Another unsettling end
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, December 31st, 2009 at 12:31 pm in Oakland Raiders.
With one game remaining, 17 teams are technically alive for 12 playoff spots and can speak of Super Bowl dreams.
Then there are the Raiders, who instead must contemplate their own futures and another housecleaning as they finish up their seventh consecutive season of 10 or more losses.
Only a handful of players make it into the locker room during the media availability period, wearing familiar looks and conceding they’re not sure what the next few weeks will bring.
Quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, who said his knees would probably be rehabbed well enough to play if the Raiders were in the postseason _ instead he’ll watch Charlie Frye from the sidelines Sunday against the Ravens _ cast a vote for continuity.
Which only makes sense, given that the current staff looked to Gradkowski when the plug was finally pulled on JaMarcus Russell and he responded with wins over Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, plus a late drive against Kansas City off the bench that came up short when a pass bounced off the hands of Darrius Heyward-Bey.
“I’m hoping things can pick up where they left off just for consistency basis,” Gradkowski said. “I think to be consistent as a football team, you need to have the same staff, you need to have the same players most of the time.
“Get the new guys that you need but mainly it’s being consistent. You see the good teams in this league have the same coaches and they’ve been consistent at quarterback. That’s one thing we need to prove here and that’s one thing we need to show and just do it on a consistent basis.”
Whether Gradkowski returns is up to the Raiders. He is a restricted free agent _ whether there is a new CBA or not. If he is not re-signed, the Raiders can match any offer made by another team.
Cornerback Stanford Routt has played for four different head coaches _ Norv Turner, Art Shell, Lane Kiffin and Tom Cable _ and likes the idea of continuity but is used to change.
“Continuity is always important. You always want your mom and your dad to stay together, so to speak, but that’s a part of life,” Routt said. “I think part of being a man and part of being a professional is dealing with change, because, you know, when you stop changing they say that’s when you die. You’ve just got to roll with the punches.”
Said passing game coordinator Ted Tollner: “Whatever happens with players and coaches, who knows what the future holds there, but we’re going the right direction there that we would like to have a chance with these guys to show that we are making progress. We’re encouraged but we’ll see what happens.”
Stewart fined $25,000
The NFL notified tight end Tony Stewart of a $25,000 fine for putting his hands on official in the loss to Cleveland. Stewart said the official put his hands on him first and that he brushed them away. He said Monday he plans to appeal.
Routt, who was ejected for a headbutt, said he hadn’t been notified of a fine but “I’m pretty sure I’ll be hearing something soon.”
More to come . . .
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December 31st, 2009 at 12:37 pm
4evaRaider Says:
December 31st, 2009 at 12:36 pm
PUUUU-LEEEEEESE stop Rockstar =)
*******************************************RaiderRockstar Says:
December 31st, 2009 at 11:33 am
Rob Ryan wants to be an NFL Head Coach.
he has a great relationship with Al Davis.
he’s probably on thin ice in Cleveland now with Mike Holmgren in charge, despite the 3 game win streak
Rob the slob could be back as the new puppet HC if Al truly disrespects Cable for his allegations regarding assaulting lapdog Hanson & abusing women
December 31st, 2009 at 12:37 pm
First?
In Raiderland conintuity is not a good thing.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:43 pm
The only continuity the Raiders have is the General Manager, and double-digit losing seasons.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:48 pm
December 31st, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Jerry
You going to stand up to Al and ask him how he justifies keeping his job as General Manager?
Or, have you ever considered writing an article about his job performance as General Manager?
December 31st, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Trestman weak? In what way? He just won the grey cup. He led our offense and we became one of the most prolific passing teams in history. Weak?? He made Bernie kosar and Webster sluagter pro bowlers. I woul rather have my nuts nibbled by a pair of rabid chipmunks than read another unsupported take. Weak?!?!
December 31st, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Weak!, he’s a coordinator, period. Not strong enough to stand up to Al Davis, weak!
