Higgins gets another chance to shine
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, December 11th, 2009 at 12:54 pm in Oakland Raiders.
It’s been a long year for the Raiders most productive wide receiver a year ago.
But it’s worth noting that Johnnie Lee Higgins will be back in the starting lineup as the Raiders enter the last quarter of the season, right about the same time he compiled most of his receiving statistics a year ago. Rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey missed pracitce Friday for the third straight day, is listed as doubtful and very unlikely to play.
Higgins had only eight catches at this point last season. After catching four passes for a season-high 63 yards against Pittsburgh, he currently has 10 (one more than Heyward-Bey).
In the last four games in 2008, Higgins caught 14 passes for 196 yards and three of his four receiving touchdowns, a jumping off point most people figured would carry over into an even better 2009.
Instead, Higgins took a ferocious shot from San Diego safety Eric Weddle in Week 1, seemed affected by it for weeks, and found himself getting much less playing time than Heyward-Bey and fourth-round selection Louis Murphy.
“Yeah, it was rough. You know me, I’m a fighter, I just hate sitting back and watching, I want to be out there, but I just do as I’m told,” Higgins said Friday. “I go out there and when my number is called, I go out there and I perform. Complaining won’t get you anywhere. When it’s my time to shine, I go out there and try and do it.”
Some news and notes from the Raiders Friday practice:
– The Raiders have not yet put left guard Robert Gallery on injured reserve, but are expected to do so later today or Saturday. Practice guard-center Roy Schuening is hopeful of being promoted to the 53-man roster but is taking nothing for granted until asked to come in and sign a contract.
Schuening would also be a backup center. Starting center Samson Satele was limited in practice and listed as questionable, but is expected to start, with Chris Morris taking Gallery’s spot at left guard.
If Satele were to be re-injured, Morris would take over at center and Langston Walker at left guard _ presumably leaving the Raiders without a center unless Schuening is on the roster. Schuening said he’s been taking turns at center all season and is proficient with the shotgun snap.
“I only had one bad one all week,” he said.
– Defensive end Greg Ellis pracitced for the first time this week, and like Satele, was listed as questionable.
– Washington running back Quinton Ganther, recently elevated to starting running back ahead of Rock Cartwright (with Clinton Portis injured and out for the season), played youth football in Oakland with Kirk Morrison.
“He’s a friend of mine. He’s from here in the Bay area. Played Pop Warner against him,” Morrison said. “He went to Mountain West Conference, went to Utah. I know a lot about him so we follow each other’s careers and we’re real good friends. Had to help him out with tickets.”
While it’s somewhat comforting that Portis is out and the Redskins have worked their way down the depth chart at running back, the Raiders gave up more than 100 yards to the Jets’ Shonn Greene, the Chiefs Jamaal Charles and the Bengals’ Bernard Scott, none of whom opened the season as starters. Greene was in fact the Jets’ third-string back behind Thomas Jones and Leon Washington.
“He’s a cutback runner, a slasher and very explosive,” Cable said of Ganther.
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December 11th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Come on JLH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
That boy has had his bell rung bigtime this year.
I hope he recovers
December 11th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Gashed I say….
We need a DT and a MLB in the worse kind of way
December 11th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
…Higgins caught 14 passes for 1996 yards…
Jerry, that is statistically impossible
December 11th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
who says oak fans have no hope?
0AK in as Wild Card 2/playoff slot 6 if….
1. win out and go 8-8 (vs wash;@cleve;@den; vs balt)
and….ALL of following transpires…
1. mia 7-9 (1-3 or worse in remaining games..incl MUST -win- this week vs jax)
2. jax 7-9 (after losing above game to mia..lose remaining 3)
3. jets 7-9 (1-3 in remaining games or worse)
4. houston 7-9 (or 8-8 IF- and only if- they tie at 8-8 with tennesee)
5. tenn 8-8 (they go 3-1 at best)
6. balt 8-8 (oak plays balt week 16 ..so 1 more losses over other 3 games)
7. pitt 8-8 (lose 1 out of remaining 3)
December 11th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Do not question Jerry Mac! If he says he caught 1996 yards in 14 passes you bet your ass that’s what JLH did. Unless of course it’s a typo and he really only had 196 yards receiving.
