A striking difference in Cable
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 at 6:23 pm in Oakland Raiders.
It was hard not to think of the possibility of Randy Hanson sitting at home watching the Tom Cable press conference on Comcast Sports Net Bay Area when the head coach was asked about the pregame ritual of defensive tackle John Henderson.
Henderson, signed as a free agent after being cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars, likes to have a member of the training staff smack him in the face to get him ready.
“I love it. I think it’s awesome,’’ Cable said Wednesday. “I hope I’m the guy that gets to slap him. I think it will be great. I just don’t want him to hit me back. That’s a big dude.’’
The guess here is Cable never made the connection, so far in his rear-view mirror are Hansongate and the allegations of domestic violence as reported by ESPN. He was relaxed and resolute, with neither issue amounting to anything other than a spate of bad publicity.
After all that, being docked two days of OTA practices by the NFL was small potatoes. If Cable truly grew stronger from events that didn’t kill him last year, the coach is a veritable King Kong.
“Like everything in life, things happen to all of us,’’ Cable said. “You work through it, you get by it and you learn what you’re supposed to learn from it.
“I’m looking for a great camp for all of us here and for us to be where we’re at today and be somewhere better next week and the week after that even better. And when we leave here, to be the kind of football team I think we can be.”
How good?
“We’re going to go after the AFC West. I’m not afraid to say that,’’ Cable said. “If they picked someone else for it already, that’s too bad. It doesn’t work like that. You’ve got to play the games. This team will be ready to do that.’’
Cable said his “culture change,’’ something he has been talking about since taking 28 games ago for Lane Kiffin, is complete. Mission accomplished.
“The next step is to not listen to all the negative. People are going to have an opinion,’’ Cable said. “That’s just what it is. But they’re not going to dictate who we are or what we are. All that is back there. What’s in front of us is winning a championship. That’s the goal now. Let’s go for it.’’
Asked if he felt like it was “his’’ team, Cable said flatly, “Yes. Absolutely. There’s no question in my mind.’’
Cable presented the aura of a coach who isn’t looking over his shoulder and had a plan of action he fully intends to execute.
There were no meandering quotes like Norv Turner, no veiled jabs at the limitations of the organization like Kiffin.
Cable talked a good game, and presented a more coach-like figure in terms of authority than anyone since Jon Gruden.
Which means in fact he has proved nothing other than he can talk. The next month we’ll start the process of backing it up.
Some more observations following Cable’s media session with players off-limits until Thursday afternoon:
– The coach is sold on the “learning intensive’’ practices and their value, and that’s fine, but of course the players are going to be on board with it.
Guys, would you rather have four days of walk-throughs or start knocking heads right away?
Surprise! He got positive feedback.
– Cable promises it won’t be a “soft’’ camp.
“We’re going to hit. We’ll have a pretty lively camp here before we’re all done.
“We got a long road to go. The important thing is is hopefully we get through this thing healthy and this team that showed up last night gets a chance to go out together at Tennessee and play together and everybody is healthy. We’ll certainly get the physical work in.’’
– Naming Jason Campbell was the common sense call considering Gradkowski’s inactivity following a torn pectoral muscle.
“I just think, how can you do it any different?,’’ Cable said. “He just hasn’t done anything for three months.”
– Cable manages to work in just the right touch of tradition without beating you over the head with the “Greatness of the Raiders’’ and the “Team of the Decades.’’
He did it when discussing the death of Jack Tatum, as bringing aboard former linebacker Greg Biekert.
All Raiders coaches say they were Raiders fans as kids. Cable, it’s clear, is telling the truth.
“I know what he was, and what he meant, and I think his teammates and people in the Raider Nation have recognized that, too. (He) did a lot of great things, and really was a great man on top of being a great football player.’’
Cable did manage to gloss over one of the more uncomfortable business moves regarding a popular player when noting that Biekert was part of one of the last good Raiders teams “for a two-year span there.’’
The Raiders won three straight division titles, but in Year 3, Biekert was given the option to either take a pay cut or accept his release, with rookie Napoleon Harris moving in as the starting middle linebacker.
Biekert chose the latter, moved on to Minnesota and never burned his bridges with the Raiders.
– Cable isn’t getting too slap-happy regarding Henderson, who will need to prove over the next month he can still be a top-quality run-stuffer.
“I think John Henderson will come here and we’ll see what he’s got,” Cable said. “I expect a lot of big things out of him. Whether that makes him the starter or not or he gets to that point, he’ll determine that.’’
