Cable: Circumstances dictate Bush’s use
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 4:27 pm in Oakland Raiders.
News, notes and quotes following Tom Cable’s press conference Monday following a 20-19 win over the Denver Broncos:
– One of the most consistent complaints among Raiders fans concerning Cable’s use of personnel is the underutilization of running back Michael Bush.
Bush gained 133 yards on 18 carries and had a 23-yard touchdown run against Denver, owns each of the last three 100-yard games by an Oakland runner and is currently the Raiders leading rusher with 519 yards on 103 carries, and has the best yards per carry average at 5.0.
Yet Bush vanishes for long stretches _ he carried only four times for nine yards in the previous three games and didn’t get a single touch in a 34-13 loss to Washington.
I said to Cable that people wonder why he simply doesn’t commit to 15 or more carries for Bush per game and work from there.
“I do that too, sometimes, really,’’ Cable said.
Bottom line?
“The real issue is we have gotten ourselves in a turnover issue or (have fallen behind) and it’s taken us away from that,’’ Cable said. “That’s not fair to anybody, but it is what it is, and that’s the situation we have to eliminate. When that happens I think we’ll see whoever getting it 15, 20 shots at it.’’
Cable said fumbles have not affected his judgment about how he uses the backs. Both Bush and McFadden quickly got carries following fumbles against Denver.
– As promising as it was for JaMarcus Russell to come through against Denver with the game on the line, it’s apparent enough things went wrong on the two prior series that Cable isn’t considering reinstating him as the starter unless absolutely necessary.
“What I’m proud of him is kind of persevering and he made the ones that counted right there at the end to get it done, and that’s a big deal for him personally,’’ Cable said. “I think it’s good for his teammates to see him go in there in that situation and get it done when it really had to get done.’’
The quarterback situation will be come clear Wednesday, and Cable wouldn’t yet rule out Bruce Gradkowski. If Gradkowski were to recover sufficiently and miss only a single game with two MCL tears, aside from being a medical miracle, he’d be the starting quarterback.
Since Frye is the choice to start (assuming Gradkowski can’t play) if he passes neurological exams following a concussion, it makes sense he would be the backup. Presumably, Russell’s game ball will keep him ahead of J.P. Losman.
– While Frye’s stats were unimpressive (9-for-17, 68 yards, a 38.4 passer rating), Cable gave him a “B’’ and thought he was two throws away _ deep passes to Chaz Schilens and Louis Murphy _ from an exceptional game.
On both throws, Cable said Frye had gotten a safety out of position and took legitimate deep shots. He also lauded Frye for taking over when the helmet radio went out and called plays based on his personnel groups with no sign of panic.
– Asked about how he has responded to all the off-field aspects which blindsided his first full year as Raiders coach, as well as dealing with a makeshift offensive line and quarterback problems, Cable cited the work ethic of his team and his belief things are turning for the better.
“I knew the truth and trusted the system, and it’s worked the way it’s supposed to,’’ Cable said. “My passion for turning this thing around and going to the playoffs with the Oakland Raiders is the coolest thing to me.
“I want that more than anything, and it’s not going to happen this year, but it’s going ot happen soon.’’
– Sunday’s win was Cable’s most satisfying because “of the quarterback issue’’ and the fact that “nobody blinked. I think that’s what makes you who you’re becoming and makes you a champion.’’
– Aside from Russell, who Cable said following the game had won a game ball, other recipients were Bush and Tony Stewart on offense, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, middle linebacker Kirk Morrison and defensive end Greg Ellis on defense, and Sebastian Janikowski on special teams.
After the loss of Brandon Myers to a concussion, Stewart was responsible for lining up emergency tight end Erik Pears, an offensive lineman whose girth added to the Raiders rushing attack that finished with a season-high 241 yards on 34 carries.
Stewart also had three receptions for 27 yards, including an 11-yard first down catch on fourth-and-10 on the final drive.
Pears had studied up on playing tight end in an emergency but hadn’t taken a single rep there during the week.
“We kind of did it by the seat of our pants and he made it work,’’ Cable said.
– Greg Ellis didn’t practice until Friday and estimates he played only 30 snaps, a schedule he will probably continue throughout the season.
“The Cincinnati game I think I made a mistake because I played 61 plays coming back less than two weeks off a scoped knee and shoulder,’’ Ellis said. “Probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do. That probably set me back some.’’
– Cable said he hoped Darrius Heyward-Bey would be on the field running this week. He said an ankle injury to cornerback Chris Johnson and knee sprains to Cooper Carlisle and Justin Fargas seemed relatively minor.
Tight end Brandon Myers will join Frye and Zach Miller in line at the computer taking tests to determine if they can return from concussions.
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December 21st, 2009 at 4:29 pm
=)
December 21st, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Did you hear Bill Cowher questioning the Broncos and their playoff drive at halftime?
