has a good heart.”
Within the Raiders, hope remains that Russell, now playing the role of multi-million dollar clipboard carrier, will glean something from Gradkowski’s fiery demeanor and work ethic, much like resurgent Titans’ starter Vince Young did during his time as Kerry Collins’ understudy in Tennessee.
Then again, with his $31 million in guaranteed money, his lackadaisical attitude toward winning and losing and his steady decline in performance during what should have been a breakthrough third season, there may be little hope for Russell other than the continued confidence of owner Al Davis — the ultimate authority — has in him.
“He has no passion for the game. Everyone can see that,” said one AFC general manager. “I don’t think he’s getting anything at all out of seeing Gradkowski succeed, other than nobody is booing him.”
So what do the Raiders do here? Gradkowski, who has been a daily fixture at the Raiders’ facility training and studying ever since signing with the team, is under contract through 2009. He’s always been a gym rat and a student of the game, learning everything he could from his days with Gruden and his time in Oakland with Paul Hackett.
Clearly, Gradkowski knows the offense. He has chemistry with the Raiders’ young receivers — Murphy caught four passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns against Pittsburgh, and Gradkowski got Darrius Heyward-Bey his first NFL touchdown in a loss to the Cowboys.
Gradkowski gets players to follow him, to believe in him.
“He offers hope, particularly for a team that is starving for leadership and direction,” Gannon said, “and that’s what jumps out at me when I look at Bruce Gradkowski and what he’s done the last three or four weeks.”
Is Gradkowski an answer — short- or long-term — to the Raiders’ six-season quarterback drought? The team hasn’t had a consistent winning starting quarterback since Gannon’s NFL career ended in 2004 with a neck injury.
Perhaps re-signing Gradkowski and staying the course with him as the starter, keeping Russell occupied in the classroom and in the weight room, and then finding a value quarterback in the mid- to late rounds of the 2010 NFL Draft could give the once-vaunted Silver and Black some badly needed consistency at the team’s most important position. And that, in turn, may return some of the luster to a now-tarnished brand.
“The next four weeks are going to be critical not only for him and the evaluation of him but also the entire team,” Gannon said. “But I think it’s certainly a start. Then again, to think that one guy can come in there and make a boatload of difference, I don’t know if I agree with that.
“If he can play real well the next three or four weeks, play with consistency, be efficient, that’s a great place to start. But they need to find more players like Bruce Gradkowski, players who will do whatever it takes to win. I think you see players around him on both sides of the ball playing better because they truly believe they have a chance. When you have players who have that type of impact, in the locker room and in the huddle, then that’s a good place to start.”
And what about Russell? He’s been exposed to three head coaches, multiple coordinators, position coaches and philosophies, and has experienced nothing but dysfunction and failure since becoming a Raider in 2006. Russell hasn’t had a dependable supporting cast or a stable mentor since arriving in the NFL.
Gannon concedes all of this.
“I’m not going to go overboard and defend him. He’s created a lot of this mess himself,” Gannon said of Russell’s career crossroads, which appears to be directed toward a dead end. “But I think when you evaluate the guy’s body of work, a lot of what happens at the quarterback position is impacted by what goes on around him as well.
“Then again, when you look at Bruce’s success, there hasn’t been a ton of change, you know, and yet this guy is getting the results.”
What would Gannon do with Russell if he were his coach this offseason?
“Two things really jump out at me: First and foremost, if I was working with him, I’d start this right now and then carry it into the offseason program — [Russell] really has to rededicate himself physically,” Gannon said. “He needs to come back 30 pounds lighter on his frame. I think that could really help him, make him a more explosive player, make him quicker in his drops. It would make him so much faster.
“Another thing I would do is encourage him to run more. He’s a great runner when he pulls the ball down and that’s something he’s hesitant to do. So I would start with the re-focus and the re-dedication, taking care of himself physically.
“Another area I’d stress is to go back into the meeting room with him and just start from scratch. You’ve got to re-train and re-educate him on playing the position and understanding the system, and really becoming the master of his domain.”
Gradkowski, who is all of 6-foot-1, may be the journeyman and Russell, the 6-foot-6 physical freak who can throw a football 60 yards from his knees, may be the former No. 1 overall pick.
But Gradkowski is now a conference player of the week. Russell is being compared to Ryan Leaf and Todd Marinovich. Maybe it is about attitude and work ethic. Pride and Poise, as the Raiders like to say it.
“When I’m out there, when I’m in practice — it’s my offense,” Gradkowski said. “And that’s how I’m gonna lead because the quarterback of the offense, you gotta be the leader. Guys need a leader out there, and offensively I’m gonna be the leader until coach says otherwise.”
Said running back Justin Fargas, “He’s a fired-up guy. He plays off emotion but [he's] also a smart player, studies his stuff, knows the game and is a competitor. And that competitive nature comes out verbally, physically. I think we’re finding ourselves [under Gradkowski].”
Sometimes, the formula for success, for both sixth-round draft picks and No. 1 overall selections, is just that simple.
“With JaMarcus, a lot has to happen. He has to win over the respect of his teammates and coaches and peers again,” Gannon said. “You hope that a guy in this situation, much like what’s happened with Vince Young, get the chance to sit back and watch and observe. Watch how the other guy prepares, studies and responds to adversity, how he interacts with players in the huddle and coaches on the sideline.”
Gannon learned his craft at the feet of Vikings stars Tommy Kramer and Wade Wilson during his time in Minnesota.
“It was little things that I took with me, just by observing them,” he said. “I really hope JaMarcus is doing that now.”
December 10th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
never did work in Cucamonga 909
December 10th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
4eva…
Cuca. is just like Temecula. Hot in the summer, WINDY and cold in the winter. (Sits right below Cajon pass.) And a LOT of effing rocks! Hated to have to use a shovel for anything there…lol
December 10th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
JaMeatloaf needs to go here this off-season:
http://mmaathletics.tv
Got to go, take care everyone!
December 10th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
thx for that article 4eva.
December 10th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
lol all back-hoe work out there very rarely did I use a shovel
December 10th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
You’re quite welcome RaiderD =)
December 10th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
take care 909!!!!
December 10th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
4eva….
Can’t use a back hoe for patio cover post footings, wished I could have….lol
Take care, gotta run…..
December 10th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
ya know. white people are so angry and its funny. sometimes things happen that show us how white people really feel. i think its so funny when white folks say ” hey , obamas only half black ” LOL like thats what helps them ease the shock.
u silly caucasians, people cheat. im a man & i know all dudes will cheat unless they have given their soul to jesus. and even then they will be tested . tiger woods is such a fake wigger. bootlegs nikkas like him and kobe bryant are gettin what they deserve now for bein so fake.
oops. dis is the wrong blog. hahahahahaahaha
December 10th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
where did that come from??
December 10th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Losing Gallery hurts. Satele’s not good enough to call the blocking blocking and Morris can’t get a push.
Hope some how we can still pass the ball.
Redskins losing Fat Albert Haynnesworth is probably a huge reilef but still, line woes for Oakland.
Not even suiting Khalif up. Maybe its cuz he can’t or won’t play guard?
Pressing Langston back into action seems dire but he did ok in a limited role against Pitt.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
4Eva,
very nice in Gannon’s #.
Nnamdi,
Langston is a Cal Golden Bear. Things are good without the Caliph of Jacksonville..
December 10th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Good article and thoughts from Gannon …
December 10th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
The Real MaddenRaider Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Ask Russell who’s responsible for him being in a Raider uniform to begin with.
=======================================================
Excellent point MR!
Also ask about why DHB and DMAC are on the team too.
This team could have been winning from day 1…but the organization threw yet another season away.
Stop with interviewing substandard players like Russell, DHB and DMAC.
If I were the GM, which I am not, I would cut Russell with IMMEDIATE EFFECT. DMAC would be cut as well.
DHB would be placed on the practice squad and given time to develop.
Cut Russell
Cut DHB
Cut DMAC
December 10th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
They should put up another billboard that reads:
“Hey Al!, Production over Hype”
December 10th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
From SI.COM article on Chris Johnson
As much as NFL scouts emphasize speed, they are also wary of it. They have all seen examples of teams — most often the Raiders — who are seduced by a player’s 40-time and overlook deficiencies in other, more fundamental areas. “Usually,” said Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, “speed guys aren’t great football players.”
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/lee_jenkins/12/09/johnson/index.html#ixzz0ZLAOgVNy
Get a free NFL Team Jacket and Tee with SI Subscription
December 10th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Cable said he is confident that if Russell was pushed into action because of an injury to Gradkowski that his performance would be much improved.
“I think he’ll go in and do what we ask him to do,” Cable said. “That bar has been raised to a level that the expectation, anything below that would be unacceptable. So you’ve got to be able to move the team.”
In Russell’s absence, wide receivers have been introduced as a more consistent weapon, something Cable believes would carry over if Russell took the field.
“I see no reason why not. It’s just decision making in terms of throwing the ball to them and all that,” Cable said.
——————————————————-
LOL!
SnB, you don’t believe Cable?
December 10th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Russell showed up to camp overweight!
Russell skipped meetings and OTAs
Russell didn’t know the playbook
So why did Davis/Cable sacrifice the season when they knew Russell wasn’t even doing the bare minimum?
Why not send a message in camp, week 1?
Why throw away yet another season!
I find laziness and slothfullness as unforgiveable in any endeavor.
Cut Russell with immediate effect.
DHB and DMAC don’t have NFL talent!
JLH and Murphy with Walker – WR
Gradkowski – QB
Bush / Fargas (in that order) – RB
Had the “braintrust” simply done the above, the Raiders would be in the PLAYOFF HUNT RIGHT NOW!
But nope….always trying to prove a point over winning games.
Cut Russell
Cut DMAC
Cut DHB
December 10th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
I just don’t see how you guys think that Al will even consider cutting Russell. Cable is sitting here telling you ONCE AGAIN that the reason Russell was benched was because he REFUSED to throw the ball to the WRs or even look there way. Once they dropped a ball early on, especially DHB, he never even looked there way again.
None of us may agree with what CABLE IS SAYING, but the fact that Russell is still #2 on the depth chart instead of 3 like VY was when he first got benched speaks VOLUMES, IMO.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Jhill,
No, I don’t believe Cable.
Russell lost me when it was revealed about his weight issues and commtiment issues.
The Raiders have the HIGHEST payroll in the league. I am pairing that back so I can invest in high value free agents to plug a couple more gaps.
Russell, DMAC and DHB will never be significant contributors, or at least not enough of a contributor to justify their salaries.
Ask New Orleans about Reggie Bush….they are going to let him go in the offseason.
Reggie Bush has done infinitely more than DMAC or DHB….
December 10th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
SnB offense defense specialteams Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Russell showed up to camp overweight!
Russell skipped meetings and OTAs
Russell didn’t know the playbook
So why did Davis/Cable sacrifice the season when they knew Russell wasn’t even doing the bare minimum?
Why not send a message in camp, week 1?
Why throw away yet another season!
I find laziness and slothfullness as unforgiveable in any endeavor.
——————————————————-
None of that is an issue for Cable or Al. The ONLY issue is Russell’s willingness to throw the ball to DHB and Murphy!