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July 28th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Hi old friends!!!
July 28th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Coach of the Year!!
July 28th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
God how Iv missed you all…hey great post Jerry baby!…reminds me though of what I said last year around this time,..Hanson and Toms ex old lady both got what they deserved,…hey Iv read a few threads,..wow,..our little friend MR and his multiple names in here,..one thing they all have in common,,…all crybabies,..hang in there little dude,..and as always, you are invited to tailgate with me and brian,…dont be scared little buddy, we wont hurt you…hey Im in Napa this saturday,..will give you my thoughts on whats up there,.and by that I mean the scene at the Marriott pool,…Raider Nation!
July 28th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
‘Sup Bob.
Man, that opener makes me nervous. The new and improved run D gets put to the ultimate test right out of the gate. CJ2K. I hope they give em a good beaten. Like to see MM34 put a Tatum-esque shot on his azz.
The Raiders tend to struggle in those 1:00 et starts, though. Cards stacked against them. Drew a tough opener for sure.
July 28th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
I must have been reading Jerrys mind
Plunketthead Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Cable has been “impressive” with the press.
He seems, determined, passionate and energized.
My Cable jersey looks great!
July 28th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Go coach cable!
July 28th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Its coo,..Im focussing on the home opener,..we will have the ultimate tailgate,..bout 8 cars strong,…we are alreadfy marinating the wings,..plenty of Patron,..beer,..Jack….pills…grass,…and hopefully we will have a huge punch bowl full of Purple Drank…my boy Brad promised it if we beat the Titans.
July 28th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Actually my focus is on Napa saturday,..hangin at the Marriott pool,..party with some legends.
July 28th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Every training camp I have some beers with Villapiano,..Im sure he will be there saturday.
July 28th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
I sense a major differenc in cable alos. Much more to-the-point-no-BS than usual coach speak (aka bull turds). I loved the something like “while we’re on it Jason is our starter in camp”.
Check out http://www.RaiderThoughts.com if your twitter-challenged but want to just read what the players are saying in real time.
GO RAIDERS!!!
July 28th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
we are alreadfy marinating the wings,..
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LOL!
July 28th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
Really feel a difference in the teams culture this year. Maybe Coach Cable is correct about the change being completed. We’ll see in a few weeks’ time…
Go RAIDERS
Silver & Black Forever
July 28th, 2010 at 6:55 pm
The tone at camp has been set by richard seymour being the first to get of the bus with the rookies. It’s all about being a professional and to play like a champion. Let’s go raiders!!!
July 28th, 2010 at 6:55 pm
Houston-Kelly-Henderson-Seymour ????
Surprised Matt S isn’t in the mux to start.
July 28th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
I like Cable. He takes a lot of heat on here, but I think the continuity of keeping him is going to do wonders for this franchise.
Vegas,
Did you notice Harbaugh at the end of the NFLN game of the week highlight vs Balt. It could’ve been nothing more than coaching fraternity. He knew Cable was embattled and his job was rumored in jeapordy. But most of the times those post game handshakes are just a polite handshake and a cursory “good, game coach.”, but Harbaugh really sought Cable out and kinda grabbed him and said “you’re a damn good coach. And that’s a helluva football team you’ve got over there”.
The Raiders had just pushed his Ravens to the limit. He had to be relieved to win and make it in.
I just thought it was interesting and wondered if you or anybody else caught it right at the end.
July 28th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Life without Jamarcus probably made Cable look a few years younger as well as this hip new attitude he has going.
July 28th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
I didn’t catch it, but Cable seems to have some respect around the league.
I don’t know if it is pity or what, but he seems pretty well-liked, and a lot of his handshakes are like the one described.
With the one notable exception of when he sent Gruden to the booth.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
Buckeye,..are you seriously spending the offseason analyzing coaches post game hand shakes?..damn…you are on your way to ending up like MR dude,..scale it back bro.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:09 pm
Wow IVE BEEN DYING FOR A POST LIKE THIS!
July 28th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Damn Bob. That hurts. If I ever get that bitter and angry at the world (or at least Al Davis), a call to Dr. Kevorkian is in order.
It was just on NFLN last week. Those game of the week things are awesome. That’s how this one ended. I thought it was interesting. Sorry.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Its amazing,..you guys who live in this blog,.get all amped about crap Jerry writes,..wanna get excited?…join me and brian at the coliseum.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
Buckeye,..shut the hell up,..the off season is over and Im back,..no more of you and the rest in here whinin and snivlin,..ya heard me?