December 31st, 2009 at 1:06 pm
# mistic1 Says:
December 31st, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Trestman weak? In what way? He just won the grey cup. He led our offense and we became one of the most prolific passing teams in history. Weak?? He made Bernie kosar and Webster sluagter pro bowlers. I woul rather have my nuts nibbled by a pair of rabid chipmunks than read another unsupported take. Weak?!?!
———————————————-
Ouch! That’s a pretty firm take you have on things
December 31st, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I’d rather have my nuts nibbled by rabid chipmunks then have to watch another 11 loss season next year….whoever is head coach.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Reading between the lines, sure looks like Tollner is hoping for the best, and preparing for the worst…
Happy New Year, to all of you knuckleheads!
December 31st, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Or watch us keep doing the same mistake over and over. That’s what really pisses me off. Al Davis or Cable or whomever decides too late that it just ain’t working out with Jamarcus the sloth at QB and it takes DHB getting hurt for someone to see what we saw all along. Why can’t we just start and consistently play the best players all year long and at least give us a chance to win something.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:09 pm
So, Randy Hansen, Cornell Mop Handle and the Cable Guy walk into a bar. Hansen is suspicious but his boss ordered him to accompany the other two.
“Barkeep, give us a round of rum shots”, says Cable.
As the bartender turns to locate the bottle, Cable slams Hansen’s face onto the edge of the bar. Randy is a bit dazed as Green goes off to find a utility closet and his weapon of choice.
The mixologist returns with the shots and Cable tells him to bring the bottle also.
Hansen is having a hard time focusing but he is pretty sure his jaw is broken. Sipping his rum does little to dull the pain.
Cornell starts jabbing at Randy with the mop handle below the bar where it can’t be seen by the bartender.
Cable acts as if to watch a professional football game on the bar TV but really he is keeping an eye on the drink server. When he’s sure that the bartender is distracted elsewhere Cable gives a signal to Green who slips the mop handle behind Hansen’s back and through the crook of his elbows and quick as a whip Cable smashes the rum bottle across the bridge of Randy’s nose.
the bartender glances over at them and Cable says innocently, “our buddy’s has had a bit too much to drink.”
Cornell and Cable drag Hansen out of the bar and to a dumpster around the back of the building. Hansen is only semi-conscious as he hears Cable tell him, “Mop Handle and I were ordered to stop abusing women but we were also ordered to take you out.”
A final usage of the mop handle finishes off Randy and the Coach and tackle tandem lift Hansen’s body to toss it into the dumpster.
Further orders unbeknownst to Mop Handle and Cable have placed a pressure-sensitive device in the dumpster. Randy’s carcass sets off the explosion obliterating the threesome.
A block away the tinted windows of a stretch limosine look upon the scene of destruction. The limo drives slowly away.
Cleaning house.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Bernie Kosar 1987????? Weak!
Marc Trestman, end of the line, Weak!
Marc Trestman, never a NFL Head Coach, Weak!
Marc Trestman, No other NFL opportunities, Weak!
December 31st, 2009 at 1:10 pm
“Which only makes sense, given that the current staff looked to Gradkowski when the plug was finally pulled on JaMarcus Russell and he responded with wins over Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, plus a late drive against Kansas City off the bench that came up short when a pass bounced off the hands of Darrius Heyward-Bey.”
=======================================================
What a mess Al Davis has created.
JaDavis Russell and his bloated contract and lackadasical approach.
DHB and his inability to catch the ball.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:11 pm
we ALL resemble that remark 909!!!! Happy New Year Bro
December 31st, 2009 at 1:11 pm
I would keep the same coaches, but add a OC who calls the plays. Let Cable concentrate on being head coach with a couple of coordinators who run the two key parts of the team.