“He said c’mon these are the Raiders for God’s sake”
December 21st, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Raider haters everywhere, we should be used to it by now.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Production should dictate who should be in the game…so Bush should be starting regardless of the opposition…Cable’s is atrocious at managing his RBs.
I don’t think any of the 3 backs can get into a rhythm with his erratic game plan…
December 21st, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Fargas has never shown anything close to the glimpses we get of Bush.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Krappy, stop reposting your tired old quotes over and over. The Mexican government would revoke your surf license for that kind of senile nonsense.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Chrisco is right no way in hell bush and macfadden should get 15 to 20 touches each!!!!
December 21st, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Glad to see Tony got a game ball.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Bottom line?
“The real issue is we have gotten ourselves in a turnover issue or (have fallen behind) and it’s taken us away from that,’’ Cable said. “That’s not fair to anybody, but it is what it is, and that’s the situation we have to eliminate. When that happens I think we’ll see whoever getting it 15, 20 shots at it.’’
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He always finds carries for Fargas though.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Cable should have a qb school this year for russell and force him to learn the holmgren way. The coach calls the play the qb is responsible for personel groupings and knowing everyones assignment.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Another game ball should go to the fan with the laser pen. That was a nice 5 minute rest in the 4th Quarter at the 6 yard line for the defense.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Fargas, another over achiever. He is a fighter but he doesnt have the goods. a player a correct fumbling issues ( Tiki Barber). These guys will only get better if they play.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:42 pm
# KoolKell Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Really, has Justin Fargas EVER had ANY games like Bush’s big games?
********************************************
Dude –
The man had over 1000 yards rushing in just over a half-season of football a couple of seasons ago. How soon people forget.
And yeah – go check out what he did in one half of a game when LaMont Jordan got hurt a couple years ago.
Or did you start watching the Raiders this year?
December 21st, 2009 at 4:42 pm
yeah the entire CBS studio was making excuses that the Raiders always play close in Denver. The bottomline is we took care of business. They can hate all they want. Our team will be a playoff contender if we can ever Jawalrus far away from the huddle.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:45 pm
im happy with the win and im very upset with our win. im happy because we just beat the broncos ast denver and thats a bomb a** feeling. Im very upset because, why do we beat the good playoff caliber teams, but lose to sucky teams? It really irks me because we shoulda won the opener (we got robbed though),we shoulda beat the chargers again, we should’ve DEMOLISHED the chiefs, and we should’ve beaten the redskins. That’s easily an 8-6 record and hope for the playoffs. It disgusts me also that we didnt bench jamarcus earlier in the season. We could’ve easily been a good team with grad at the helm and I think we could’ve been a division leader. Im sick of thinking of could’ve with the raiders and im sick of inconsistency and our play.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:46 pm
O.K. for once and for all, to all you FARGAS bashers:
You wanna know why we’re blessed to have this guy on our team?
Here’s a pretty good synopsis of why:
Justin Fargas: Oakland’s True Raider
by jackson chesher
Written on December 04, 2009
The last seven seasons of Raider football have been absolutely terrible.
The team has lost 80 games since 2002 when they lost in the Super Bowl to Jon Gruden and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Many players have come and gone in those seven years, most telling horror stories of their time with the Raiders. Through all of the hard times and turmoil one player has shown the pride and poise that owner Al Davis demands out of every Raider.
Justin Fargas.
Justin Fargas was drafted in the third round of the 2003 NFL draft by Al Davis and the Raiders. That year Fargas joined an aging Raider team fresh off a Super Bowl loss.
Fargas’ rookie season wasn’t much to talk about. The team finished 4-12 while Fargas rushed for a mere 203 yards.
The only thing that has changed for the Raiders since then is personnel. Fargas is the longest tenured Raider on offense.
He is currently the team’s leading rusher despite missing the first two games with an injury. He also led the team in rushing the last two years.
What sets Fargas apart from the other Raiders that have come and gone during his career isn’t great numbers or flashy plays. It’s the way he conducts himself as a true Raider.
During Al’s time with the Raiders he has always preached a “commitment to excellence” and no other Raider has lived up to that better than Fargas. He has always given 110 percent on every player and does it with class.
Fargas’ game is pretty simple. He doesn’t duck and dodge defenders, he takes them head on. No player in the league hits the hole harder than Fargas. He plays hard nose football in a league that seems to be getting softer every season.
The most important thing about Fargas is that he loves being a Raider. Through seven losing seasons he has never whined or questioned his team. He goes out there week after week and plays his hardest, even though many times the rest of the team hasn’t.
Al Davis has been criticized a lot lately for poor personnel decisions, but lets give him credit for Fargas. He conducts himself like a true Raider, with pride and poise, commited to excellence.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Silver-N-Smac Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Dude –
The man had over 1000 yards rushing in just over a half-season of football a couple of seasons ago. How soon people forget.