The #1 reason for the QB change was to get the WRs involved, according to Cable.
In Russell’s absence, wide receivers have been introduced as a more consistent weapon, something Cable believes would carry over if Russell took the field.
“I see no reason why not. It’s just decision making in terms of throwing the ball to them and all that,” Cable said.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Thanks for the Seymour link, Jerry.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Russell lost me when it was revealed about his weight issues and commtiment issues.
——————————————————-
But more importantly, has he lost the owner? Or for that matter the HC who still has him #2 on the depth chart?
December 10th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Jhill,
Russell will NEVER beat out Gradkowski. This we know right now.
Now is Gradkowski the answer? I am still skeptical…but he’s better than RUssell.
Russell also lost his teammates.
He’s not worth what they are paying him.
Cut him now or wait till offseason and take the hit.
Charge it to the “Stupid draft picks” account….you know, the biggest account on the ledger!
December 10th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
JHill,
I don’t see how you bring both Gradkowski and Russell back.
Gradkowski is most likely going to outperform Russell.
If you start Russell anyway….you will lose the team and the coach.
And the stupid sideshow that is the Raiders this year…will repeat itself again!
December 10th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Russell, DMAC and DHB will never be significant contributors, or at least not enough of a contributor to justify their salaries.
——————————————————
Not completely on board with that for the other 2 guys.
DHB should be running at least 1 reverse and 1 WR screen per game. AT LEAST! And there should be some fakes off of those plays as well. DHB should also be used in the slot to try and get a mismatch against a S or LB with that speed. I’d also like to see him on some short crossing routes. In other words, let him use his speed to create YAC!
Same with DMAC, to a degree. Screens, Line him up in the slot, match him up with S or LB.
Those guys were brought here to get TDs and I think they would have a much better shot at the end zone with a bit more creative play calling.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
SnB,
Let’s try and keep it real, lol. Does any of that really matter?
We ALL know that Russell is a couple of TD passes and a win away from getting the crowd back. This is the NFL man, and all fans want is to win.
Gradkowski is without question what this team needs right now, AND Russell. But the reality is Grads is a FA after this season. Double edged sword if Grads finishes the season well. Other teams will SURELY make an offer.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
What we should really be hoping for is a resurgence from Russell of any kind, so we can get a good draft pick for him. Resign Grads, TRADE Russell, and then move on.
Why would you want to just cut him and take a loss.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Pittsburgh getting beat by Cleveland at halftime….
JHill, I just don’t see Russell being able to recover. He may do it elsewhere, but its not happening here.
Gradkowski is a Cable guy now. Just like Fargas is. Russell will have to outperform Gradkowski by a margin to get on the field. I just don’t see it happening because of flaws in Russell’s makeup. Russell needed a coach that would get on him everyday. He didn’t get that here and the results are what they are.
THerefore, I wouldn’t waste any coaching time or salary cap space. I would just go ahead and cut him and move on with Gradkowski and a vet QB for camp next year.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
JHill,
I see the same problem for DHB. Is he going to be able to supplant Louis Murphy or Chaz Schilens. Spare me the Z receiver / X receiver B.S…any subtlties can be ironed out with OTAs and camp.
So, do you see DHB catching Murphy in all the things necessary?
Murphy is getting great experience, can make plays and has confidence. Plus he’s a hard worker too.
DHB has A LOT of work to do to be a competent receiver.
You don’t pay slot receivers $30 million..or whatever he’s getting……
Put DHB on the practice squad. Hope someone is willing to sign him away. Otherwise, let him develop at his pace without steeling a roster spot
December 10th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
As for DMAC,
Year two and he looks nothing like Chris Johnson or Adrian Pederson….Not even close
Why pay him to be an average / below average back?
Do you think playcalling will turn him into the players above?
December 10th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
You’re missing the point. Grads is a FA after the year, and has yet to be resigned after a good 4th qtr.
Grads better string together a few more wins or Cable will be fired, right or wrong.
AND, if Grads does string together a few more wins, will another team offer him some real $? Will AL, THE OWNER, match the offer?
Those are the ONLY things that matter.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Ja-piewagon will never make it with his no sense of urgency additude……
December 10th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Jhill,
I am assuming that the Raiders beat cleveland and washington. Should they be unable to do that then Cable will be fired.
As for Russell, I am disappointed with his laziness.
Can a player change his perspective? Can he do the things that real NFL QBs do?
Russell is in his 3rd year and he was no better than his rookie year…..
December 10th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
SnB offense defense specialteams Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
So why did Davis/Cable sacrifice the season when they knew Russell wasn’t even doing the bare minimum?
=============================================
Clearly Davis has lost his mind if he had any hope of his QB performing, knowing full well what he looked like.
Body language speaks volumes.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Bad news about Gallery. Probably a slipped disc or something.
I was afraid that he could have an injury-plagued season after the emergency apendectomy. Don’t think he ever had time to get his body right and in football shape after that before the season started.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Jhill -
Please don’t assume that the S&B can beat any NFL team; they might not be able to beat the Oregon Ducks on any given weekend.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Brady Quinn is worse than Russell. nuff said.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
The fact is…Gannon was Scgrudenized in the Superbowl. Had any other coach been on the opposite team, Rich Gannon wouldn’t have thrown 5 interceptions. It would have helped had Robbins not been an idiot and it would have helped had the coaching staff of the Raiders stuck to the running game instead of trying an all out air assault but whatever.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Notre Dame got Brian Kelly as Head Coach…YESSSSS!!!
December 10th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Unfortunately…Kelly became the Head Coach before coaching his own team in the Sugar Bowl. Thats a bit disappointing.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Who cares?
Last time I looked we drafted this oaf. JaBeefalo collected 30 and was drafted #1. Quinn was drafted what 15? JaPorkchop should be better.
They both suck, nuff said.
==========================
# Terrapin Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Brady Quinn is worse than Russell. nuff said.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Brady Quinn make JR look like Peyton Manning redux. That guy cant hit the broad side of a barn.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Mil
December 10th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Terrapin are you still sore we are winning with a AVG Qb while your boy is the biggest BUST since Ryan Leaf?
Get over it..
December 10th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
The Browns stink. And I mean worse than the Raiders. If you can’t see that I can’t help you.
The only reason they’re ahead is b/c Pitts is playing some of the worse ball I’ve ever seen them play. Missing blocks on the LOS, men coming free all day. Defense can’t contain the edge. They just look like they didn’t prepare to play or its just too damn cold.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
# Terrapin Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Brady Quinn is worse than Russell. nuff said.
=======================
Oh shut up.
Still LMAO at your incessant whining about “It’s not Russell’s fault…it’s not…IT’S NOT!!!!!”
Oh..but it is.
You’re just too stupid to grasp the simplest of things.
I know, I know.
Your friends are laughing at you.
You meekly put your JR jersey back in your drawer, which makes your friends laugh even more.
While you desperately cling to the idea that maybe, just maybe JR will have a lobotomy, and liposuction, and a star will emerge.
Dream on, Walnetto.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Cleveland beating Pitt. tonight is taking away my warm, rosy glow from beating them Sunday. Maybe Pitt. is just that bad.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Cable will be fired. He’s garbage. Don’t let token wins here and there fool you.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
As humorous is Terrapin whining like a slapped on little girl is the rest coming to the stark reality that myself, Mr. B, and a few others were dead on regarding why beating the Steelers was more of them being inept and just continuing on their losing ways, instead of that massive “during the corner” so many of you want to cling to.
The Browns are making the Steelers look weak.
The Raiders beat the Steelers.
Do the math.
Do the Steelers just suck that much..or is it that Cleveland and Oakslum became juggernauts?
And the answer is……
December 10th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
“turning the corner”
December 10th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Gradkowski is just a hair above McCown. Dink ‘n Dunk crown.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
# djohnnyg Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Cleveland beating Pitt. tonight is taking away my warm, rosy glow from beating them Sunday. Maybe Pitt. is just that bad.
==================
The proverbial 2 x 4 between the eyes.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
More comments from the lacking, in “the heat is coming down from Al Davis with regards to Russell”. Al Davis would play Bugs Bunny at QB if he brought the team wins.
Many of the clowns make it out as the new QB has been snuck into the building without Al Davis knowing he is there.
I really wish all these out right Al Davis haters that call themselves Raider fans would just clear out. Disagree with him, hell do not even like him but let up with all the BS you spout off.
Someone comes into my home invited or paying at the door for a party and starts to try and tell me what to do with something that I OWN, I chuckle as I toss them out the door. Nobody but a FOOL would keep coming back to my home yelling and whinning about what I should be doing from my lawn.
All I read in comments was what a poor group of backup QB’s the Raiders brought in. Now all the bandwagon jumpers have old Bruce walking on water. And one last point to all that think they know the Raiders and think Russell is gone.
Russell will be a Raider at least another 2 years before the Raiders and Al Davis give up on him. He will have to earn his spot back and better be able to do it within the next couple of years but only than will the Raiders give up on him.
Hell if you people were running the team you would have cut our LT Henderson and had Nnamdi and Branch pushed on down the road. DHB will also be given the time to become what he was born to be which is a top flight NFL barn burner wide out.
Get on the bus or jump in front of it and let the Raiders move on. And hey punk, pull out that Raider gear and wear it proud when you go out, be a leader not a follower.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
These damn Steelers are going to cost me 16pts in my pool. MuthaFukers!
December 10th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
In the last thread Raiderdogg postd an exceelent article by Seymoue where Pat’s players are telling Seymour the wish he was still there. But Seymour responsed and says I’m glad I’m here in Oakland.
I wnder why we ca ever get this blogger to post anything as positive as that. But he can’t wait to pst the negative crap by Sapp and the other idiot Moss where the blast this organization. Even D. Hall has said very positive things about his stay here.
But you’ll never read things like that from Jerry becaus ehe wants you to think they don’t exist. I wonder why??? but he won’t hesitate to tell you all the stuff about Mr Davis that he finds negative.
No wonder all his sheep regurgitate all his attitudes and hatred towards this organization and the owner.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
# Terrapin Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Gradkowski is just a hair above McCown. Dink ‘n Dunk crown.
========================
And yet, he still managed to play at a level that Russell can’t even grasp.
What does that tell you about J-Fatass?
The qb that was the absolute WORST OPENING DAY STARTER in the NFL, LAST YEAR just happens to be the exact SAME worst opening day starter THIS YEAR.
Back to back WORST STARTING DAY QB IN THE NFL.
Back to back.
Has that EVER BEEN DONE BEFORE? Seriously..isn’t that record?
Now, do you feel as stupid as you look?
December 10th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Are you crying, priest?
Seriously…you’re crying, aren’t you?
You ok, pumpkin?
December 10th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
At least I don’t have to worry about Pitt. winning the Super Bowl again this yr.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
You guys are insane. Gradskowski doesn’t amount to the hair on Russells balls. He’s garbage man! If you believe this guy will take you anywhere I got plenty of real estate to sell ya’ in Southern Cal.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Terrapin,
Going off your last post here…. “Hair on Russells balls”. Curious, what does Russell do so well that makes you say such a thing??