He’s just not up to handling everything. I think he isn’t a terrible head coach. Probably can grow into something once he gets more comfortable and gains freedom. And with an OC could have someone else who can make the decisions on best formations etc. to put on offense. I think our Defense has something to build on. I mean I know Cleveland ran for like 147 yardsd, but it was less than 4 per carry. Anytime someone runs 30+ times they should rack up yards. Our D isn’t what lost that game and have played well the last few games…getting better in general towards the end of the year.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:12 pm
We need another weak Head Coach who nobody else wants, like we need another double-digit losing season.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:14 pm
it’s not a question of standing up to Geritol Al..it’s the fact that, regardless of the messenger, Al’s not listening.
Can’t you just see the exchange?
Suggestions are coming, and Al just blathers on, as if no ones in the room? Repeats himself? Almost has discussions with himself?
and then, for “continuity” sake, schedules a break from his discussions with himself, turns off the overhead, and announces to himself “we’ll continue this when I get back”?
I think their is a comedy skit in there, somewhere.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:14 pm
We do have a mess, but I think we can clean it up. It’s the first time in years I actually believe we’re not that far off. I haven’t believed that for 3 – 4 years, so I think we can do it.
1 Runstuffing MLB
1 BIG DT
A couple O-linemen
An Offensive Coordinator
QB competition for Gradowski who’s legitimate
Another WR Veteran who can help guide the WRs like Seymore and Ellis did for the Defense.
A good FB.
Not that far off.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:16 pm
I’d rather keep Cable than throw in another unknown and questionable commodity.
If we have a legitimate replacement I’m okay with it, but I do think Cable has been improving as the year went on (namely when he got to take out the jokes of 1st round picks).
Now if only he’d play BUSH over the other RBs and give him enough carries we’d be in descent shape.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Another Weak Head Coach, just happy to get a job, No Matter Where!
Ummmmhummmm. Just what the doctor ordered.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Ok, RaiderMaverick..I’ll ask you the same question.
WHAT HAS CABLE DONE RIGHT?
What has he done that someone can point at and say ‘oh, ok, he fails miserably in all these areas, but in THIS AREA HE SHINES, AND SHOULD RETURN”??
Honestly can’t think of anything that he does even average, much less above average.
All anyone can say is “players like him” which on every single team out there, even the Rams, when asked players NEVER diss the guy who decides playing time for them..so the “players like him” take means nothing
December 31st, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Raiderzmaverick Says:
December 31st, 2009 at 1:16 pm
I’d rather keep Cable than throw in another unknown and questionable commodity.
———————–
I think I agree.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:21 pm
# raiderzmaverick Says:
December 31st, 2009 at 1:14 pm
We do have a mess, but I think we can clean it up. It’s the first time in years I actually believe we’re not that far off. I haven’t believed that for 3 – 4 years, so I think we can do it.
1 Runstuffing MLB
1 BIG DT
A couple O-linemen
An Offensive Coordinator
QB competition for Gradowski who’s legitimate
Another WR Veteran who can help guide the WRs like Seymore and Ellis did for the Defense.
A good FB.
Not that far off.
=================================
Wow.
that’s like saying the Ice Age wasn’t “that long ago” or that crossing Siberia “isn’t that far”
December 31st, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Walsh, belichek, knoll, shanahan, holmgren, gruden, dungy a few examples of coaches that were coordinators first, what’s weak about them? Most coaches start as coordinators here on earth.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:26 pm
# KoolKell Says:
December 31st, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Raiderzmaverick Says:
December 31st, 2009 at 1:16 pm
I’d rather keep Cable than throw in another unknown and questionable commodity.
———————–
I think I agree.
==========================
Yeah..because hey, why take the chance someone else can being as inept and useless as Cable? Or that someone can also not motivate players like Cable? Hell, who wants to risk getting in someone who actually disciplines players? Someone who actually holds players accountable?
Naw.
Why would you want to take the chance of getting a person who can evaluate players, and make necessary changes?
Who can actually call a mediocre game, much less a solid game?
Sure..much safer keeping in a Cable..where you know EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE…a wife beater, employee pounder, Al Davis ass kisser, and all around swell guy to the players!!.
Yeah..that makes sense…TO A MORON.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:30 pm
M Lonetree….#12..
I’m still laughing…..