——————
Weren’t you the guy last week telling me long runs didn’t count? lol.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Fargas turns 30 next month,his time is getting short.Pretty soon you won’t have to worry about him.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:47 pm
REPOST:
# KoolKell Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Really, has Justin Fargas EVER had ANY games like Bush’s big games?
Gotta let the best players play, and let them do what they do.
Is Johnnie Lee Higgins a big improvement over Bey or what? C’mon
Gotta let the best players play.
************************************************
I love how some of you fellas love to hoot it up when Bush or McFadden have a periodic breakout game and pad their stats as a result.
Does it occur to you that you need a consistent running game throughout an entire game, for an entire season? Not just a big run here, a big run there.
As I’ve said so many times, I like both of these young kids. But they both repeatedly fumble the ball (they both did again yesterday) and they seldom gain consitent 3, 4 yard runs to keep the chains moving.
Sorry, but that’s what Fargas does. He puts us in a lot of 2nd & 6 or 3rd & 3 situations. That keeps drives alive.
Yeah, I know – those long runs are exciting and sexy as hell.
What Fargas does may not be pretty, but, football ain’t meant to be pretty.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:49 pm
# KoolKell Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Silver-N-Smac Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Dude –
The man had over 1000 yards rushing in just over a half-season of football a couple of seasons ago. How soon people forget.
——————
Weren’t you the guy last week telling me long runs didn’t count? lol.
***************************************
What part of my statement about a thousand yards in a half-season football said anything about him having long runs? That’s what made his play even MORE impressive.
He didn’t pad up his stats with a bunch of 70 yard runs.
So, what’s your point?
December 21st, 2009 at 4:49 pm
SilverSmac
Fargas has a career record of 36 yards per game. Quit the nonsense.
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FargJu00.htm
December 21st, 2009 at 4:51 pm
SilverSmac
Fargas has 10 rushing TD’s in 7 years.
Find something else to argue with me about.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Some of you guys were upset when jamarcus was drafted, im sure. You wanted Brady Quinn, or Matt leinart the year before that. These guys have not had anymore success the no.2 has. No matter what no.2 does you will want him out. Look at sanchez, he is stinking it up, and he has a playoff caliber supporting cast. How come people arent trying to run him out of town? flacco had a terrible run of games this year so did , ryan, and stafford, no one is trying get them out. Why so much hate for no.2. Last year at the end of the season he looked really good. Whats the difference? The team around was injured, inexperienced and faltered badly, along with a healthy dose of complacency from no.2. himself. He will bounce back, mark my words.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Hey Koolkell:
Enough with your freakin’ statistics? I could give a rat’s ass about stats. And the only reason I mentioned Fargas having over a 1000 yards in barely over a half-season is because you’re so in love with your stats.
And if you want to dwell on his “3.6 yards per game”, let’s do some simple math:
3.6 yards (1st down) + 3.6 yards (2nd down) + 3.6 yards (3rd down) = 1ST DOWN!!!!!
Guess what that means?
The drive stays alive!
December 21st, 2009 at 4:54 pm
SilverSmac
92 games, 827 carries, 7 years.
10 Touchdowns.
C’mon dude. Find another bone to pick with me.
As a matter of fact, I gotta a bone right here you can pick.
You feeling me?
December 21st, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Mistic1:
You wanna know why?
Because people are fickle these days. That’s why.
How you can jump to conclusions about a 24 year old KID with so much raw potential is beyond me.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Silver-N-Smac Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Hey Koolkell:
Enough with your freakin’ statistics? I could give a rat’s ass about stats.
————————–
Then you don’t give a rat’s ass about the facts.
I don’t give a rat’s ass about your opinion. How bout that?
December 21st, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Tell you what KookKell:
Take your stat book to the bathroom and pick your own bone.
You seem to love them’ stats.
Enjoy.
In fact, stay a while.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:58 pm
[...] Read more. [...]
December 21st, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Fargas has a career record of 36 YARDS PER GAME. Quit the nonsense.
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FargJu00.htm
December 21st, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Fargas is great to have on your team, but only as a third option. No way should he ever start over the other two we have. macfadden finally looks to be gaining a rhythm, being healthy for more than 2 weeks at a time and actually getting the ball. 12 carries 75 yards, very nice. Listen closely, macfadden and bush get better as the game goes on, they need 15-20 touches to do their thing. Between carries number10 and twenty is where they realy pay off. Having watched both of them in college, this is their M.O. Without this kind of work load you will never see what they are really capable of.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:59 pm
We will get to see Brady Quinn this weekend. That guy never saw a check down he didn’t like.
3rd and 12….dumpoff. LB’s are going to need to tackle.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Just don’t go and get beat by the goddamned Browns next week.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Silver-N-Smac Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Tell you what KookKell:
Take your stat book to the bathroom and pick your own bone.
You seem to love them’ stats.
Enjoy.
In fact, stay a while.