December 10th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Ricochet,
I get that you have a massive hatred toward Al Davis but it’s hard to think you are actually a fan of the team when you refer to the Raiders as “Oakslum”.
You spend a lot of time here, which makes me think at first, you are a just a very angry Raider fan who is totally ticked off at what you perceive as Al Davis ruining your favorite team, and then I see the constant never ending merciless ripping of them, and I think you must be a Charger or Bronco fan who for some unknown reason is absolutely obsessed with the Raiders. I’m perplexed by your over the top venom.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
# snnyjcbs Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
More comments from the lacking, in “the heat is coming down from Al Davis with regards to Russell”. Al Davis would play Bugs Bunny at QB if he brought the team wins.
RICHOCHET: But he would bench a Joe Montana, while letting Daffy play, if Joe dared to question the great Oz. In other words, the man is a vegetable.
#############################
Many of the clowns make it out as the new QB has been snuck into the building without Al Davis knowing he is there.
RICHOCHET: Al knows they’re there..he just can’t remember their name.
Ask Lance
###########################
I really wish all these out right Al Davis haters that call themselves Raider fans would just clear out. Disagree with him, hell do not even like him but let up with all the BS you spout off.
RICHOCHET: In other words, kiss his ass? naw…we’ll leave that to you and priest, Dos Peanuts.
##############################
Someone comes into my home invited or paying at the door for a party and starts to try and tell me what to do with something that I OWN, I chuckle as I toss them out the door. Nobody but a FOOL would keep coming back to my home yelling and whinning about what I should be doing from my lawn.
RICHOCHET: That would make you dumber than cotton. Repeat business, or business dies. In other words, you’re an idiot, and missed the day “Basic Business 101″ was discussed. Now, moron, what you might notice is that couple of games ago Raiders had the lowest turnout in over 30 years..SO THEY ARE STAYING AWAY. Guess you missed the memo.
########################
He will have to earn his spot back and better be able to do it within the next couple of years but only than will the Raiders give up on him.
RICHOCHET: In other words, Al feels like a total ass for running the “Marcus is a great qb”, and wishes he didn’t have to now keep him, in order to save face?
Yeah, we know.
##########################
DHB will also be given the time to become what he was born to be which is a top flight NFL barn burner wide out.
RICHOCHET: yep, you’re a cotton ball. Dumbest comment of the day. Someone had to win it, and it’s yours, hands down.
###################################
Get on the bus or jump in front of it and let the Raiders move on. And hey punk, pull out that Raider gear and wear it proud when you go out, be a leader not a follower.
RICHOCHET: Fine, fine..your purse is silver and black. Doesn’t make you a leader, just means you’re limited on what dresses will clash.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
In all seriousness. If you guys really think Gradkowski is more talented than Russell then you are seriously found wanting of football IQ. Good Gawd.
You fools are in the same league as Cable – straight idiots!
That’s like saying Kerry Collins is more talented than VY. VY may have had a rough patch and needed to sit but I NEVER thought Collins was better. NEVER! I knew better than that sht. Collins is nothing more than a 1-yr wonder. Has been since he came in the league.
Thinking Grads is golden …well, words don’t describe your stupidity.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
# djohnnyg Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Ricochet,
I get that you have a massive hatred toward Al Davis but it’s hard to think you are actually a fan of the team when you refer to the Raiders as “Oakslum”.
You spend a lot of time here, which makes me think at first, you are a just a very angry Raider fan who is totally ticked off at what you perceive as Al Davis ruining your favorite team, and then I see the constant never ending merciless ripping of them, and I think you must be a Charger or Bronco fan who for some unknown reason is absolutely obsessed with the Raiders. I’m perplexed by your over the top venom.
=======================
Oakslum is the city, not the team.
You ever been to Oakslum? It’s the sty of California. It’s stank, rank, and just plain ugly as sin.
Zero redeeming qualities.
What’s to like?
December 10th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Gradkowski has been a pleasant suprise to say the least. To see the team play with such energy has been fun, especially after coming out for so long being so rotten. It’s indifferent that the Stealers are good or bad or reeling, Oakland beat them in exciting fashion. They easily could have quit after the first two minutes. They didn’t.
Is Al Davis really that stupid where he can’t read between the lines and see JaMarcus just won’t inspire this team? Is Al Davis not all that football guy anymore if he thinks JR is the guy? There are too pieces here to think Als’ ‘genius’ can be to throw a guy out there who has a strong arm. Al knows a quarterback needs a sense of responsibility and leadership. Al knows selfishness doesn’t bring the best out of todays players. Al also knows the Raider greats of old were dedicated team players.
Surely Al has to be pleasantly surprised to see that he can pay league minimum for a player that can lead a team to wins.
Right now the Raiders have found a semblance of direction. If Al is so bright and smart he will see that, if winning is really what he is all about.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I’m pissed. The Steelers cost me a lot today. Unreal how bad they looked.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Some semblance of direction? Dude you must be joking. I hate to knock my team when they’re up, but I aint’ goin’ to be a fool about things either over 1 win.
This team is 4-8 …what about that says “semblance of direction”?
December 10th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Terrapin,
What makes Russell so good?? I must have missed it when you answered.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Ricochet,
Ok.
Can I ask, would you be happy ONLY if Al Davis were dead?
December 10th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
4-8 ppl. Dont get so excited about being a team in the dumps. It was a great win; but don’t go around crownin’ backup QBs as a result. Thats just being a fool.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
They look like a different team last 3 games compared to the first 9.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
# Terrapin Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Some semblance of direction? Dude you must be joking. I hate to knock my team when they’re up, but I aint’ goin’ to be a fool about things either over 1 win.
This team is 4-8 …what about that says “semblance of direction”?
===============
You idiot.
Grad out performed Russell in TWO GAMES what took Russell NINE GAMES to amass.
Grad is 2-1.
Russell is 2 7
You aren’t the sharpest tack, are you? lol
December 10th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
# djohnnyg Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Ricochet,
Ok.
Can I ask, would you be happy ONLY if Al Davis were dead?
==========
Dead??? you have me confused with RMR..he wants Al dead, not me.
Me? I’m on record saying I want Al to live to be 120..at least.
GM the whole way.
Make all the decisions.
Add an extra direct line to the field so he can call the D coor AND the head coach.
Al’s a pip
December 10th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Terrapin is about as sharp as a marble. Should have heard the clown pumpin up that All Star DHB before the year.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
I would take Russell over VY. Period. Russell is even more talented than VY and you see what he is doing right now. Some players just take longer to develop and see how to play in this league.
VY is night and day vs what he was before. If he can do it so can Russell. NIGHT AND DAY.
One BIG difference I see in VYs game besides staying in the pocket more is he has lightened up on his passes. They look a lot softer and “catchable”. I think thats prob Russell’s biggest prob w/ his WRs – he fires some tight and fast spirals making them less catchable in comparison. Gradkowski’s balls are a lot softer – you can tell.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
I also will be happy when Al is pushin up daisies.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Man..losing to the lowly Chiefs, the Raiders, and the 1-11 Browns?
Pitts is truly the pitts.
Darn..you just KNOW the naysayers will be out in full force, saying how last weeks win wasn’t all it was cracked up to be..how all of a sudden the team realizes that it wasn’t them, as much as it was Pittsburg just stinking up the joint.
Boy..does that bite…or what?
December 10th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
I never “pumped” up DHB you damn idiot!
I brought what Cable was selling about him making a huge difference for the rest of the team. Obviously that hasn’t happened. Bad coaching perhaps?
December 10th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Terrapin Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
In all seriousness. If you guys really think Gradkowski is more talented than Russell then you are seriously found wanting of football IQ. Good Gawd.
==============================
Nobody has said anything about talent. Just now the Raiders seem to be more exciting than they have in the past. Talent takes a back seat to ability to perform under pressure.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I’m going to give you dummies 10 more mins of my time although you don’t deserve it. Pumping up players like Grads is just asinine.
Need I remind you how the damn fool almost threw 2 pics that same winning drive. The 1st the defender dropped it after it hit him in the gut. The 2nd was one wobbly duck in TRIPLE COVERAGE that MIRACULOUSLY was contested by one of our WRs and caught by a WR that was dropping balls all season. Nee I remind you?
Temper down now ….Cable still stinks and so does that backup QB he’s playing.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Yeah, ok, you WERENT hyping DHB 24/7 after he was drafted. LOL! Lying like a rug.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Ok. Ricochet, then you seriously need to seek professional mental help. For as many posts you make here, and to NOT be a fan, it is obvious that you have a serious problem.
You are absolutely obsessed with hatred toward a football team that is not that good, as you have so bluntly stated time and again, and could not possibly be any threat to whoever YOUR team is.
Most ones here are not under any delusions that the Raiders are a great team right now, so what is your goal when you post all this hatred? You sure spend an inordinate amount of time trying to convince people that the team they root for is not good. Ok. We get it. Seriously man, get another hobby.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Gradkowski is just one step above McCown – and not far above. Hmmm ..where’s McCown right now?
Hmmm …why don’t I see team chomping at the bit for the prospects of getting Grads?
Put Grads and Russell on the open market and see who gets bid of 1st. Your answer to that tells you whose considered the better player.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Yeah, Terrapin…right..you didn’t prop DHB..sure..I remember.
Or Cable, for that matter.
Terrapin Says:
August 27th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Part of it is natural progression but the other is coaching. JR is making quantum leaps as an NFL QB. He’s playing the game much faster – much more decisive than last year.
I’m telling you – once DHB gets going he’s going to be hard to stop. He could be a bigger contribution to his team than Calvin Johnson was as a rookie for the Lions.
==========
Care to revise your statement? lol…yes..LMFAO.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Want HUMOR??
· Terrapin Says:
August 27th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
DHB, as of right now, looks to be the best WR taken in the 1st round. Crabtree is still sitting at (fill-in the blank)? And Maclin doesn’t look that good to me and he’s not as fast as advertised either. He’s having a tough go at it on this level.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
T’pin, eventhough these guy’s won’t admit it now. Let Grads turn it over and cost us the game Sunday and they will turn on him like a viper.
These guy’s are as gutless and spineless as a snail. They have no loyalty to anything or anyone but their master Jerry. He leads them around by their nose and they eat up every pile of crap he drops from his rear.
Anybody with half a brain can see that Cable himself knws that Russell is the better QB by his statements saying Russell can gt similar esults if inserted because he knows the only reason he pulled him was due to his refusal to throw to those babies. Now Russell understands that they mean what they say. He has to involve these WR’s and now that Chaz is here and JLH is playing that it won’t be an issue.
There are things Russell can do that Grads can’t dream about. If he starts and gets the ball deep that we have an explosive offense. Cable demands that Russell run his offense and Russell understands that now. And Cable knows he has his attention. When Russell gets back in there Grads will assume his rightful place as a backup and be happy to do so.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
And Cable?
· Terrapin Says:
August 27th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
I was sour on Cable when he 1st became coach of the Raiders but the more I listen to this guy the more he’s turning my opinion. He’s looking like he could be a really good coach for this team.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
And one more laugh…on you
· Terrapin Says:
August 27th, 2009 at 5:01 am
This is good news. Hopefully some of you lay off DHB and Russell for at least a day.