December 11th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
If its not a typo, Johnny should be enshrined in the Hall of Fame immediately for such a feat.
December 11th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
LARaider Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
…Higgins caught 14 passes for 1996 yards…
Jerry, that is statistically impossible
————–
maybe in Tecmo bowl…lol
December 11th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
tuck,
that’s what I posted the other nite too. But I gotta admit too many if’s in there. It would be one hell of a way to end the season.
JR costed us a chance at the playoffs this year. We could have easily split against SD, won at home against KC, and be 6-6 right now.
December 11th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
From the prior Post:
“Looks like the matchup between the receiver who can’t get open and the cornerback who can’t cover anyone won’t come to pass”.
Simply one of his best ever comments. The part about Hall is spot on. DHB’s assessment has yet to be earned. We have more than our share of underachievers who have earned their right to be recognized for their shortcomings. Let’s rightfully give DHB a little time to age. It’s not his fault he was drafted in the #7 spot so let’s not unfairly expect miracles from he who is yet so young. A little time improves all wine.
December 11th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
He is only starting so that Al can justify not starting murphy over DHB when he get’s healthy.
This is just a ploy we all know murphy should start with chaz.
OR AM I WRONG ???
December 11th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Is it draft day yet?
December 11th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
IS IT FIRE CABLE DAY YET?
December 11th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
UP LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEER Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
He is only starting so that Al can justify not starting murphy over DHB when he get’s healthy.
This is just a ploy we all know murphy should start with chaz.
OR AM I WRONG ???
_________________________
I think you nailed it…that is why Tom Cable went out of his way to prep the media on the difference between the receiver positions. Replace a non-factor like DHB with another non-factor like JLH and maybe we will all be hoping they put DHB back in by the end of the year, lol.
December 11th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
This coaching staff and team needs to get it in their thick skulls that they better be ready to WIN this weekend. They need TWO wins in a row….BADLY instead the lousy trend of playing like utter crap after a win.
Gallery is out, but Walker should do fine at LG.
This game will be played in the rain and on a soggy field, so these players better be ready for a slugfest and an ugly game.
This freakin team better RUN the ball effectively, use play action and stop the run and put pressure on Campbell and LIMIT the mistakes.
Play FOCUSED, SMART AND AGGRESSIVE FOOTBALL!
December 11th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
They will talk about JR’s interview next on Around the lame horn.
PTI should talk about also.
December 11th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
4evaRaider Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Gashed I say….
We need a DT and a MLB in the worse kind of way
^^^^^^^^
Sure as heck do!
That should be the priority in this next draft along with getting a RT and another DE to add to the rotation.
December 11th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Plaschke and Blackistone talked JR up
Compared him to VY
December 11th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
we need spare parts for the o-line bigtime… expect alot of blitzing…
December 11th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Touchdown Jesus must be weeping over the hiring of a pro abortion liberal to coach the once proud football team.
lol right as wrote this Kelly said my job is too be HONEST, forthright, etc, etc.
December 11th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
LARaider Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
…Higgins caught 14 passes for 1996 yards…
Jerry, that is statistically impossible
=======================
I thought it was Canadian football League. You know like he gained 1996 hectares or sumthing…
December 11th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
darkhorse Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
we need spare parts for the o-line bigtime… expect alot of blitzing…
============================
Like what Blitzburgh threw at us in the 4th quarter? Granted, not Troy boy, but still, protection hasn’t been the huge issue spare parts or not.
Losing Gallery hurts the run game and that affects play action.
I hope Satele can’t go and Morris gets shifted to center. He’s better there and Walker has the beef to move the pile in the run game.