————————–
Son, the numbers don’t lie.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Gruden on BSPN – I’m staying with the team I’m on, the only football team I’m coaching is my 13 year old son’s flag football team.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Hey Koolkell:
Since stats define everything, according to you, I’ve got some homework for you:
Go check out the great Frank Gore’s stats for this year.
O.K., now remove the 5 or 6 huge carries that he’s had this year (you know – like 60-80 yard runs) and tell me how many yards per carry he’s averaging for his other hundreds of carries.
The dude is averaging practically 2 yards per carry.
The moral of this story?
His team wasn’t doing shiot and they completely over-reacted and went to a spread offense.
Once again – if you can’t move the chains consistently with the running game, you don’t have a running game.
You’re telling me that if Bush is averaging about 2.5 yards/carry (minus the few long runs), you’re cool with that?
December 21st, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Bush gained 133 yards on 18 carries and had a 23-yard touchdown run against Denver, owns each of the last three 100-yard games by an Oakland runner and is currently the Raiders leading rusher with 519 yards on 103 carries, and has the best yards per carry average at 5.0.
=======================================================
If Cable can’t figure this out…he should be fired
December 21st, 2009 at 5:03 pm
I wonder what these backs could have done if, the o-line could open holes consistently, and we would not have had to start two rookie receivers for most of the year. I dont see how anyone could have expected our backs or no. 2, to do well under those circumstances. I think this year has put all of our young guys under fire, and they are growing as a result. When our offensive skill guys mature together we will have something special.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Silver n Smac
“There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.”
Mark Twain.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:04 pm
# SnB offense defense specialteams Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Bush gained 133 yards on 18 carries and had a 23-yard touchdown run against Denver, owns each of the last three 100-yard games by an Oakland runner and is currently the Raiders leading rusher with 519 yards on 103 carries, and has the best yards per carry average at 5.0.
=======================================================
If Cable can’t figure this out…he should be fired
***************************************************
So, it doesn’t bother you one bit that both he and McFadden seem to repeatedly fumble the rock at critical junctures in games huh?
December 21st, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Silver-N-Smac Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Hey Koolkell:
Since stats define everything, according to you, I’ve got some homework for you:
Go check out the great Frank Gore’s stats for this year.
—————————-
Did you hear me mention Frank Gore?
I’m talking about Mike Bush and Justin Fargas. Don’t try to change the subject with bs.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Hey, let me say again – I really, really like Michael Bush & McFadden.
Period.
I’m just saying that until one or both of these kids shows me that they are capable of doing the 2 things below on a consistent basis, then I don’t want them starting:
1. Hold on to the damned ball.
2. Give me consistent 3 or 4 yard gains. Quit getting hit in the backfield or gaining one yard.
I love the long runs. But an 80 yard run only equals one score. If you can’t follow that up with consistent yardage in the running game, you shouldn’t be starting.
That’s all I’m saying.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Quinn is decent talent, not as good as russell though.
Quinn finds himself in a similar quandary, a talented qb, with a team around him that has sucked, and a revolving door at coach with several coordinators changing systems every other week. These teams ruin their young players with a severe lack of patience.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I used Gore as an example to show what a fraud statistics can be.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Gotto go.
Koolkell – enjoy the stat book.
We’ll BS later!
December 21st, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Silver-N-Smac Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 5:01 pm
You’re telling me that if Bush is averaging about 2.5 yards/carry (minus the few long runs), you’re cool with that?
—————————–
????? The Raiders would be a good team without the double-digit losses the last 7 years.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:09 pm
You cant gain yards if you keep getting hit in the back field. Put them behind a decent line. put no.2 behind a decent line with play makers around him then we can judge them.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Stats are the only factual things we have. After that it, is all opinion.
But you can always make stats going any which way.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Sad that not losing 10 games in a season would be something to cheer for, but MAN I sure would like that record to go away.
A win this weekend at least puts it in play. Extreme baby-steps but you have to start somewhere.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Vegas Raider Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Stats are the only factual things we have. After that it, is all opinion.
But you can always make stats going any which way.
————————-
Agreed. I use them to support my arguments.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Silver-N-Smac,
The problem, in my opinion, is the Raiders are trying to split carries with 3 running backs. That’s almost impossible to do.
The truth is, the DMAC pick was uneccesary. I think a 1 – 2 punch of Bush and Fargas would have worked just fine.
But we are here now. You need those long runs. They track 20+ runs for a reason
December 21st, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Nov. 15, 2009 – 5:23 p.m. ET
Kevin Smith rushed 12 times for 55 yards and caught three passes for 10 yards in Sunday’s loss to the Vikings.
Smith had some nice, big holes in the first half but couldn’t break any big runs. We’re not sure if his various nagging injuries were bothering him, but he didn’t look explosive at all. Once the game got out of hand, Smith was replaced by Maurice Morris. He has a great matchup against the Browns next week, but make sure he’s feeling healthy before using him.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Nov. 13, 2009 – 10:06 a.m. ET
Lions coach Jim Schwartz wants to see more “explosive plays” from his running backs.