DHB is extremely athletic and he can make those “WOW you” catches. Same goes for Russell with the WOW you throws. These players have exceptional talent.
Let the youngsters hone in their craft. It time we’ll see what they will become.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Yeah…’WOW YOU CATCHES” “WOW YOU THROWS”..LIKE..wow..how can me miss by that much, and WOW..how did he drop that?
December 10th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
QUIT LYING, PRIEST.
Cable didn’t say that.
Cable stated that IF RUSSELL IS INSERTED HE BEST PLAY BETTER, BECAUSE THE BAR HAS BEEN RAISED.
Why insist on acting confused? lol…don’t you know you’ll get corrected?
December 10th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
I see absolutely no contradiction is those statements shthead. They’re all consistent with what I’m now saying. Watch the key words like IF and RIGHT NOW (which refers to that point in time) you dumbass.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
AHHHHHH…the “it’s the coaches fault that Bey drops the balls”.
Oh..right..I guess the coach should have discussed the finer art of catching the ball with your hands…EXCEPT..HE DID.
Well, damn..I suppose he should have at least had him stay after during camp and have HUNDREDS OF BALLS THROWN TO HIM??
Oh..that’s right..he did that as well.
Save the “potential” ..potential is another way of saying THE GUY SUCKS. Doesn’t everyone in the NFL have “potential”?? EVERYONE?? If not they wouldn’t be in the league..all you’re saying is you HOPE he doesn’t suck forever.
Keep hoping. And whining.
And lastly, what you’re saying is you’re a waffle?
From one extreme to the other, depending on the game?
Eggo..is it?
December 10th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
You may go wash up now..get your jammies on.
Go..
December 10th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
LMAO..as I’m sending him off to bed at 9:04, there he is at the same time bowing out, tail between legs, hoping for wounds to heal..
Nighty night, pumpkin
December 10th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
How revealing. Priesttj=Terrapin
December 10th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Time for recess children!!
Go Raiders!!
December 10th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
damn alot of u guys can be so stupid. the man wants to be the starter and said he will work harder. u guys questioning how he got a 24 on his wonderlic after sayin he was stupid shows how ignorant yall are. like priest said he isnt stupid like yall want him to be. hypin up grads after 1 game is ridiculous. yall didnt want jr to play and he isnt but now thats not enuff. yeah just cut him and waiste all that money even tho there is a number of guys who took just as long to develope. and u guys say al davis doesnt know football what a bunch a fools u are.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Priest is not Terrapin. But I think Richochet is Jerry(or one of his little helpers).
Stir the pot, stir the pot.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
You won’t convince me. Now he is Armond too!
December 10th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
# Terrapin Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
904 local time fool. Obviously your thought span is limited. Its 12 where I am now ya’ damn idiot. I got schedules to keep, girls to screw ..don’t got time to f’k with u.
esp sense your mental is seriously lacking.
======================
First off, why am I not surprised you completely missed the point?
Point WASN’T THE TIME, you moron..was that while I was sending you off to bed, at the exact same time you were bowing out.
And “sense your mental is seriously lacking”??
Why is it everytime someone makes a point about someone else’s mental capacity that prove they didn’t finish 2nd grade? Did you mean “since”?? lol…yeah..thought so.
As far as you stated you have “girls to screw’??
Yep, LMFAO..because that’s just what guys do, right? Stay online, ALL NIGHT LONG, getting slammed down, while they’re girls waiting?
dude..what you meant is your hand is waiting for you..not “girls”.
I’m sure the two of you will be very happy together.
December 10th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
OC’s use short, one syllable words to speed up the play calling and make the words and clear as possible.
After reading the transcript, I’m sure that some of the plays get messed up just because JaMarcus can’t speak clearly.
Hooked on Phonics…
December 10th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Fellas,JRuss should be given a few years before being cut or traded ,as long as he is dropping weight and OWNING the playbook. That said,last time I checked,Snake had an average arm and was deadly accurate,Montana had an average arm and was also dead on w/ his pass attempts and WINS. Grads also has an average arm ,seems to be accurate ,and more important to me, a FIRE to WIN and LEAD men! For now, watching!
December 10th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
he spoke well enough, to be considered 1st nd pick by many nfl scouts and made himaelf rich. how much money you make in a year? he makes more throwing deep.
haters hate, doers do, that’s why he doing and you’re wishing.
December 10th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
The fact that Russell, Gradkowski, and Frye make up our QB roster is all the more reason Wayne Valley should have skipped that vacation in ‘72. Those of you who know your team’s history get that.
Before we drafted Russell, we could have had Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, David Garrard, Phillip Rivers, Aaron Rodgers, Kyle Orton or Jay Cutler.
The fact that we have a so-so journeyman as a starter and a 70 million dollar bust riding the bench has only one man’s signature on it, Al Davis’s. Let’s hope there’s plenty more billboards to come.
December 10th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
TJ, if you think he’s anywhere near turning this thing around, YOU’RE DREAMING.
He’s seems much closer to a Marc Wilson/Todd Marinovich situation than a Winning NFL QB…sorry man, it ain’t the 70’s, it’s a 365 day a year Profession.
December 10th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
VanHeathen Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
TJ, if you think he’s anywhere near turning this thing around, YOU’RE DREAMING.
…………
Same can be said for Al Davis.
December 10th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
gilbert Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Fellas,JRuss should be given a few years before being cut or traded ,as long as he is dropping weight and OWNING the playbook.
======================================
I personally don’t think the weight is the big issue. The fact that it comes from laziness, or a very relaxed attitude are far more important.
There are other QB’s in the league who aren’t sporting 6 packs, but they probably got it sitting around watching film.
It didn’t sound like JaMarcus has picked up on the fact that he needs to work more. There is no sense of urgency in what he has said.
I’m afraid his window of opportunity will close before he realizes it.
December 10th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Not only do I think he’s near turning it around but so does the HC if you had any brains it’s not what you or I think it’s obvious the coach feels that way. He said as much. If he puts him in there he feels he’ll get similar results.
If you werewn’t so busy hating you’d see that’s what he’s saying. He’s not second string because it loooks good he’s there because they want him back in there as soon as he’s ready…………..period
Bunch of dumbells!!
December 11th, 2009 at 12:00 am
There is no precedent for a player playing as much as Russell and as badly as Russell and turning it around – none. Earlier in the year you could point to Eli Manning or Elway but those guys were playing well by their 2nd year, at least well enough to be considered legitimate NFL QBs. Russell’s play this year has been atrocious. He literally looks like he isn’t trying. If anyone gets near him he falls down slowly and drops the ball. He got paid 60 million dollars and came in over weight. There are guys that get a job at the gym and work out so they aren’t embarassed to show up looking like a fat slob. His attitude is horrendous, he is completely blaming his teammates for his awful play and lack of preparation. He has shown zero leadership skills and no backbone. I would love for him to turn it around and become a star for the Raiders but the odds of that seem about as remote as us winning the Super Bowl this year.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Same can be said for Al Davis, Dark Forces. What GM has ever stunk for 7 years then turned it around? None in the history of pro sports. The Russell problem will soon be history, as will he. The Al Davis problem will go on.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:05 am
Cable thinks JaBustus would pick up right where Gradkowski left off if Gradkowski went down…
OMFG! Are you F’N kidding me?
Gradkowski threw more TDs in the 4th quarter last week than Russell did in 9 games this season.
I bet Russell’s grades in English were lower than his completion % this season.
RUSSELL IS DUE NEARLY $10 MIL NEXT SEASON!!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 12:18 am
Gradkowski is mediocre, at best. Russell is a bust. Frye, as far as we know, is mediocre. That’s our QB situation. Gradkowski is NOT the answer. Al needs to cut his losses with Russell, and draft or acquire a long term answer at QB. Gradkowski is not it. People who think he is are just hoping that he is because they’re desperate, and don’t want to face the fact that Al Davis built a castle on sand.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:21 am
Only a Raider fan would think Bruce Gradkowski is a long term answer at QB. Only a Raider fan. Ask non Raider fans what that means, if you need help.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:24 am
BTW, it’s pretty well established now that the Steelers are not the team they were last year. I don’t know if its Roesthlisberger’s concussion or Troy’s injury, but they’re just not the same team. So Gradkowski did not pick apart the Super Bowl champions. He picked apart the ‘09 Steelers pass defense, which isn’t stellar. Gradkowski hasn’t proved jack yet.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:46 am
Dark Forces Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 12:00 am
There is no precedent for a player playing as much as Russell and as badly as Russell and turning it around – none. Earlier in the year you could point to Eli Manning or Elway but those guys were playing well by their 2nd year, at least well enough to be considered legitimate NFL QBs. Russell’s play this year has been atrocious. He literally looks like he isn’t trying. If anyone gets near him he falls down slowly and drops the ball. He got paid 60 million dollars and came in over weight. There are guys that get a job at the gym and work out so they aren’t embarassed to show up looking like a fat slob. His attitude is horrendous, he is completely blaming his teammates for his awful play and lack of preparation. He has shown zero leadership skills and no backbone. I would love for him to turn it around and become a star for the Raiders but the odds of that seem about as remote as us winning the Super Bowl this year.
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Well stated.
If I may also add, that JaMarcus is in his third year.
Statistically speaking, the third year of an athletes career is usually the average for his career. He may have bad years or career years, but the third year’s statistical performance is most often repeated.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:47 am
Gradkowski sucks.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:37 am
Good Morning NATION!!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 5:51 am
Good Morning Nation!!!
Gradkowski sucks? Come on MR…I mean I agree, he MAY not be the answer, but for now…he’s 2-1 as a starter!
December 11th, 2009 at 6:09 am
Well he has the intangibles….Grads is a student of the game in the mental capacity,has 2b that way because he will never have the arm of Jmac.I personally believe this is now Grads team and the players want it that way 2.
The players dont want Jmac anywhere the field….man they have come alive….
Players see a 70mill man NOT on the same page as them and a league minimum guy that is
The ONLY way Jmac EVER is QB 4 the Raiders is to beat out Grads and now that means winning over the rest of the team 2….again
Been 1 of Jmacs biggest supporters but this last interview sold me on the fact he just dont get it
He’s lost his teammates and they wont try 4him because he wouldnt try 4them,imo
December 11th, 2009 at 6:13 am
Sooo as the great poster Jhill says….Trade Jmac 4 some good draft picks….Sad 2 say this whole Jmac thing has turned into a side-show all its own and Jmac is now a detriment 2 the org.,imo
December 11th, 2009 at 6:14 am
Good point 4eva…
He has to do that, but I believe that this season is lost for Russell now. He has to take a nice break in the offseason (for about a day or 2) and come back…hit the weights and study room and buy shares in slim fast! Maybe even go back to the Manning camp and maybe just to sit and watch!
i don’t 4eva…I want that kid to succeed and be that guy the Riaders need, but…
December 11th, 2009 at 6:14 am
GOODMORNING SPORT’S FAN’S,WHEN A TEAM SUCK’S AS THE RAIDER’S HAVE THE LAST 6+ YRS,THE FAN’S , MYSELF INCLUDED, GRASP AT ANY SPARK, OR WHATEVER THAT MIGHT SHOW A GLIMMER OF HOPE.GRADKOWSKI MAY HAVE MULTIPLE SUPERBOWL’S IN HIM,I DOUGHT IT, HE MAY BE TOTAL GARBAGE,HOW LONG DO WE WAIT AND SEE ?