December 11th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Plunketthead Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Touchdown Jesus must be weeping over the hiring of a pro abortion liberal to coach the once proud football team.
lol right as wrote this Kelly said my job is too be HONEST, forthright, etc, etc.
^^^^^^^
Yep….guess that eliminated about 85% of GOP members looney and Republicans. LOL
December 11th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
I was not saying reps god libs bad
I was pointing out the hypocrisy of ND
December 11th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Only way Russell gets a shot at being the starter next year is IF he gets a personal trainer loses 15-20 pounds and gets in the best shape of his life and works on his footwork and accuracy in the offseason.
He needs to prove to whoever the coaches are and the crazy owner that he is serious before he is given an opportunity to start.
Grads is way ahead of him.
December 11th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
DKnight007 Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Only way Russell gets a shot at being the starter next year is IF he gets a personal trainer loses 15-20 pounds and gets in the best shape of his life and works on his footwork and accuracy in the offseason.
He needs to prove to whoever the coaches are and the crazy owner that he is serious before he is given an opportunity to start.
Grads is way ahead of him.
==========================
????
Russell’s the starter. Russell’s the franchise. He ain’t goin’ nowhere and will be given every opportunity to start next year.
Not sayin’ its right, just sayin’ thats the way it is unless Davis is gone…
December 11th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
I hope we see the crazy JLH dances in the endzone this Sun.
December 11th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
so uhh. id like to post a pic of me. just cuz…
http://www.mocospace.com/html/album/photoalbum-view.jsp?postid=13448354&u=7978985
December 11th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
anyway. we better do d.hall like denver did em. put a lil quick reciever on em and let em run slants and outs .
December 11th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
d.hall is out I believe
December 11th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Skins fired their Kicker Shaun Suisham so this Sunday…
“Rookie K Graham Gano has never kicked in an NFL game but will be taking over for Suisham…”
Never know…could factor.
December 11th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Hall is out.
December 11th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Graham Gano was a Las Vegas Loco, kicked the game-winner for the championship in overtime.
Easily the best kicker in the UFL, but his kickoffs weren’t all that deep.
December 11th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
F U JaMoron NoHustle!
December 11th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
All I can say is…Javon Walker. What a shame!
December 11th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
When you look at it, the beginning of the last two seasons have been a disaster in the WR department. From Jovan Walker in the offseason last year, than the emergence of the rookies at the end of last year after Lelie and Curry. Than Chaz getting hurt and the DHB experiment. Now the WR’s are playing better again at the end of the year.
Frustrating.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Wr’s are gonna continue to improve, question is can Chaz stay health and can we get in two TE sets…. That would help
December 11th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
The Brown defense did something we could not do.
They shut down the steelturds for 4 quarters
Who is their defense coach?
December 11th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Vegas Raider – Don’t forget about Drew Carter, the Panther WR we signed last year who got hurt for the year right before the season started and he was the one that had the most chemistry with Jamarcus Russell. Then the same thing happened to Chaz Schilens this year. Amazing! Hell, Carter hasn’t played since that injury either.
The worst part is…Curry was not a bad player before Jamarcus Russell started throwing to him.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
[...] Read more. [...]
December 11th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Plunketthead – Honestly…The Steelers are just not playing very good ball right now as they have lost to all of the worst teams in the NFL this year and the real reason is unknown. They must be over confident and thinking that since they are Superbowl Champions, they can just walk right over the easy teams and they’re finding out differently.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Good point on Drew Carter, totally forget about him.
What a mess!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
man it seems sooo long ago
December 11th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
24
Thats true, nonetheless we went back east for a early game in 25 degree weather and beat the defending chumps with all their fans screaming and going crazy over an amazing game.
Big big win!