Kevin Smith, averaging just 3.3 YPC, is beginning to come under fire in Detroit. “To get those type of runs you have to break tackles,” said Smith. “I guess I’m not breaking any tackles to get those explosives.” While Smith is in no danger of a decreased workload this year, the Lions may look to upgrade in the future.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:14 pm
When bush gets the ball enough times he produces. macfadden hasnt been healthy enough to get the ball before the last two weeks. The last two weeks he has looked pretty damn good. They can both improve on ball security, Tiki barber did it. They are learning to be pros. Our offense is extremely young, as these guys grow together they will get better. Be patient.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Here is why macfadden is special. Not only is threat in the backfield, circling out of the back field into the flat, you can also line him up in the slot or wide and he can make plays. This is one thing I dont like about cable, he hasnt found ways to use macfaddens skill set. Maybe this has to do with his health concerns, but we need to see him with the ball in his hands alot over the next two weeks. We already know what fargas is, now its time to find out what our young back bring to the table.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Bush has 3 fumbles and he lost 2. Ok, I get it.
BTW, Fargas fumbled 3x last year. We didn’t give up on him did we?
BTW, Adrian Peterson has 6 fumbles and lost 5…but then again he has 15TDS and 1200 yards with 2 games to go.
Chris Johnson has 2 fumbles and lost both of them
Guess it would be platoon time if Peterson or Johnson was in Oakland.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:23 pm
McFadden and special should not be in the same sentence.
He has improved a lot the last few weeks. But he is going into his third year with very little sign of being an effective between the tackles runner.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Fargas picks up the blitz and does a great job blocking. Thats another reason why Cable starts him.
Lord knows they need help blocking.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Plunketthead Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Fargas picks up the blitz and does a great job blocking. Thats another reason why Cable starts him.
Lord knows they need help blocking.
=======================================================
I am cool with that and respect what Fargas brings to the table. But we are forcing him into the lineup as a starter when its not working.
At the end of it all…I see Bush as a starting running back in this league that is capable of putting up 1200+ yards per season. He’s got to get the ball.
Take the carries away from DMAC then. The question should be “How to split the REMAINING carries between Fargas and DMAC”
That should be the question!
December 21st, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Bush blocks as well or better than Fargas.
Primary job of a RB is to carry the football.
Bush, by the numbers, is the best on the team.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I disagree, he has made some tough yards between the the tackles, 2-4 yard gains. Between the tackle runs show up in the second half, again between carry number 10-and 20. This is where they pay off. We have not seen enough of a work load from him to judge that. Also the o-line has been terrible, they havnt opened the holes. The only question about dmac is his durability. The last two weeks show me he is rounding into a solid pro.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I want to see the Skins kick arse
December 21st, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Silver-n-Smac Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Hey Koolkell:
Enough with your freakin’ statistics? I could give a rat’s ass about stats. And the only reason I mentioned Fargas having over a 1000 yards in barely over a half-season is because you’re so in love with your stats.
And if you want to dwell on his “3.6 yards per game”, let’s do some simple math:
3.6 yards (1st down) + 3.6 yards (2nd down) + 3.6 yards (3rd down) = 1ST DOWN!!!!!
Guess what that means?
The drive stays alive!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
honestly… how many drives have stayed alive with Fargas carrying the football???
Fargas’ best year was two years ago…
since then he has been the featured back…
how many 100 yard games since then???
how many 1000 yard seasons???
oh… and if you want to bring up staying in to block…
3 TD’s, 10 ints, 30 sacks… those are Russell’s number in his 1st ten games this year…
so how valuable was it that Fargas is a better blocker than Bush???
personally, i like running backs that can run the football…
i’ll take Bush anyday on my team… he plays 1st string… Fargas can come in when Bush needs a little “me” time…
December 21st, 2009 at 5:32 pm
I dunno how much longer I can hold on to the high hopes I had for the President.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Bush has fumbled 3x….its not like he’s fumbled 7 or 8x
Trust me. The opponent feels pretty good holding the Raiders to 60 or 70 yards rushing.
We don’t have the Patriots offense or the Cardinals…the Raiders have to run the ball and run it effectively.
Get the 4 and 5 yards on 1st and 10…sure makes the QBs job a lot easier.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Cable will start Bush for the next 5 years.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Silver-n-Smac Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 4:54 pm
And if you want to dwell on his “3.6 yards per game”, let’s do some simple math:
3.6 yards (1st down) + 3.6 yards (2nd down) + 3.6 yards (3rd down) = 1ST DOWN!!!!!
Guess what that means?
The drive stays alive!
—————————–
Yeah, as if the Raiders have been a First Down Making Machine the last 7 years. lol
December 21st, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Thank you Florida Pete…..the running backs primary job is to run the football for yards.