December 11th, 2009 at 6:20 am
U MAY BE CORRECT 4EVA ,I THINK RUSSELL WOULD BE THE SAME IF HE MADE 1.5 MIL A YR. YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE HEART,HAS NOT PROOVEN THAT YET IMO..
December 11th, 2009 at 6:21 am
As long as the players are happy with Grads and were in ball-games that we lose by a bad call or a bad bounce of the ball and no blow-outs.The players know what time it is in the weight room and the film room and see who puts in and who dont.Comments about Grads BY HIS TEAMMATES tell the whole story,imo.Man this last interview just ruined it 4 me and Jmac.Damn Hwnrdr I really wanted him 2 work out but as we all know if you dont put something in,you cant get something out
December 11th, 2009 at 6:24 am
I agree Dirt-Lot….imo all that money suffocated Jmac fire
December 11th, 2009 at 6:27 am
Yes, if he claims that the Nation will SEE an improved JaMarcus Russell once he hits the field again (hopefully not this season)…then…he HAS NOT SHOWN IT YET!!! Geez…he was eating a bag of Skittles on the sideline of the Cinci game!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 6:28 am
good morning AM crew!
any chance we can trade JaMarcus Russell, Javon Walker & Darrius Heyward-Bey to Cleveland for Brady Quinn & Josh Cribbs?
both teams need to blow up in the offseason and start over.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:34 am
A GUY GOES FROM BAGGING GROCRIES TO THE ARENA-LEAGUE TO BACKUP, THEN THE STARTER –TRENT GREEN SUFFERS A FLUKE INJURY, ENTER KURT WARNER, 2-TIME LEAGUE MVP, SUPER-BOWL WINNER AND LOOSER, TELL ME WITH A STRAIGHT FACE THERE IS NO LUCK INVOLVED IN THIS, THE RAIDER’S HAVE NOT HAD ANY AT ALL 4 A FEW..
December 11th, 2009 at 6:35 am
HEY ROCKSTAR,GOOD DAY 2 U
December 11th, 2009 at 6:46 am
Good morning.
Still happy about the win on Sunday but Pittsburgh is not a very good team.
Period.
Cable and staff have done a great job of teaching this team how to play the game properly.
Penalties are way down, mental mistakes are down, competitiveness is up.
The Gallery issue for me is a big concern.
Any 300 lbs lineman who needs back surgery has to be concerned about it being career threatening.
His whole existance is based upon leverage and strength.
Carlisle and Green are on the wrong side of 30 and Gallery has had a bad year injury wise.
I know I keep harping on drafting lineman but if the lack of productivity does not convince you the age argument should.
Warren at 31, Seymour at 30, Ellis at 34 and Scott becoming an LB presents similar concerns on the Dline.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:47 am
Yeah ask non-Raider fans about Grads bet he has lot more respect than Leaf I mean Russell.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:47 am
the beauty of an uncapped year is that you can unload overpaid underachievers without the dreaded cap hit you used to take which meant paying the remainder of an ex-raider’s contract wouldn’t allow you to pursue the more expensive free agents. some teams even trade down in the draft, just for the sake of a cheaper rookie 1st round contract absorbtion.
at this point Russell, Walker, Barnes, etc on offense would all be shown the door. However, Al Davis is cheap and he doesn’t like to pay for nothing, as we’ve seen with the return of Randy Hanson. Russell is one of the highest paid QB’s in the league and so far he’s produced NOTHING in 25 starts. for that reason alone Davis will keep him until his contract expires. after the last 4 games of this season he’ll only be half way through his 6 year contract. 2007-2009 certainly weren’t impressive. maybe sometime in the next 3 years he’ll go from zero to hero, but there are no signs of that happening
I’ve seen more flashes from rookie QB’s Stafford & Sanchez, who has a combined 37 interceptions so far this year!
December 11th, 2009 at 6:48 am
morning all.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:50 am
good morning neilb, Dirt Lot, Hwnrdr, 4eva, etc
December 11th, 2009 at 6:52 am
Someone should give Cable a copy of the Steelers/Browns game and tell him to look at how the Browns used #16 Cribbs.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:55 am
Good Morning Rockstar!!!
Neilb…exactly. Doing damage in the wild cat!
December 11th, 2009 at 6:56 am
Just catching up from yesterday…
Gallery is a big loss-not as confident as this time yesterday.
JaMarcus interview-WOW…he doesn’t get it.Denial isn’t just a river in Egypt.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:57 am
Rob Ryan bested the Steelers offense last night.
I don’t feel that proud about last week anymore. LOL
We could finish with a better W/L record than the Steelers!
my boy Vegas kept bragging about how the Steelers won the Super Bowl despite their garbage O-Line. seems as if teams have finally started to pay attention to that and are looking for ways to exploit it.
I still hold tight to the theory that the Raiders won’t make it to .500 or better until the right side of the OL is upgraded.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:58 am
time to get some work done. later gents!
December 11th, 2009 at 6:58 am
Morning ALL !!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 7:00 am
I dunno….I’d like to think we took the air out of the steAlers sails
December 11th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Hwnrdr…
Exactly.I always try to look at things as “what would the D coach hate to see”.
How would you defend Dmac in at QB,Bush as RB and four WR’s ? Think of the options it gives us.I’m not asking the Raiders to play it all the time,just to use it some of the time.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:03 am
4eva…
The Steelers D was awful…..couldn’t tackle for shick.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:05 am
My co worker and I were just talking about Bo Jackson and Marcus Allen. He asked me that if I was a DC and the Raiders came out on offense with both Bo and Marcus in there…what would you do? Interesting…of course, that was 20+ years ago…
December 11th, 2009 at 7:09 am
……and Marcus could pass the ball.You’ve got Merv and Willie in at WR.Very interesting…..
December 11th, 2009 at 7:14 am
Good morning Nation!!
I would like examples:
priesttj Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
There are things Russell can do that Grads can’t dream about
December 11th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Buy a house on sky-line drive for 1 Vegas lol
Who knows Grads just might by it at a auction lol
December 11th, 2009 at 7:17 am
Good morning Rockstar,
Yes, the Steelers O-line has caught up to them, but the point remains they were never very good to begin with. When the Saints and Colts make the Super Bowl this year, of which neither team has used a first round pick on an O-lineman in 10 years (with all kinds of RB’s and WR’s), my draft argument won’t change.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:18 am
Wassup everyone!
Long time Rockstar!
Thanks for the kudos 4eva!
December 11th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Gots 2 call like I see em Jhill =)
December 11th, 2009 at 7:21 am
JHill, Rockstar and the normal AM crew!!!!
All right,this should be informative (too bad I got to leave in an hour)
December 11th, 2009 at 7:22 am
Vegas…
Clear his plate,my plate,your plate,everyone’s plate.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:25 am
Ok, sorry for killing it in here this morning, but like Rockstar acknowledges, Russell isn’t going ANYWHERE!
I was thinking why in the heck would they roll him out for an interview right now? (literally scratching my head!)
I don’t know why you guys keep harping on work ethic, the way he talks, or how fat he is. OBVIOUSLY, NONE of that matters to Cable and Al. NONE OF IT!
In Russell’s absence, wide receivers have been introduced as a more consistent weapon, something Cable believes would carry over if Russell took the field.
“I see no reason why not. It’s just decision making in terms of throwing the ball to them and all that,” Cable said.
How many times does CABLE have to tell you that Russell was benched because he wasn’t even looking the rookie WRs way? Cable told you the first time he was benched was not because he missed Myers on back to back throws, lol, it was because he made the wrong read and the WRs were running open.
I just can’t get past them rolling him out for the press. I get the feeling that we will see Russell under center sooner than later when someone steps on Grads’ foot, lol.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Charlie,
You are dead on with your Gallery take!
Where is that list of FA Olinemen someone posted last week? Anyone have a link to that?
AND, we certainly have to move OL to the top of the draft priority list!
December 11th, 2009 at 7:34 am
[...] [...]
December 11th, 2009 at 7:37 am
Good morning Nation!
December 11th, 2009 at 7:39 am
He still considers himself the quarterback of the future, and is willing to compete for the job again next season if that’s what it takes to play again.
“No doubt, that hasn’t changed my mind at all,” Russell said. “I will work my butt off to be that guy.
“It’s not the end of the world. It’s my third year and I have a lot more football to play.”
“He’s doing the right things, he’s working,” coach Tom Cable said. “I absolutely feel any competitor or athlete at this level wants the opportunity to go back out there.”
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If I were Grads, I’d be wearing steel toed cleats from here on out. I’d also watch out for the hammy injury they alluded to the week they made the switch, lol.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:39 am
OL should always be at the top of the draft priority list. Denver took Clady, and we took McFumble, and Denver is in first place.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Guy just got player of the week and dudes are complaining his arm isn’t strong enuf. Stupid. He outplayed all Raider qb’s in preseason and all I read here was boneheads saying we can’t put him in ’cause he’s no good. Can’t put Fargas in ’cause he’s no good…So stay home!! Idiots.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:45 am
2nd place, but I hear ya on that post Kirk…
December 11th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Kirk,
So you don’t like Henderson at LT?
December 11th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Henderson is pretty good!
December 11th, 2009 at 7:46 am
I am reviving my draft wish list.
I would like our 2nd round pick to be a natural RT
And one of our 2 3rd rounders should be a G/C pick.
But of course, first round has to be a LB or RB.
None of our RB’s would see much of the field anywhere else, except MAYBE Darren in a 3rd down/scatback type of role.
When you think you have 3 RB’s, you really don’t have any!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 7:47 am
Henderson and Gallery are keepers.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:48 am
RB? C’mon man!
December 11th, 2009 at 7:48 am
I actaully think Frye was the best QB I saw in preseason. I remember most folks openly wondering why he was 3rd string.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Hey Vegas, how you doing this beautiful mornig? It’s pretty cold out there!
December 11th, 2009 at 7:50 am
LOL at RB, Vegas! 1st rd? No fuggin way, bro!
1st rd pick HAS to be Oline. Only way I change my opinion on that is if we pick up a top FA.
Where’s that damn list?!?!?!?
December 11th, 2009 at 7:52 am
D-line or MB,don’t be shocked if we take a corner with the first pick.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:53 am
Who we draft depends on which free agents we pick up.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:53 am
r8eray Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Hey Vegas, how you doing this beautiful mornig? It’s pretty cold out there!
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I’m good man, and you?? Very cold indeed.
Just throwing people a curveball with our need for a RB.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Gallery needing back surgery ???? No way he gets back to his old self, and will be in and out of the lineup. I NOW agree with SnB on the Gallery pick, officially a waste. FUGG!
We have Henderson on the Oline, and that is it fellas!
Morris, Carlisle, and Green can NOT be starting for us next year. They should be our BACKUPS, not our starters. Where are we going to get THREE starting Olinemen from?
GOD, help us!
December 11th, 2009 at 7:54 am
F the draft.