December 11th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
We will find out this weekend if Bruce is a mudder.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
The Raiders aren’t short on talent, they just don’t know how to win.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
fck me….Tiger Woods is taking an indefinite break from golf…
Man they really killed Golf on TV now.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
The fact is…Gradkowski isn’t going to win every game so don’t expect him to but hes going to win more games and keep us in more games and be more consistent and productive than Jamarcus Russell and thats all that matters. Favre has bad games, Brady has bad games, Manning has bad games but JR always seems to have a bad game and Gradkowski has gotten the best out of the current talent and that just can’t be ignored. I can only imagine that if Jeff Garcia had started week 1 with this team, I think this offense would have looked alot better.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Aig – Thats pretty sad when theres only 1 person in golf worth watching on TV. Thats how boring it is to watch golf. Not an easy sport by any stretch but if its not Tiger, its usually not interesting.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
And I don’t know if anybody has noticed but our defense plays alot better under Marshall than under Rob Ryan. Had our offense been better, our defense would have better stats.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
24,
It’s true man. Golf is a great game to play but on tv they dont generate enough excitement other than Tiger. I dont care about his personal life. I watch golf when Tiger plays because of how he excites the fans with his clutch plays.
Back to football, I think JR was responsible for pulling the D down a few times this year. It’s not a coincidence that all of our blowouts have been with JR under the helm.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Aig
Tiger has to kick his addictions. That means changing his playmates, playgrounds, and playthings.
Pain killers, Ambien, booze and who knows what else will be tough
December 11th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Plunk,
I dont think you can kick sex addiction. The only addiction he should kick is marriage. As a superstar athlete like himself Pu$$ will always come at you. I’m not an athlete and I have enough trouble kicking my addiction to flirting with women. so I tell my wife straight up that dont get jealous. I am who I am. Good thing is she works with me on it.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Charles Woodson had 17 Interceptions in 8 Years with the Raiders.
He has 26 so far in almost 4 years with the Packers.
WOW! He is still by far my favorite player.
2006 – 8 Interceptions
2007 – 4 Interceptions
2008 – 7 Interceptions
2009 – 7 Interceptions so far…
=(
December 11th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
LOL…
The dude, who dresses as the “Pat Patriot” mascot for the Cheatriot’s, busted in prostitution sting in Rhode Island.—pft.com
December 11th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Tiger’s wife just needs to give him some daily or hire a maid who can so she can monitor the situation cuz man…theres a reason his name is Tiger. That guy just got thrown into the cage.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
909 – At least the Patriots win despite being as effed up as the Raiders.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
charles woodson can straight up ball…
he is the anti D hall. If Al Davis was not so addicted to the man cov all the time, Cwood would have gotten more int.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
The only golf without Tiger that is worth watching is the British Open.
Funky courses, big underdogs, and it is on at 6am.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
24,
We are in a new century. Elin should let Tiger have a little freedom but tell his a$$ to dont shcytt where he eats. I may be jaded but i think 90% of married people cheat. The rule is if you gonna do it, make sure no one finds out.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
We watch sports for the adrenaline. There is no one in golf that can get our adrenaline going like tiger. Phil with his man boobs doesnt do it for me.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
In a few years, I see C-Wood making a Rod Woodson like transition into a Pro Bowl safety.
I’m a young guy, so C-Wood is one of my all-time favorite Raiders. The year we went to the Bowl, we played the Jets in the playoffs at home, and on the first third down play, C-Wood flattened Chrebet and knocked him out of the game, and forcing a punt. I was at the game wearing his jersey and I will never forget it.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
He is addicted to more then just the sex, its the chase, its the strange, the excitement of a new conquest, the hope that this one will be better then the next.
Thats why he cant just get a fine arse mistress or two.
He has big big problems
December 11th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Vegas Raider – I agree. Charles was/is the man. Can you even begin to imagine the duo of Woodson and Asomugha. OH MY GOD! Although…Eric Allen was a baller as well despite being alot smaller. They were a very good tandem.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Tiger is a Raider!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Tiger is lucky he didn’t catch the clap, or get one of them ho’s pregnant…
December 11th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
You put 1 billion in my lap and give me that much fame and attention and all those women trying to get into my pants and I’m sorry but I don’t think any man can help himself.