December 31st, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Just stopped in to wish all in the Raider Nation a Happy New Year!
Fire Cable!
Cut JaLoser!
Go Lakers!
December 31st, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Cable has to go. The Raiders need a running game and Justin Fargas can’t provide that. Yet Cable insists on playing Fargas over better talent and production.
For that reason alone, Cable has to go. Then you add the O-Line woes, the playcalling, and training camp methods….give me another puppet that at least knows how to do the basics.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Cable plays the guys that fumble the LEAST
December 31st, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Cable played JaDavis for 10 weeks
December 31st, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Happy New Year SnB Brother!
December 31st, 2009 at 1:44 pm
4evaRaider Says:
December 31st, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Happy New Year SnB Brother!
====================================================
and to you and yours!
December 31st, 2009 at 1:47 pm
# mistic1 Says:
December 31st, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Walsh, belichek, knoll, shanahan, holmgren, gruden, dungy a few examples of coaches that were coordinators first, what’s weak about them? Most coaches start as coordinators here on earth.
================================================
What are you talking about?
Who said any of them are weak?
Again, quit with the spinning of your comments..not going to work.
YOU STATED: “There will always be quality coaches that want to come to Oakland. When you win here you are an instant star.”
Quality coaches do NOT want to come to Oakland.
Who was the last quality coach who decided he then wanted to go to Oakland?
Gruden was a nobody when he came to Oakland.
Are you saying that “there is always a chance an unproven nobody can do well”??
Of course…but for every unproven nobody that shined, there are 10 Danny Whites, Joe Bugels, and Tom Cable’s who should have never been handed a whistle.
Back to the point.
The Carroll’s? The Mike Martz’s? The Saunders? The Whizenhunts?..they state loud and clear “Thanks, Al, but no thanks” not even wanting the raiders to waste the time drawing up a contract.
as far as “winning in Oakland makes you an instant star”??
any coach who wins ANYWHERE is much sought after..regardless of the team…every single winning coach, in the NFL, has teams that will gladly hire him.
Besides, besides Gruden has their been any winning coaches out of Oakland in the last quarter century? Not exactly a draw, now..is it?
December 31st, 2009 at 1:51 pm
The fact Cable STILL didn’t know who his starting RB was, in week 12 should get his ass fired.
The fact Cable STILL had Bey in there, dropping balls, in week 12, should get his ass fired.
The fact Cable STILL had Kwame Harris kill drive after drive up until week 12 of LAST YEAR should have gotten his ass fired then.
the fact Cable allowed JR to not put in 100% all year long..while coddling him..making excuses for him..never ONCE GETTING IN HIS FACE AFTER YET ANOTHER TURNOVER…means he’s anything but HC material.
BUT…BUT…….He’s a yes man. A “whatever you say, Al” man.
which means he’s coming back.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:58 pm
I just put my mom in a alzhiemer facility last year, all I needed was two letters from her doctors saying she was nuts, boom next thing I know im running her estate, gonna try that with Al………..any doctors in the house…..
December 31st, 2009 at 2:12 pm
The solution is simple.
Hire a decent coach and GM.
Start Gradkowski, Bush, Murphy, Schilens, and Miller.
Draft an offensive tackle, defensive tackle, middle linebacker, and a center.
December 31st, 2009 at 2:25 pm
[...] Read more. [...]
December 31st, 2009 at 2:49 pm
There’s no credibility until Davis gives up the GM job.
December 31st, 2009 at 2:58 pm
What are you talking about?
Who said any of them are weak?
Again, quit with the spinning of your comments..not going to work.
—————————–__————————————————
Ricochet, have a decaf on me.
KoolKell Says:
December 31st, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Weak!, he’s a coordinator, period. Not strong enough to stand up to Al Davis, weak!
December 31st, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Callahan stripped Trestman of play calling duties; Gannon said he was so slow sending in plays so Gannon called them himself. Sorry, if Trestman was good, he’d be in the NFL now, not the CFL.