Adrian Peterson has fumbled 6x and lost 5 of them. They still feed him the rock.
I guess Chris Johnson’s 2 fumbles would cost him two games here in Oakland.
Justin Fargas had 3 fumbles last year…
December 21st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Cable better win these next two or he is gone, you cant be a five game winner two years straight in this town
December 21st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Plunketthead Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Cable will start Bush for the next 5 years.
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Start Bush and spell him with Fargas.
What’s wrong with that!
Fargas is also turning 30 years old. We better hope Bush wants to stay around after next year.
There is a market for the running back right now!
December 21st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
When you listen to Cable, he is constantly talking about everything as ‘team’-people having each others backs,etc.It may not be right,but last year Bush was asked to play FB due to injuries.Unlike big L.Walker who moved to a different position for the ‘team’,Bush refused.Fargas has always been a ‘team’ player.That probably plays into the equation-right or wrong.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:37 pm
You can if you have a strong pimp hand
December 21st, 2009 at 5:39 pm
silver n smac….give it up….you’re wasting your time
Besides the only one dumber than a moron is the person who’d argue with one.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Lefty12,
If Fargas was putting up the numbers and getting the yards…I’d be all cool with him running the football.
But an offense like ours needs those 100+ games to really be effective….in my opinion….
Fargas does well in spots…like that last drive to help seal the Philly game….but he doesn’t get the runs that help win the game with a big run here or there….his average is 3.5ypg puts pressure on the passing game…a passing game that still needs a lot of work.
I see Bush and the dynamics change….he can break that big run…because we’ve seen it.
Cable needs to find a way to get Bush 15 to 20…if Fargas gets 15 to 20 as well…then I am cool with it.
Bush should be the focal point of this offense
December 21st, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Lefty…
if you thought you were way better at your job than the other guys on your crew…
would you want to be their apprentice???
i wouldn’t… and i won’t…
Bush would have a job before midnight if the Raiders cut him right now…
and that goes for anytime this season…
or last for that matter…
December 21st, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Lefty12 Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
When you listen to Cable, he is constantly talking about everything as ‘team’-people having each others backs,etc.It may not be right,but last year Bush was asked to play FB due to injuries.Unlike big L.Walker who moved to a different position for the ‘team’,Bush refused.Fargas has always been a ‘team’ player.That probably plays into the equation-right or wrong.
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I can’t think of anything else. But winning is more important, no?
Or trade the guy.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Do you guys want to win? Do we have a passing attack that can carry the load?
Does Fargas deliver the big play ability….does he grind the opponent down while getting positive yards?
Play the best players.
Perhaps we can trade DMAC or move him to receiver?????
December 21st, 2009 at 5:46 pm
This world is upside down:
Pres Barback Hussein Marx 0bama talking about fiscal responsibility while bankrupting the Country spending Trillions.
Coach Cable saying BUSH’s fumble has no bearing on BUSH riding the pine.
Mindless Raider fans still having Fargas’s back.
Record LOW temps in the East Coast as the Global Warming HOAX continues.
God help us..
December 21st, 2009 at 5:46 pm
S&B-I’ve always been a Bush supporter.I didn’t want McFadden because we had him.I’m just pointing out what might go into the thinking of giving Fargas so much playing time-sort of rewarding him for being such a team guy all these years.As i also said-right or wrong.I also believe his starting status is something that is decided upstairs if you know what I mean.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:46 pm
SnB Offense Defense Specialteams Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Do you guys want to win? Do we have a passing attack that can carry the load?
———————–
Then why did we try to? With 2 rookie WR’s for gawdsake?
December 21st, 2009 at 5:49 pm
it’s amazing… we park Bush on the bench…
we keep an ineffective QB as our starter for half a season…
we play two rookies as our primary receivers… one of whom can’t freaking catch…
personally, i am amazed we’re 5-9…
December 21st, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Oh great SnB & Koolkell asking the same questions for the 1000th time.
Do you both have Alzheimer’s or ADD?
December 21st, 2009 at 5:50 pm
um… we are 5 and 9… yes???
the 5 seems like such a big number after all these years…
December 21st, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Pete I’m amazed you were wanting Cable to run the ball with 2 mins left in the game down by 7 points.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:51 pm
The Raiders should have let that stuff develop over the season, rather than forcing it from day 1.
Like we ALL hoped they would in the pre=season.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Mistabrown Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Oh great SnB & Koolkell asking the same questions for the 1000th time.
Do you both have Alzheimer’s or ADD?
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actually Alzheimer’s and ADD are not mutually exclusive…
one can have both…
just trying to help…
December 21st, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Nice drive by the pissants
December 21st, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Mistabrown Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Pete I’m amazed you were wanting Cable to run the ball with 2 mins left in the game down by 7 points.