I told my g/f that being a man is like being a vampire. That lust and thirst for blood is how we feel about women and sex and its difficult to be good because its in our nature and its our instinct to find a mate. With that being said, I’ve been with her for almost 9 years and I have never cheated on her and I know thats shocking but I don’t put myself in a position to do so and I don’t surround myself around the wrong people plus I’m lazy and I don’t like lying so it is more work to hide things than I’m willing to go through.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Plunk,
that’s the word I couldnt get out of my head…the chase (flirt). You are right. But you know life is about yin and yang. Tiger has the cleanest image yet he hits nothing but skanks.
tiger’s biggest issue is he is black and asian. Most black friends I have hit anything and everything that comes their way. Asians are prob the horniest mofos I know…look at the population of China and India. he has both and prob has a huge addiction.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
909 – Thats true but hes obviously very good at hiding things but he slipped and I don’t think this whole thing would be as bad had he not somehow gotten into his vehicle and crashed it. It could have been kept more low key but that was a big red flag. His butt should have been locked up in a room within his mansion.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
24
damn, how the heck can you hit that for 9 yrs and not step out. kudos man.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Aig – My girl is pretty hot and I’ve probably out done myself already. I’m not ugly or anything like that but still…I might have out did myself and I don’t wanna mess that up. Besides, theres ALOT of drama that comes with being with alot of women and dealing with my one and only is enough for me. I can’t imagine having to hear the same crap from 11 different women. No thank you.
You can get mad about things with one girl, leave her and find out that the next girl has other problems. Might as well stick with one and work through the same problems consistently in my book.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
So I’m casually reading the new SI. This weeks players poll was strongest NFL player, players can’t vote for a teammate.
Haynesworth had 12%
Kris Jenkins 7%
Casey Hampton 7%
James Harrison 7%
Leonard Davis 6%
Than at the bottom I read this:
“Running backs Adrian Peterson and Darren McFadden were the only players at offensive skill positions to receive more than one vote.”
SERIOUSLY!!! WTF
I’ll try to find the link.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
24,
“I can’t imagine having to hear the same crap from 11 different women. No thank you.”
that is the post of the day. You da man!
December 11th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Nnamdi21 Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
DKnight007 Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Only way Russell gets a shot at being the starter next year is IF he gets a personal trainer loses 15-20 pounds and gets in the best shape of his life and works on his footwork and accuracy in the offseason.
He needs to prove to whoever the coaches are and the crazy owner that he is serious before he is given an opportunity to start.
Grads is way ahead of him.
==========================
????
Russell’s the starter. Russell’s the franchise. He ain’t goin’ nowhere and will be given every opportunity to start next year.
Not sayin’ its right, just sayin’ thats the way it is unless Davis is gone…
^^^^^^^^
Russell needs to PROVE he is serious by getting in freakin SHAPE this offseason though…..
December 11th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Now that Tiger is out for awhile, the only golf event worth watching is the Long Drive Contest from Mesquite Nevada. I’d rather watch some meathead muscle the ball 425yds than some old azz englishman try to figure out how to hit off the brick paths in the fairways.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Woods should have never gotten married.it will now be nice to watch golf and not have the announcers sucking him off the whole telecast.now about our Raiders-i read today that Jake Locker will probably return for his SR year.now we can let Russell prove again next year he can’t play at this level,get rid of him after next year and then get Locker and have an exceptional QB for years to come.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
24…
Yeah, but I sure as hell wouldn’t want to be walking in his hush puppies, right about now…
He’s going to be target numero uno, for every paparazzi on the planet for the foreseeable future. Not to mention a p o ed sweedish woman..
December 11th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
909 – Shes an idiot if she stays with him honestly. Cheating with 1 woman, fine. Cheating with 2, strike 2. 11 Women? Thats just the tip of the iceberg. Everyone knows there’s WAY MORE than 11. That number only includes the # who wanted the attention. Can you imagine how many married women or tied down women Tiger has been with as well who aren’t going to expose themselves? That woman should realistically take half and run and let Tiger be Tiger.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Folks, Al Davis’ handpicked QB is done.