In the old days we got some of our best from the other teams.
Like Romanowski or Gannon.
and what does Fargas have to do to get respect?
Boneheads dogging a good player. All heart.
It was Fargas fending off the blitzers last week, idiots. Hitting guys bigger and stronger. He doesn’t do that, Raiders lose. Not all about running.
Altho he’s out best runner too.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:54 am
1st RD -D-line
2nd RD -MLB
3rd RD -RT
3rd RD -CB
December 11th, 2009 at 7:55 am
neilb Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 7:52 am
D-line or MB,don’t be shocked if we take a corner with the first pick.
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Yeah, Vegas and I were kicking those tires last week. If Routt leaves, it would surprise me one bit to see a CB/KR drafted. 2nd biggest need behind Oline.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:55 am
JHill,
I see a severe lack of talent at RB and it needs to be addressed.
I want a big, violent everydown back. If we go O-line 1st, RB 2nd I would be cool with it.
If we trot out the three amigo’s next year….Fargas will again lead the team in rushing, and that is not acceptable.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:56 am
If Javier Arenas runs a 4.38 and houses a kick in the BCS game, don’t be suprised if Al takes him.
And that wouldn’t be a bad thing. Look at the boost Hester gave the Bears for a few years returning kicks.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:56 am
In the old days we got some of our best from the other teams.
Like Romanowski or Gannon.
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LMFAO at Romo and Gannon being the examples of the “old days”.
You youngster really know how to make some of us feel really old.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:57 am
thats what I thought 2 Jhill….even tho Cable seems 2 prefer O-Linemen with some nfl experience,imo.This Roy Shuening Guy from Oregon St.is the youngest O=linemen on the roster in his 2nd year.
K.Barnes T-5-years
C.Carsyle RG-10-years
R.Gallery LG 6-years
C.Green RT 10-years
M.Henderson LT-3 years
C.Morris C-4 years
E.Pears T-4 years
S.Satele C-3 years
L.Walker T-8 years
R.Shuening G-2 yeard
Take out Green and Carslyle and we got some good young players on the O-line.Tho I would imagine we may be weak at RG.Dont know much about this Shuening kid….LG or RG does he play????We all know Chris Morris has played GREAT and 2 think I was gonna relegate him 2 second string.He has PROVED his worth in versatility alone,imo
But yeah RG and maybe some depth at FB then the other 5 or 6 picks should be D,imo
December 11th, 2009 at 7:58 am
We have other areas we need to address first, Vegas. RB should not be a consideration this year. Oline, Dline, LB, CB.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:59 am
Eric Meyer is a qb who had a short stint on the Raiders recently who is also a local boy to where I live. A regular at a bar I frequent claims to be a personal friend of Eric and I have no reason to doubt him. Yesterday the guy told me Eric says Jamarcus was often late and sometimes even absent at practice/team activities. I know this doesn’t come as a shocker but it’s further evidence of Russell not being the type of leader we need
December 11th, 2009 at 7:59 am
Moronic observations.Stroke stroke.We’re soooo smart!!
I’m out.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:02 am
Vegas
You have got to get with the program.
A LB is useless if he has to fight off OT’S and Guards.
Useless. Ray Lewis threatened to retire until they drafted Ngata.
Branch had 11 tackles last week. Way too many for a DB to have to make.
Defense starts with the DT spot and we do not have an NFL caliber starter.
RB’s are only as good as the Oline.
Denver is a classic example of that.
I posted earlier on the age and depth issues on the lines #143.
If that does not make you think we need a #1 pick on the line I guess nothing will.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Ok JHell
What about Plunkett.
Washed up till the Raiders.
Dude, We had 50yd line lower level season tickets when I was a kid. Back when Kenny would stand next to Papa George and learn the game. I was a Raider fan when you were still in your test tube at Embryos Are Us.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:04 am
Morris may have played his way into a starting role next year. I agree with you on that 4eva.
I wonder what the plan is for Walker? I thought the exchange between him and Cable was hilarious when they were trying to figure out what plays to run while he was at LG. Walker telling him to nix the pulling stuff has me concerned about him being in Cable’s long term plans.
Barnes and Pears are NOT an option, wouldn’t you say?
December 11th, 2009 at 8:05 am
How do we know that we don’t need a RB J? We have been going on almost 5 years as Fargas as our feature back. Bush has one year on his contract and isn’t worth re-signing, and Darren has been an enigma for his first two years.
The next 4 games will tell us a lot. If Darren can make some plays, maybe I will hold off. Another 9 carries for 28 yards, and I am going to continue to bang the drum!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 8:06 am
weaselbit Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Ok JHell
What about Plunkett.
Washed up till the Raiders.
Dude, We had 50yd line lower level season tickets when I was a kid. Back when Kenny would stand next to Papa George and learn the game. I was a Raider fan when you were still in your test tube at Embryos Are Us.
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Dude, what’s your problem? If my comment about Gannon and Romo offended you, I apologize. Feel free to imply that I am young all you want. Not sure why that would be offensive.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:06 am
They keep bringing in rb’s and then Fargas outperforms them. What does that tell you?
December 11th, 2009 at 8:07 am
we need depth at CB at least to give Routt competition, LB is a big concern w/ Morrison becoming a FA, FB, KR/PR guy, and then we should go best player available. Cable has done a great job getting the most out of our OL and our Dline is deep and young
December 11th, 2009 at 8:08 am
Time to go…
Enjoy your Friday night….
December 11th, 2009 at 8:08 am
I don’t think I said we don’t need a RB. I think I said that we have other areas that we need to address first. I have Oline, Dline, CB, and LB ahead of RB.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Jhill….Barnes prolly not….But Walker???? I sure hope so Big-o-Guy in 8th year AND he’s from CAL!!!!
Yep that was 2 Linemen brain-storming on the side-lint at Pittsburgh lol!!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Charlie,
I just want to follow the model of the Saints, Colts, Patriots and Steelers. We would all be happy with that right?
Those teams don’t take O-line in the first-round. Patriots, Steelers and Saints combined haven’t drafted one O-lineman in the first round in ten years!!!
D-line, you will get no argument for me. I think D-line is the second most important position behind QB, IMO. But let’s not overstate Ngata, the guy misses a few games every year and has never made a ProBowl. He is good, not great, and Ray Lewis deserves all the credit for Ray Lewis.
Our RB’s all suck and leave lots of yards on the field. I want this position upgraded somehow someway, either draft or FA,but a 4th round pick isn’t going to cut it.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Walker played great in that you really didn’t miss Gallery. I really would like to see more Power blocking so I can’t say I disagree 4eva. I’d like to see Walker take Carlisle spot, and us draft a RT in Rd1.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:12 am
Morning Raider Nation!
I know some of you have argued with passion and some facts that DHB, DMAC and Jamarcus are bust or the latter will be.
My question for you just to think thru is, what went wrong with the player mentioned above.
Let’s start with DHB. Hands of stone, and trouble with his route running. Positives, works hard, blocks well and wants to do well and cares.
The media, ex players have come out and said, “if you can’t catch during high school, college, than it’s difficult to learn now”. My hope is, DHB can develop thru hard work into a WR, with great skills. The hard worker part, is his strength and he wants to change.
The current results are not good, the off season is critical for him. The drive he has will be a big positive for him. DHB does not want to be medicore.
I see his attitude and he really cares, and I know with hard work, DHB can be a good WR.
DMAC has the speed and characters to be that guy for big plays. The picture we see is a stumbling, back who seems to break no tackles and goes down sometimes for no apparent reason. His blitz pick ups are getting better, which means he recognizes his blocking responsibility, which last year was definetly not there, so he has improved in that area. The blocking is critical.Will DMAC be able to stay on the field, in a run or pass situation.
I’ve seen DMAC pulled for a pass play, usually Fargas enters, and he has the experience to run or block.
DMAC is not a power back or just a fleet back, he is somewhere in between. The coaching staff has yet to figure out his athletic talents, which is open space speed and his catching ability is without question very good.
So is DMAC the problem, or our coaching staff. Many here have suggested edge runs, pass routes, wheel routes, all to utilize his skills. I also will add, his physical injurys last year, the turf toe and this year knee surgery, have really hampered his growth.
Since the Raiders drafted DMAC, he could of played in 28 of those games, in reality he has only played in 15, with some games having been injured, and reduced to bench warmer for those games.
Making no excuses, just pointing out some difficult issues he may have, as a player that we don’t know about.
Your opinion is either cemented as a bust, or let’s give him the opportunity to work hard and let’s see if he can be that back, we all had hoped he can be.
DMAC is a hard worker and also cares, I would think next year is his year to break through this malise of medicore play.
Jamarcus I’m getting too tired to discuss his attitude. My first thought is, who is his mentor in life. Why does he have no passion for the game. I guess the biggest problem for most, that comment on this blog is, his weight and lack of preparation in the details of the game.
Jamarcus just has the don’t look at me no fault attitude, which pisses most in this blog. The finger pointing to others must stop. Jamarcus seems to believe things will get turned around by just saying they will.
Jamarcus strengths are his arm strength, and physical abilitys, that can be unbelieveable, if he would decide to just work harder than he has shown.
Jamarcus a bust? The Raider poll of comments in here suggest he is. The logical hope is he needs time. How much time, and when does he understand his god given talents only get him so far, sometimes extra hard work is needed to be even greater.
I have said on a few occasions he needs to be on a food program, which helps him control his weight. He also needs a conditioning program to be stronger and more fleet footed or quicker. These programs are not in Alabama. This offseason he needs to go to that camp in Arizona where McNabb goes and get in shape. They will teach him nutrition, and how to properly take care of his body. That’s should be a start.
Finally, because this is to long to write, Jamarcus needs to develop his skills of a QB. Jamarcus needs to understand the position, under center and in the shotgun, know his limitations and watch so much film his eyes turn red.
I know some of you want to cut him or just let him go, the man upstairs will keep him around for 3 more years. Jamarcus will play out his contract. Why do I think that, because I was around during the Mark Wilson era and it was painful to watch.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Vegas,
What is the usual Dec temp in Sin City? I froze my ass off there this week…
December 11th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Kelly is an NFL caliber starter and Dez is developing into one, of course if a dynamic DT is there at the first pick I wouldn’t mind giving Warren, Dez and Kelly some comp
December 11th, 2009 at 8:17 am
A little colder than usually this week BSJ, but Vegas is both the hottest and coldest place I ever lived.
Hanging in the high 30’s is pretty common for Vegas this time of year.
BTW,what the hell is the “power industry”? That was the convention right?
December 11th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Good morning Dell!
Good post, man!
My first thought is, who is his mentor in life.
Exactly! I would think no one now with the passing of Uncle Ray. Clearly his “boys” stepped into that vaccum instead of another, well, Uncle Ray.
The one thing I hope is that someone on the team like Gradkowski becomes his new best friend.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Dell… well said.
I too was here for the Marc Wilson era, and JR is cutting a path somewhere between Marc Wilson and Todd Marinovich.
Neither of those are good career paths…
December 11th, 2009 at 8:21 am
Power-Gen International. Everything surrounding generating electricity: gas, wind, solar, nuclear, blah, blah, blah.