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i didn’t want Losman to pass… i thought a running play would have been a better idea…
December 21st, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Bush should be getting 15-20 carries a game, period. The numbers do not lie. Mcfadden was able to punch a few because the change of pace catches defenses tired. I would split Mcfadden out wide and in the slot all game. He has hands like a reciever. Leave Bush as a single back. We have weapons on offense that hopefully start producing like they are capable of. DHB would be a bonus. What’s done is done.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:55 pm
S&B-one thing Fargas does do is help grind the opponent down.Cable made the point of saying in his press conf. today that falling behind has limited the RBs carries.I am in no way sticking up for Fargas-I believe Bush should start and get 20-25 carries a game.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:56 pm
gotta go…
back later probably…
maddenraider won’t be in tonight…
rack-of-schit handed his ass to him on a platter earlier…
it was hilarious…
December 21st, 2009 at 5:57 pm
We do have weapons on Offense. I think Louis Murphy is a helluva instinctual WR. Can run, catch, get open, and loves to compete. A fighter.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Tires around the necks of the Oakland Raiders:
-J Russel
-J Fargas
-A Davis
-OC
-K Morrison
December 21st, 2009 at 6:00 pm
We would not have been starting 2 rookie WRs if Chaz hadn’t gotten hurt.Unfortunately,the one who probably would have sat would have been Murphy thus stunting his development.
December 21st, 2009 at 6:06 pm
As I recall, all of us thought the Raiders should lean on the running game this year.
But Al Davis had delu, er visions of Russell to Bey bombs lighting up the sky, the greatness of yesteryear, etc…
December 21st, 2009 at 6:12 pm
I feel our offense gets stunted by misuse of our talent. It is not so much the play calling, but more the personell groupings. Murphy, Chaz, Higgins, and Mcfadden should be in three and four reciever sets. Miller at tight end and Bush in the backfield. Huddle up call the play and get to the line with 15 seconds still on the play clock so you can see the defense and make adjustments. Little things. I hate seeing cb’s 7-10 yards off a reciever and we do not audible to a quick smoke pass to get the 5-6 yards they are giving us. Third and 1 and we run Mcfadden at the line when we have a 245 pound monster ready to go.
December 21st, 2009 at 6:17 pm
I hella heart koolkell, I think his posts are smart and spot on, and he rarely takes the bait from smacktalkers who hit below the belt.
December 21st, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Hehe, thank-you. Of course, they will say you are me.
December 21st, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Pete’s Draft – 1st Edition
1st Round – Center
Stefen Wisniewski*, Penn State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 298.
Projected 40 Time: 5.13.
We should trade down to pick up an extra pick in the 2nd or 3rd and then take this kid. A real live, smart center with a little bit of a pedigree…
2nd Round – Defensive Tackle
Dan Williams, Tennessee
Height: 6-3. Weight: 327.
Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
2nd Team All SEC – I like big, mean, heavy loads in the middle…
3rd Round (1st pick) – Middle Linebacker
Micah Johnson, Kentucky
Height: 6-2. Weight: 254.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
2nd Team All SEC – I like big mean heavy loads in the middle…
3rd Round (2nd Pick) – Right Tackle
Anthony Davis*, Rutgers
Height: 6-6. Weight: 330.
Projected 40 Time: 5.24.
Big, strong guy… may not be there when we pick…
4th Round – Right Tackle
Chris Scott, Tennessee
Height: 6-5. Weight: 341.
Projected 40 Time: 5.43.
Big, strong guy… should be there when we pick…
7th Round – Defensive Tackle
DeMarcus Granger, Oklahoma
Height: 6-3. Weight: 330.
Projected 40 Time: 5.40.
He’s a medical basket case… but if he’s there… and he might be… we should take him…
December 21st, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Without Jamarcus, Fargas, and DHB we would be going to the playoffs.
December 21st, 2009 at 7:12 pm
101st !!!!
December 21st, 2009 at 7:13 pm
yeah, baby… i knew i could do it…
wooo hoooo !!!
December 21st, 2009 at 7:24 pm
# spellcheck Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 5:39 pm
silver n smac….give it up….you’re wasting your time
Besides the only one dumber than a moron is the person who’d argue with one.
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In that case, I promise not to argue with you, NorcoBobbo.
Re: Dummy numero dos? Donte esta’ Br-ein the Clown?
Another question for ya…why is it whenever you and Br’ein get your ass handed to ya, you both go out of your way to make sure you’re banned?
One of those “boy, those guys are lucky we can’t sign on, or we would give them such a tongue waggin” thangs?
December 21st, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Gotta love Gruden taking shots at Walt Coleman during the broadcast tonite.
December 21st, 2009 at 7:40 pm
we need to get a OC in the off season. preferably a run 1st guy that can utilize the RBs to there full potential. imagine if we had these guys when Norv was here.
December 21st, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Sounds like Gruden wants a job!