Gradkowski may or may not be the answer…jury is still out as far as I am concerned….what happens to this guy when tape gets out on him and teams gameplan…that will be the test and we won’t find out the results of that test until next year.
Anyway, Gradkowski will outwork Russell at every turn…plus Gradkowski is now firmly a Cable guy so getting him out of the lineup would be near impossible.
Russell should be cut with immediate effect.
Its time for Al Davis to come clean with his stupid draft picks and clean house so that the Raiders can take the cash and invest in quality free agents.
Cut Russell – Will never beat out Gradkowski
Cut DHB – Will never beat out Murphy/Schilens and JLH for that matter
Cut DMAC – Does he look like Chris Johnson or Adrian Peterson? Exactly! So why pay him as such
Production over hype
Cut em all!
December 11th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
24…
Her “contract” wont allow her to, right now..
December 11th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
909 – Contract?
December 11th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
24,
she has a prenup. 20 mil for 10 years. she’s in year 5. I heard she got 5 mil to stay for now and 50 more by year 7. the total 10 yr is down to 7 year now. That is a lot of dough.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Ah…I see. Yeah…she might as well stick around and start doing her thing behind the scenes then haha.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
24…
pre-nup…
She has to stay with him X amount of years, to get paid.
Heard that earlier in the week, who knows if its true or not…. forgot how many years…
December 11th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Tigers personal life, just like any other Americans personal life, should be left private.
I didn’t care when Clinton got caught up and I don’t care about Woods.
These people aren’t moral heroes…they are athletes, politicians or whatever their real job is.
Its up to Tiger and his family and that’s it
December 11th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/plugged-in/gold-ps3-is-gold-costs-five-grand/1380758
Tiger Woods is gonna need to buy this because hes going to be sitting inside for awhile.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
SnB….
Very true. But there is a perverse joy in watching the rich and famous, have problems just like the rest of us schmucks…
December 11th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
24,
you know Jamarcus and his posse has a few of those gold plated ps3 already.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
909RaiderLifer Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
SnB….
Very true. But there is a perverse joy in watching the rich and famous, have problems just like the rest of us schmucks…
======================================================
Tiger’s issues aren’t “problems” Those are decisions.
Problems is a guy with a family who lost his job and has no reasonable hope of landing a new one soon.
This Woods stuff….that’s his choice
December 11th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
aig Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
24,
you know Jamarcus and his posse has a few of those gold plated ps3 already.
======================================================
Well, Al Davis was the one who bought them for him!
Cut Russell, DMAC and DHB!
December 11th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Aig – I’m surprised we haven’t seen him playing it on the sidelines yet.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
SnB…
Point taken…
Back to football.. The guys had best wear they’re long cleats on Sunday. 60% chance of rain, high near 55*, SW winds 13-16mph, gusts to 18.
Should be fun! smash mouth football!!
Time to feed the dog, have a GREAT week-end everybody..
December 11th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
SnB – I think McFadden and DHB need a little more time. JR can go for all I care. McFadden has talent at least and if used right, he can be productive. DHB is young and WR’s take a long time to develop and I don’t have a problem with that. I do have a problem with forcing the issue. The guy was obviously not ready and the team should have started Javon Walker or Higgins in the place of him and let him come in during situations in order to get acclimated to the game. The guy might surprise a couple of years from now. I’m willing to wait, just play the guys who can contribute right now.
December 11th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
909,
To me the Washington and Cleveland games are must win games. We’ve gone through these little glimmers of hope from time to time over the last 7 years only to get even more disappointed.
Is this team any good? I don’t know…but a team that is supposedly feeling good about themselves has to translate that on the field consistently.
Get me 6 wins and a spirited effort against Denver and Baltimore and then we can entertain the discussion of turning the corner.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
24,
I am starting to think that DMAC doesn’t match the scheme Cable and his crew are trying to run. I just can’t see him morphing into a dominant back. If it hasn’t happened after 2yrs…I am skeptical it will happen in year 3. especially with Cable’s 100% absolute support Fargas.