The Wynn was phenomenal.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:23 am
Did you go to Encore as well? Fantastic
And have you ever seen so many cowboys than Vegas during NPR week?
December 11th, 2009 at 8:25 am
LOL, just looked at Tommy Kelly is the NFL’s 5th leading tackler for all defensive lineman.
But we wouldn’t have thought that.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Haloti Ngata has the same amount of tackles as Gerard Warren and less sacks.
http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?season=2009&archive=false&seasonType=REG&statisticPositionCategory=DEFENSIVE_LINEMAN&qualified=true&Submit=Go&conference=null&tabSeq=1&d-447263-p=2&experience=null
December 11th, 2009 at 8:29 am
Sorry I am just a stats guy. I pay more attention to production and facts, than opinion.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:30 am
OK Vegas,
You got me, lol! Go ahead and take DT off the need list.
Oline, Oline, CB/KR, LB.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:30 am
I pay more attention to production and facts, than opinion.
——————————————————-
LMFAO!
December 11th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Jhill,
No, D-line needs to be addressed, at least somewhat, every year, IMO.
You need a rotation of 7-8 guys. TK is all right, “Money” has got to go.
I think another solid vet FA would be a good fit. Ellis might retire after the year, if not, he has one year left, so that’s another hole. He was our best pass-rusher at times this year.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:37 am
ok, I found it …
2010 NFL Free Agent Offensive Linemen
By: Roshan Bhagat
Age as of 9/1/09. All free agents listed here are done so with an optimistic outlook that a new CBA will be agreed upon. Accordingly, only four accrued seasons are necessary to obtain an Unrestricted Free Agency status on this list.
Jahri Evans, New Orleans Saints (26)
Jahri Evans is continuing to grade out as the team’s best run-blocking linemen week after week. The Saints have done a nice job of efficiently running the ball through the middle and on the right side of the line. His continual high level of play and positive, team-first attitude should translate to a high-end offensive guard contract at year’s end. Expect the Saints, who have nothing but positive things to say towards Evans, to richly reward him for his hard work and production.
Logan Mankins, New England Patriots (27)
Logan Mankins has been a very consistent player for the Patriots since he was drafted. That type of consistency is difficult to match, but with free agency inflating the value of offensive guards, the Patriots may end up letting him walk if the price isn’t right. They drafted a couple interior linemen last year and have to use some of their free money to re-sign other players. From what Mankins has said, he wants to stay on this winning franchise, but he could be one of the top players available next offseason.
Marcus McNeill, San Diego Chargers (25)
McNeill isn’t playing at an elite level this year, but is still an above average left tackle. He’s one of the “bigger” names at the left tackle position thanks to his spectacular, hyped rookie season. McNeill has also been undercompensated the last few years playing on his rookie contract as a 2nd round pick, which may incline him to ask for more money than he “deserves.” Any of the Chargers could feasibly be had this offseason and McNeill is no different, but with some of the offensive line woes of the Chargers, McNeill may be one of their top priorities. His long-term neck and back problems could be in the back of the team’s mind as well.
Daryn Colledge, Green Bay Packers (27)
Colledge is no longer viewed as the solution at left tackle in Green Bay. Mid-round TJ Lang has taken over the back-up position there. That alone is enough to make his value take a significant plunge. This will especially be overstated because of his poor performance in the team’s biggest game to date – Monday Night in Minnesota. Still, he’s an above average starting offensive guard and a great pass protector in the interior. Colledge’s value will most likely be highest to the Packers because he’s a great fit for what they do and they know his true value.
Jared Gaither, Baltimore Ravens (23) – Restricted FA
After being taken off the field on a stretcher in New England, Gaither luckily suffered no season or career threatening injury. His return to the field should come in the upcoming weeks. The Ravens have found their bookend tackles, with him and Oher on either side, and even if they can’t settle on a long-term deal with Gaither this offseason, they still have the ability to put a tender on him. At the very least, it would force teams to give up serious compensation for his services. Gaither’s length and athleticism make him an ideal fit at left tackle, but could possibly get him for less coin if they think Oher is capable of playing LT and pay Gaither on the right side.
Winston Justice, Philadelphia Eagles (24)
Justice is finally starting to live up to his expectations as a 2nd round selection. He’s played well in pass protection at right tackle replacing the oft-injured Shawn Andrews. The Eagles are in a tricky situation. Andrews has flashed so much potential and played well when on the field, but has struggled to give them enough snaps without getting injured. Should the team re-sign Justice, they could very well be putting Justice on the bench at the cost of a starter. They already have last year’s free agent acquisition, Stacy Andrews expensively riding the bench.
Kevin Mawae, Tennessee Titans (38)
Mawae has started all six games for the Titans this year, but with his contract expiring, the line may turn to Leroy Harris who will have been groomed for 3 years, sparingly seeing the field. If Mawae is up for another season, he could land on a number of teams, or just re-sign in Tennessee. He still has a little gas left in the tank and it the Titans pass on him, several teams will be lining up for him and accept the leadership he brings to the team.
Chad Clifton, Green Bay Packers (33)
Clifton has suffered a lingering ankle injury this season forcing the Packers to retreat to other options at left tackle. Even when on the field, Clifton hasn’t looked like half the player he was in his prime where he was one of the league’s best pass blockers. The years of injury and battle have worn on Clifton who has lost some of his discipline and been beaten on several occasions. If Clifton isn’t offered another contract in Green Bay, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the franchise’s great blind side protector call it quits.
Mike Gandy, Arizona Cardinals (30)
Gandy has struggled immensely and should definitely be upgraded this offseason. He doesn’t hold much value on the left side and may be asked to move to the right side for the rest of his career. If Arizona can’t find a better replacement, they could potentially try and get one more year out of him, but the Cardinals would be pushing their luck.
Other Notable Free Agents:
Eugene Amano, Tennessee Titans (27)
David Baas, San Francisco 49ers (27)
Khalif Barnes, Oakland Raiders (27)
Alex Barron, St. Louis Rams (26)
Mike Brisiel, Houston Texans (26)
Jeromey Clary, San Diego Chargers (25) – Restricted FA
Nick Cole, Philadelphia Eagles (25)
Willie Colon, Pittsburgh Steelers (26)
Ryan Cook, Minnesota Vikings (26)
Tyson Clabo, Atlanta Falcons (28)
Harvey Dahl, Atlanta Falcons (28)
Cornell Green, Oakland Raiders (33)
Rex Hadnot, Cleveland Browns (27)
Ben Hamilton, Denver Broncos (32)
Justin Hartwig, Pittsburgh Steelers (30)
Stephon Heyer, Washington Redskins (25) – Restricted FA
Richie Incognito, St. Louis Rams (26)
Jon Jansen, Washington Redskins (33)
Charlie Johnson, Indianapolis Colts (25)
Nick Kaczur, New England Patriots (30)
Chris Kuper, Denver Broncos (26)
Deuce Lutui, Arizona Cardinals (26)
Stephen Neal, New England Patriots (32)
Rudy Niswanger, Kansas City Chiefs (26)
Donald Penn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26)
Chester Pitts, Houston Texans (30)
Manuel Ramirez, Detroit Lions (26) – Restricted FA
Rob Sims, Seattle Seahawks (25)
Chris Spencer, Seattle Seahawks (27)
Jason Spitz, Green Bay Packers (26)
Adam Terry, Baltimore Ravens (27)
Jeremy Trueblood, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26)
Bobbie Williams, Cincinnati Bengals (32)
Marshal Yanda, Baltimore Ravens (24)
December 11th, 2009 at 8:39 am
#222
I’ll take the Patriots, Mankins and Kaczur.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Vegas
i guess by your comment Shaugnessy is not the answer. I believe our defensive LDE is solid for many years. Seymour will handle the RDE for the next 4 years. Kelly is going nowhere, and dez Bryant has the quickness and with a year of strength training to be a very good DT in this league. You r comments suggest we are in deep trouble along the line.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:40 am
No Encore…and yes there a lot big belt buckles in town. Hilarious seeing all the cowpeople in their finest duds.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Vegas,
I like what I’ve seen from Money from a leadership standpoint. I think we’ve chopped it up before about the things we’ve surprisingly seen from him this year. I have no problem with Warren coming back as a backup.
Tommy Kelly 5th in the league? That was surprising to know. I’ve been asking if folks really thought the TK experiment would end this offseason, and I have a hard time believing it will or should if those stats are true.
Shaugnessy will start at DE next year, and the kid Bryant will be a factor as well. With Scott moving to LB, and Richardson our only depth at DE, I agree with you that we could use another young DE.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:43 am
I was thinking it might be nice to get McNiel from the Chargers and stick him at RT. 2 birds with one stone kinda thing.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Jhill
Winston Justice your USC guy has resigned with an extension with Philly.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Speaking of the Patriots’ players, Vegas …
Interesting tidbits from Seymour, don’t you think?
I wonder what type of recruiting Seymour will do this offseason?
December 11th, 2009 at 8:47 am
DAMN IT!
Thanks for the update Dell. You know I was holding out a small glimmer of hope that, well, you know.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Maybe there is a Mike Vick/Winston Justice trade in the works, lol.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:50 am
I would like to keep Warren just so I can continue to call him “money”
December 11th, 2009 at 8:51 am
Dell great observations on JR. Who is in his ear feeding him this stuff? But can a guy w/ an attitude so bad change? Also, he sounds way too dumb to be an nfl qb. It’s a smart-guy job. Bruce is the real deal. Maybe go w/ him and move on.
And sorry, JHill. Reading that JR interview made me grouchy.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Jhill
You’re great with great comments in here. There is no way I’m going to get sucked in on December 11, 2009 commenting about free agency or the draft. The months of January till April will be the right time for me. I have to get ready for a game this sunday in the coliseum, expecting rain, tailgate may be ruined.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:55 am
Weaselbit
Your comments were exactly whay my son has said. Pretty scary to think we have a QB with no passion and really no football smarts.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:55 am
And sorry, JHill. Reading that JR interview made me grouchy.
——————————————————-
It’s all good man!
I’m still trying to figure out why the rolled JR out to the press instead of keeping him stashed. Sorry, but I just think they are going to spring him on us again. Best thing we can hope for is more Gradkowski magic.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:58 am
You’re right Dell, sorry man!
But I do it with optimism this time around. I REALLY like the way our defense is progressing and I think that we are really close to being a good team DESPITE what a lot of people think. I really wish we had another 10 games to go, ya know. So in some way, I’m really just trying to get next year here quicker, but you’re right, we need to focus on these last few games.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Schillens and Murphy remind me of Fitzgerald and Boldin. They’ll only get better. You can tell Bruce respects and trusts them. Keep DHB to take defenders deep. They have to keep following him cause he just might catch one. They can’t take that risk. Leaves the middle wide open. Bruce reminds me of Kurt Warner. Small but smart.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:58 am
even tho Grads is keeping the defense fresh we were still gashed vs. the run so far this season.Thats good TKelly is mentioned but 2 me stats dont tell the whole story and never will.If we can get a good solid DT in the draft with our 1st pick then I think we should.Next and no matter our 1st pick we need a MLB unless of course our 1st pick is MLB.