December 21st, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Al needs to hire him as the GM/OC
December 21st, 2009 at 7:47 pm
where the H3ll was this redskin team last week. jesus
December 21st, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Gruden would have had us in the playoffs, cuase he would NEVER have started JR if he wasn’t ready to do the job, during camp.
I’ll NEVER forgive JR for selling this team short during the off season, getting FAT, partying, and not learning the playbook. he WASTED this season for his teammates and the fans…
December 21st, 2009 at 8:42 pm
[...] Raiders have not ruled out Bruce Gradkowski of Sunday’s game at Cleveland. Still, he has tow knee injuries and it could be a [...]
December 21st, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Davis, you senile, buck-toothed mummy, you need to draft Russell Okung or trent williams in the first round to build your O line. And if a OLB Jerry Hughes is still available in the 2nd round get him. The team’s almost complete. All you need is better o-line players and this team’ll be able to make a run to the playoffs!
December 21st, 2009 at 9:53 pm
[...] Raiders have not ruled out Bruce Gradkowski of Sunday’s game at Cleveland. Still, he has tow knee injuries and it could be a [...]
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:58 am
# KoolKell Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Bottom line?
“The real issue is we have gotten ourselves in a turnover issue or (have fallen behind) and it’s taken us away from that,’’ Cable said. “That’s not fair to anybody, but it is what it is, and that’s the situation we have to eliminate. When that happens I think we’ll see whoever getting it 15, 20 shots at it.’’
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He always finds carries for Fargas though.
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Yeah, no crap. It’s totally Bull $hit that he doesn’t get Bush the carries in there. What was that? 4 Carries in the last 3 games before this one? It just ain’t right. It took some time to get through Cable’s thick skull about Jamarcus. Hopefully at some point he realizes Bush is the runner who should be in there.
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:01 am
You know, I saw a post above….I think it’s funny but true. No other teams do I know of could say if they minused 3 players from their roster they’d probably be in the playoffs.
I believe it for us.
Take away Russell, DHB and Fargas and I do think we’d be in the playoff hunt now. Heck winning only 2 more of our games would put us neck-and-neck in the wildcard race now and we could’ve won 2 more of the games.
We’re actually much closer than I believed 5 weeks ago.
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:23 am
[...] [...]
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:09 am
# mistic1 Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Some of you guys were upset when jamarcus was drafted, im sure. You wanted Brady Quinn, or Matt leinart the year before that. These guys have not had anymore success the no.2 has. No matter what no.2 does you will want him out. Look at sanchez, he is stinking it up, and he has a playoff caliber supporting cast. How come people arent trying to run him out of town? flacco had a terrible run of games this year so did , ryan, and stafford, no one is trying get them out. Why so much hate for no.2. Last year at the end of the season he looked really good. Whats the difference? The team around was injured, inexperienced and faltered badly, along with a healthy dose of complacency from no.2. himself. He will bounce back, mark my words.
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Sure, he’ll “bounce” back … because he is a big, fat rubber ball. The differences between him and the other quarterbacks you mentioned have to do with skill, ball delivery, ability to read defenses and do checkdowns — NOT the athlete’s prowess at the buffet table! The Raiders are better off cutting him, and learning one of the most costly lessons in the franchise’s history. We may not have an All-Pro QB next year … but at least (hopefully) we won’t have JaLard-ass!
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:10 am
# Culebra Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Davis, you senile, buck-toothed mummy, you need to draft Russell Okung or trent williams in the first round to build your O line. And if a OLB Jerry Hughes is still available in the 2nd round get him. The team’s almost complete. All you need is better o-line players and this team’ll be able to make a run to the playoffs!
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Exactly! And then, hope that the stud DE from Florida with a bad attitude falls into our lap in Round 2. IMO, that would be a helluva pickup in the first two rounds!
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
I have complete respect for Mr. Fargas.
Mr. Michsel Bush though is our best runningback.
He has has a better average per carry (by a large margin, just look as the numbers) than both Mr. fargas & 1st rd pick Mr. McFadden; this is with the multiple times he was used exclusively in short yardage situations. Michael also has the longest runs on the squad and more of them, all of this with less carries. He only fumbled twice this year and he is a second year rb.
Coach Cable is playing favorites like some elementry school teacher, rather than being a professional football coach in the NFL.
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
If we do not trade up to draft Nebraska’s Suh, then we must draft best offensive lineman available or at least have all the qbs gruden has had on his roster plus one, hell we may even have to resign Mr. Ronald Curry back so he can be our emergency qb to our 5th emergency qb.
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Fact is line play is our weakest link, but we need a RT and a RG. WE need a NT, not a DT. We got enough capable of rushing the passer. WE need a space eater on the D-line. Like a Grady Jackson or a Gilbert Brown type of mold. Remember those guys aren’t first round talent. We can use the first on a RT, second pick on a RG, and a 3rd pick on a Space Eater NT. We need help in the worst way on the lines. Instead of being 5-9, we could’ve been 9-5 with consistent line play and a QB