If the Raiders like Fargas as their number 1, which they do, then you don’t need Bush and DMAC. Bush is being paid for his position…DMAC is OVERPAID.
Cable will always seek to get Fargas 10 or so carries. That’s clear. If Cable stays…DMAC AND Bush have to go. DMAC’s salary is too high and Cable hates Bush.
As for DHB, what does DHB have, or potentially have, that Murphy does not. Murphy is fast too, he has better hands and runs better routes right now.
Plus he has the ability to improve at the same or faster rate as DHB.
Again, do you want to keep paying all these dollars for average players?
December 11th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
why does everyone write off the Balt. game?their Def. is old and nothing special especially if Reed doesn’t play,and their Off. isn’t anything special.they have to travel across country.that game is as winnable as the ones against Wash. and Clev.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
lefty12 Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
why does everyone write off the Balt. game?their Def. is old and nothing special especially if Reed doesn’t play,and their Off. isn’t anything special.they have to travel across country.that game is as winnable as the ones against Wash. and Clev.
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Let’s just beat Washington and Cleveland…before we start putting teams with winning records in our win column.
This team is still capable of a face plant. They need to consistently beat teams like Washington and Cleveland 1st. This is the 1st step.
They beat Denver or Baltimore or both and that confirms they are a better team because Baltimore and Denver are fighting hard for the playoffs.
Too bad Cable and Davis threw away the season not playing the best players. I wish Davis would focus more on winning!
December 11th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Cable would love for Dmac to show he should be the main RB-Bush too for that matter.but the fact is neither has stepped up to claim the job,hence Fargas getting the bulk of the playing time.besides,do you ever notice the excellent job Fargas does picking up blitzes and blocking?
December 11th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
SnB – I hear ya but theres a difference in potential regarding Murphy and DHB. It could be that Murphy is better right away but he may only be an average talent over the course of his career while DHB starts out slower but has a higher ceiling that will allow him to become a star. It doesn’t always work that way but thats why one is a 1st round pick and one is a 4th round pick. Murphy has had similiar problems at WR with dropped balls and imo, they need a better WR coach to get these guys ready and up to speed.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
i’m glad you see all the practices so you know who the ‘best’ players are.is your last name Hanson?
December 11th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Lefty12 – Bush needs carries, plain and simple. That guy is more productive the more you give him the ball and unless Cable sticks with him through 20 carries a game, its impossible for the guy to explode as the game goes along. The fact is, Bush is the reason Cable even got the job in my opinion and Cable needs to respect that fact. Bush is 1st round talent getting paid 4th round money.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
24-exactly.that is how the old man drafts(whether anyone likes it or not)-potential.he drafts like colleges sign blue-chip recruits.i’m not saying it is the proper way to draft,but imo,that is how he does it.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
24 Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
SnB – I hear ya but theres a difference in potential regarding Murphy and DHB. It could be that Murphy is better right away but he may only be an average talent over the course of his career while DHB starts out slower but has a higher ceiling that will allow him to become a star. It doesn’t always work that way but thats why one is a 1st round pick and one is a 4th round pick. Murphy has had similiar problems at WR with dropped balls and imo, they need a better WR coach to get these guys ready and up to speed.
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We only assume DHB has more talent than Murphy because of draft status.
Murphy was projected as high as the 2nd round of the draft. While DHB was projected as low as the 2nd round.
I don’t think DHB has anything on Murphy. Or at least nothing tangible. DHB had limited production in college and limited production in the pros..
Murphy has been flashing talent all year and has had a couple of BIG games for the Raiders.