On the other hand I think Vegas is right….I can see a need 4 RB.Fargas aint getting any younger and as Dell said Dmac needs 2 find himself,and I think he should get a all next year also.But after Dmac we got nobody.Marcel Reese is 6-3 and 240 on the practice squad.Man he would be a load behind a smart line
December 11th, 2009 at 9:04 am
Time to do some drawing and painting.
You guys have a great day!
Good comments this morn.
Glimmer of hope.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:06 am
U2 Weaselbit
December 11th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Gashed vs the run? I’d disagree for the most part. I think there are 3-5 plays each game where a run of 10 yds or more is broken off. And 2 or 3 of those plays go for 25 yds or more. Happens every game. Unlike the past few years where every play was at least a 5 yd gain. This defense will be better in year 2 under Marshall, which is one of the reasons I’m leaning towards a yes vote to bring Cable back.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:07 am
What about Bush, nobody gives him credit! What we need is O-line in the draft. Thats the reason we’re not getting our backs any yards. May I also mention a fullback!
December 11th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Vegas
You are incorrect about your draft statement. Example
FIRST ROUND SELECTIONS SAINTS
2003 DT
2004 DE
2005 OT
2008 DT
Every good team in the NFL has been built by investing first,second and third round picks on lineman.
Every single one.
You only see top teams invest high picks in luxuries like WR and RB AFTER the lines have been built.
We will not go the free agent route to do this.
Unless you get a blue chip can’t miss like a Steve Hutchinson FA’S do not produce enough to justify their bloated salaries.
We must build the lines through the draft.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:08 am
The most surprising number to me watching the Pittsburgh game, was when Dierdorf said the “raiders defense have been on the field for 106 snaps more than any other defense” and he continued with “thats like two full games”. The statement alone tells us if, we can get some offensive ball control, create first downs and let our defense rest once in a while, we may see less dynamic big plays from the other teams offense or not as often.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Schillens and Murphy remind me of Fitzgerald and Boldin. They’ll only get better
——————————————————
Now that is setting the bar pretty high man! I hope you’re right about that. Schillens is looking pretty good at 80%, and Murphy is going to kill people from the slot.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Yeah, rain this weekend. Should be interesting.
JHill,
I liked Seymour’s comments, and I would support and encourage resigning him. He does want to get paid though, so it won’t be cheap.
I like all the young guys on the D-line, Shaughnessy, Bryant, Scott all look good, but you just can’t replace those vets on the field at times. That sack against the Bengals in the 4th quarter by Ellis was one of the best pass-rush moves of the season. And what two weeks after getting his knee drained? Would love to bring him back for one more year.
Warren, good field leadership, but Money gets pushed around a lot. He has served his purpose.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:10 am
Schillens and Murphy remind me of Fitzgerald and Boldin. They’ll only get better
——————————————————
Poorman’s version!
December 11th, 2009 at 9:10 am
Exactly Dell!
That extra 2 games factor in big time when you talk about why our run defense is currently ranked low.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Let Money play as a backup! We can’t let the guys with leadership walk.
I’m with you on Ellis! Another solid vet with leadership!
December 11th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Gashed I say Jhill….GASHED LOL!!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Charlie,
I never said anything about D-line. Check my comments, said it is #2 most important position.
Got me on the ONE O-line pick by the Saints. Point is, they have drafted Two WR’s over that time as well. Browns have went O-line 2 of the last 3 years in the draft, and that offense is one of the worst in the league, so it goes both ways.
But I got to run, we will pick this up another time.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Ok if we say the ineptitude of Jmac was responsible 4 half of those 106 snaps thats lets see,naught by naught naught equals 53 snaps!!!!
We was getting GASHED….GASHED I say lmao
December 11th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Some have commented in here that, the win versus Pitt is somewhat tainted, due to Pitt losing to the Browns last night.
I look at it differently, the Raiders flew to the East Coast, played in a game temp of 24 degrees, in Pitt, and Pitt had their QB back from a week ago due to a concussion, and needed to win to kep their playoffs hope alive.
This was a good win. This is the NFL, all wins are not easy, take them when you can and don’t look back.
How many times have the Raiders played a East Coast game and won and played so hard recently, not many times.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:19 am
LOL, Well Gashed it is, my friend!
All I know is we are going to shut down the 4th string RB from Washington this weekend! There will be no gashes this week!
December 11th, 2009 at 9:22 am
LMAO
December 11th, 2009 at 9:25 am
Good morning everyone!
December 11th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Wassup D!
December 11th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Where is the General? Has he been around?
December 11th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Absolutley….We beat the Defending Super Bowl Champs in there OWN back-yard (god I love saying that),when they were fighting 4 a play-off spot.WE WON!!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Last time i checked a win is a win is a win……
December 11th, 2009 at 9:36 am
JaMonkie is due $10 mill in base salary next season. I cannot believe that Al would keep that fat azz for that kind of money. JaMonkie has said he will refuse to take a pay cut. If there is no salary cap next season why would Al pay this idiot? No NFL team would take this guy as their starting QB. Should juz let him eat as much as he wants and make him a RT. Worthless piece of garbage.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:38 am
Good Morning Nation.
4eva is is back!! It’s not the same without you, especially in the mornings.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:43 am
2 more final exams and I will be DONE!
December 11th, 2009 at 9:45 am
I dont know about Bush.
Sure fire 1st rounder if he dont break his leg.
Big Al drafts him 4th round.IMHO Bush should have been a Raiderette at that point if it would have helped the team.
Due 2 injuries we need and ask Bush 2 play FB.
The answer was no.
Bush gets a chance vs. the Bucs….does good but we need a time-out so can I have a break Bush can have a breather…uh-oh.
I thought ok his 1st real playing time its hot in Tampa ok he need a break.
Never did I think this would be a recurring thing with him!!!! 4 god-sake he’s a professional athlete and getting paid like one.Yet he stills needs a breather…..IMO he prolly practice as much as Jmac and thats a shame
Trade Bush now ,imo
December 11th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Vegas
Bottom line is that lineman represent 41% of your starting twenty two.
Football is STILL a game of blocking and tackling.
The rest is window dressing and fluff.
Without blocking and tackling you DO NOT WIN.
Without BLOCKING AND TACKLING you have big Ben nad Brady looking foolish.
To think that you are going to build nearly half of the most important element of your team with later round picks is delusional.
Make no mistake;
THE OLINE IS THE HEART OF YOUR TEAM followed closely by the Dline.
I assure you Upshaw,Shell,Otto,Buehler,Lawrence MADE
Van Eeghan, Hubbard and Banazak succesful-NOT the other way around.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Thankx Raider O Brother….You got it now !!!!! 2 more 2 go!!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Charlie,
Well said!!!
When was the last time we drafted a Lineman in the 1st RD? Gallery!
In the last 10 years, we drafted 2 linemen in the 1st. Gallery & Brayton, 20% of our 1st RD picks in the last years were invested in the 41%!!!!
I don’t know about you guys, but that doesn’t look right!
December 11th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Jack Nicklaus, at The Benjamin School Thursday to honor the school’s Florida state championship-winning boys’ golf team, declined to comment on the Tiger Woods situation.
When asked whether he thinks Woods’ reputation can be repaired and whether he can regain his popularity following his Thanksgiving weekend car crash and rumors of extramarital affairs, Nicklaus, of North Palm Beach, said: “It’s none of my business. He’ll figure it out. We’ve always been a forgiving society.”
Now that’s how everyone should be responding to that whole situation.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Morning Nation!
December 11th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Didn’t see too much of a run game with Morris at LG. Why not work with Walker and give him all the reps to prepare himself at the LG position?
December 11th, 2009 at 10:04 am
we drafted 2 linemen, 5 DBs, 1 QB, 1 RB, 1WR, 1 LB, and a K.
We invested 42% of our 1st RD picks on DBs.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Prev post is about the last 10 years. We had 12 picks in the 1st RD, and we drafted 5 DBs in the 1st & 2 in the 2nd!
5 of those picks are not on the team, and 2 are not playing in the NFL!
December 11th, 2009 at 10:22 am
I’m all for trading our first round pick for a proven vet.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:24 am
BEER ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 10:25 am
I’ll bet money that Mr has been on here yapping about even Cleveland can beat Pittsburgh and the win didn’t mean much.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Jerry:
You’re writing some nice, and as usual, sarcastic stuff lately.
Russell thinks that everyone began somehow playing magically better once Bruce took over?!
Yeah sure. Russell was sucking the life of this team and was actually affecting the development of young players like Murphy and DHB.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Good morning nation. We have to win the next game in front of us. We can’t get caught up in our win. We just have to win the next game. Go Grads. They used to say the samething about Gannon that they are saying about Grads. Mediocre. I’ll take his mediocre skills and his winning attitude any day.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Now who will step up and be our vocal leader on the D?
Nnamdi??
December 11th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Raider O!
Haven’t seen you on here lately. How’s the family and the business?
December 11th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Nnamdi isn’t that type of player leads with actions not words.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:36 am
We need someone to step up!
December 11th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Cable says that if Bruce goes down, Russell will replace him?
Why?
Why not Frye?
Russell had his shot…and his steaks…and his doughnuts…and his ribs…and his hamburgerss…
December 11th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Seymour isn’t the RAH RAH kind of guy either. It’s probably Ellis but, he is getting old.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:39 am
New post
December 11th, 2009 at 10:40 am
It’s too bad Gallery got hurt so bad-especially on THAT play.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Frye scored high on the wonderlic. He is a smart MF’er. I’m rooting for Grads to keep healthy and JMac on the bench.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:44 am
# 4evaRaider Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 7:00 am
I dunno….I’d like to think we took the air out of the steAlers sails
==========================
Sails?
Losing three in a row prior to coming to Oakslum, one of them to the horrible Chiefs, means they not only had no sails, but were down to one cracked paddle.
Oh..I get it.
You want to cheer on the “WE BEAT THE SB CHAMPS” wagon, instead of the “we beat a team that has fallen as fast after being in the SB as the Raiders did in ‘03″ wagon?
Oh sure..that works..when you’re “slow”.
Go for it, Gomer.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Ghost,
I think seymour might just be that vocal leader we need. He might not be the rah rah type of guy but he has the experience that the younger guys can look up to.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:47 am
…. and learn from.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:06 am
# vegas raider Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 7:14 am
Good morning Nation!!
I would like examples:
priesttj Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
There are things Russell can do that Grads can’t dream about
=============================
Priest? Answer a common sense request to justify his outlandish, make no sense, comments?
Never happen.
But I’ll take a stab at it.
Russell can command a buffet line like no other..Grad can only dream.
Russell has done what Grad has NEVER done..which is throw everyone under the bus, except himself. Greyhound is thinking of making him a spokesperson.
Bling dept? forgeddaboutit.. Russell has bling that weighs more than Grad.
Deep ball? Grads limit is 55 yards. He aims 55, hits 55, give or take 3.
Russell’s limit is 75. He aims 75, hits 75 give or take 28, in any direction.
Yep..JR’s a stud.
December 14th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
[...] is from Jerry McDonald’s blog: On one hand, Russell seemed humbled by the demotion and determined to be the starting quarterback [...]