December 31st, 2009 at 3:17 pm
This conversation had nothing to do with you, but now since you are in need of some schooling, let me help you out too. Al Davis has a knack for spotting talent, players and coaches alike. He has a proven rock solid track record for hiring young/ first time coaches that go on to be good coaches. Madden, Flores, Shanahan, Gruden, all superbowl winners. As a raider fan, I accept the fact that Davis burns out most of his coaching talent, even more quickly than most. Davis is not above reproach, KoolKell Says:
December 31st, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Weak!, he’s a coordinator, period. Not strong enough to stand up to Al Davis, weak!
KoolKell Says:
December 31st, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Weak!, he’s a coordinator, period. Not strong enough to stand up to Al Davis, weak!
his system produces more winners than losers over time.
December 31st, 2009 at 3:25 pm
If the Raiders do hire a proven winner as their next head coach, he wont last long in Oakland. Al does not want another billboard of Chucky II. Al is the Raiders.
December 31st, 2009 at 3:27 pm
NFL teams will always have a large pool to draw from, especially teams in the big bay area market. Just because soccer moms don’t know the names of coordinates around the league, that doesn’t mean they won’t be good head coaches, chew then swallow.
Most NFL coaches start off as coordinators, be glad Davis has the minerals, to pull the trigger and take a shot. Let’s hope he pick the right guy this time.
December 31st, 2009 at 3:29 pm
You named two Raider HCs who have won Superbowls for the Raiders, what about the other eleven?
December 31st, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Al is the raiders. Coudnt have said it better.
December 31st, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Mistic, do you really believe Trestman is the answer as HC or OC? If so, why did Al not hire him last year, or the years before? What does Al see nobody else does?
December 31st, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Mistic, let Al coach the talent he brings in. He’s never had the courage!
December 31st, 2009 at 3:37 pm
2 out of 11….. I’ll take it. Again I would love to see Davis find a way to hold on the young coaching talent he finds, but that’s not the way it is with him. Still he has picked 4 coaches that have gone on to produce 6 superbowl trophies between them, and within a span of 26 years. I’d say he knows what he’s doing.
December 31st, 2009 at 3:39 pm
If Al truly had the stones, he would have been the one on the sidelines, not in the booth.
December 31st, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Yeah, and Jerry Jones has won more Superbowl Trophies than Al has in 42 years
December 31st, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Nobody believes Al Davis is the Raiders. John Madden was the Raiders; Kenny Stabler, etc. Al was an annoyance who ran everybody off.
December 31st, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Davis did coach the raiders, and they won the AFL title. Davis often repeats interviews with perspecive coaches, that’s part of his pattern. I do think tresman would be a great fit, there are several reasons. Either way I’m confident that whatever decision Davis makes he will eventually find another good coordinator that will bring us back.
December 31st, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Davis cuts the checks, and he cuts the necks. He’s out front when he does it. As a fan I don’t have a problem with that. There is a method to his madness, even if we don’t agree with the method.
December 31st, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Al would have won many more Superbowls had he not interfered with his head coaches and coaches so often. Al had it all and pissed it away.
December 31st, 2009 at 3:58 pm
The Raiders have passed the Detroit Lions no longer have the NFL’s worst record since the start of the 2003 season. The Raiders are 29-82 during that span, the Lions 28-83. Detroit has won only two of its last 29 games.
Maybe they can put it on the front of their media guide next to “Team of the Decades.”
December 31st, 2009 at 4:26 pm
raiderzmaverick Says:
December 31st, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I’d rather have my nuts nibbled by rabid chipmunks then have to watch another 11 loss season next year….whoever is head coach.
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okay… well then…
let me wish you well in your support for another team…
December 31st, 2009 at 4:28 pm
yep
January 2nd, 2010 at 12:40 am
How quick we forget, we have to sign GRADKOWSKI for next year and please get rid of that bum ja-man-boobs, he is the worst QB i’ve seen since ryan leaf, it all starts there without a good QB everything else doesn’t mean squat.