I am tired of losing…its time to just roll with the guys that produce and not those that hit the lottery because Davis doesn’t know what he’s doing
December 11th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
24-i’ve said it before-there must be some reason Bush isn’t used more that we as fans aren’t privy to.maybe he has an attitude problem,maybe he dogs it in practice,maybe he is being given the MA treatment for refusing to help the team by changing positions last year-who knows,but there has to be something.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
lefty12 Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Cable would love for Dmac to show he should be the main RB-Bush too for that matter.but the fact is neither has stepped up to claim the job,hence Fargas getting the bulk of the playing time.besides,do you ever notice the excellent job Fargas does picking up blitzes and blocking?
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Truth is we have no running game. A running backs main attribute is to run the ball, get yards and score touchdowns. Our running game is decidedly mediocre…perhaps even below average.
Our running game rarely makes a real difference. They dont’ get yards, don’t score. Sure Fargas makesa nice block..but he, like DHB and others, don’t have the prodcution necessary to win consistently.
I know people like his “grit” and “determination” but the RAiders need those attributes to go with “production”
Running for 65 yards is not a good day
December 11th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Another thing that hurts the running game is the offensive line injuries. Mario Henderson has been good and is steadily improving. Gallery has been dominant as a run blocker and his injuries have hurt us terribly. Satele has gotten better throughout the season and Morris has improved as well. Carlisle is decent and our RT position has been better with Green manning the position strangely but its obvious our offensive line is filled with average guys and we just need more talent and depth to carry us but considering those factors, I think this average group has played beyond expectations. They’ve had some solid games.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
And DMAC and Bush, for whatever reason, aren’t good enough for Cable to start in the NFL.
I think we might have to draft a running back.
Let’s put aside our favorites and just go out here and get REAL, UNCOMPROMISING, STARTING CALIBER PLAYERS.
the Raiders are filled up with a bunch of role players masquerading as starters.
Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Michael Turner, Cedric Benson and Ray Rice..those are starting running backs…Thomas Jones and those types
Fargas, Bush and DMAC are role players at best
December 11th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
lefty12 Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
i’m glad you see all the practices so you know who the ‘best’ players are.is your last name Hanson?
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Those same practices that led Russell to be the starting QB?
How hard are those practices? Russell shows up overweight, slothfull, missing practices/OTAs and missing throws and he starts.
I see enough on game days to make a reasoned opinion
December 11th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Lefty12 – I agree…theres something but that something couldn’t possibly be enough to keep the best back off the field ya know what I mean? Its probably his attitude but let that guy use that attitude on the field. Maybe if hes tired from all the running, he’ll quiet down haha.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
great RBs are also good to great blockers.it is as important as running the ball.100s of guys can just run,it’s the intangibles that make them good just like there is more to playing QB than just throwing the ball.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
lefty12 Says:
December 11th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
24-i’ve said it before-there must be some reason Bush isn’t used more that we as fans aren’t privy to.maybe he has an attitude problem,maybe he dogs it in practice,maybe he is being given the MA treatment for refusing to help the team by changing positions last year-who knows,but there has to be something.
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Just start Fargas full-time then
But this partialling out of carries is not working.
And you DON’T NEED 3 BACKS…that’s a bunch of bull
Start Fargas…because that’s who Cable wants to start and cut DMAC and trade Bush while he has value.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
SnB – I would continue with our running backs into next season. I think this team really needs to focus on improving this offensive line, specifically the right side. Thats supposed to be the strong side in running plays and we’re lacking plus the protection at RT needs to be alot better. Unless a legitimate QB enters free agency, its hard to imagine going into next season with different guys unless Al Davis wants to rid himself of Gradkowski in order to make JR comfortable again but I saw something that said Al can cut JR in an uncapped year and he won’t lose as much money but I’ll have to find that.
If Al Davis can actually cut JR without the same financial issues, he might do it but I’m not sure if he’ll draft another QB or not. I have a feeling JR will be the opening day starter next season on a short leash with the possibility that Gradkowski will be called upon much quicker the next time around.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
saying Cable WANTS to start Fargas is a total lie.he has said and it has been reported many times he wishes Dmac or Bush would step up and take the job,but neither has.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
New Post!
December 12th, 2009 at 8:39 am
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