July 28th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
“I love it. I think it’s awesome,’’ Cable said Wednesday. “I hope I’m the guy that gets to slap him. I think it will be great. I just don’t want him to hit me back. That’s a big dude.’’
————
I am pumped! I hope they play that on the jumbotron. those of us who backed Cable are feeling vindicated BUT we have to wait for the results. So far so good…….Go Raiders.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Yes Bob you are here… to set our grammar and spelling back about 6 grade levels.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Iv got brian on the phone,..he confirmed to me that losers like MR, Jhill,..Vegas,..spent the off season in here cryin, complainin, snivlin,..I told him I guess nothings changed…sad.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
Piss off Bob. Where the hell ya been all summer, anyway? Wanderin through the Calif. desert. High on peyote having hallucinations of Jamarcus leading the way to the superbowl, from your new seat in row 1? lol.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
Just fire,..I would ask how your off season was but all I need to do is check the archives here…lol…funny,..sad but funny.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Buckeye,..dang,..sorry that alot of things go over your head…bummer for you.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Great to have a positive outlook. But remember that this team has new everything. It will take time for this squad to gel.
I am looking for competition, discipline and better coaching this year. No more 30 point blowouts and strong competition from start to finish.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Its ok though for you losers on the couch,…we will post alot of our tailgates for youtube this year,…so at least you will get a feel for what its like,…but turn the volume down,..dont want to upset your moms.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
I’ve had a great offseason, right on par with the Raiders.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
Really?..someone hijacked your name,..and spent the summer in here…some loser I assume.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Why don’t you take your balling azz down to AZ for the Cards game Bob?
Bring B with you, and tell him I will have his note there waiting for him.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
I of course will be there…hopefully brian goes.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
spreading the love there hah guys? Anyone going to the Tenn game?
July 28th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Hey it was nice seeing you party animals again,..will get back next week, let you knoew how it was at the Marriott pool,…ciao.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Adios Bob.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
Just Fire Baby Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Yes Bob you are here… to set our grammar and spelling back about 6 grade levels.
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LMFAO. Couldn’t have said it better myself!!
July 28th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
SnB offense defense specialteams Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Great to have a positive outlook. But remember that this team has new everything. It will take time for this squad to gel.
I am looking for competition, discipline and better coaching this year. No more 30 point blowouts and strong competition from start to finish.
————————–
Agreed, but the positive outlook is definately something to get excited for!!
It just feels different so far!!
July 28th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
It feels good to finally support our coach again. The last coach I liked and supported was Gruden. Honestly. Callahan was just a bit shady…
July 28th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Dr. Hawking,
I’ve been beaten down so badly the last 7 years…that cautious optimism is the route I am going.
I am just happy JaDavis was sent on the road and they got credible competition at some positions that needed it.
I am most interested in seeing what this offense looks like. I’ve been conditioned on such bad offense, I forgot what Raiders and good offense looks like.
Anyway, just be mindful that when a roster turnsover with new linebackers (3), new DE, new DT, new O-Line, new fullback, new QB and layer in a new O.C and a defense in only its 2nd year….you might have a few bumps in the road…..hell, it doesn’t even have to be just football…take new people in any endeavor and you will growing pains.
We should be okay…but I would kind of put playoffs and 10-6 records in the back pocket for now.
Let’s just see them hit somebody on time, complete 20 passes in a game and see at least 1 running back get 20 carries…….
July 28th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
SNB Post 41. Well said my Raider brother. I agree with you completely!!
Good Raider offense disappeared after a playoff game against the Titans some 7 years ago or so.. Remember that?
July 28th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
It’s all entertaining if anything at all…
Like I said,
6-10 will be Oakland’s record.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Cable is 9-19….
Yippy!
July 28th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Do you have a point Elkins?
July 28th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
In order for our running game to be successful this year we MUST see a large amount of Bush, and I’m not talking about the Raiderettes!
July 28th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Elkins,
Shouldnt you be on some Jags board? I know you still bitter about Morrison.
July 28th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
I think Cable should be the one that POPS John Hendersen before the game. It just seems right that the smackdown should come from the top (coach-wise that is). Besides, it would make a good human interest story & put the Raider organization in the new & correct light – ass kickin’ starts at the top. Lead by example will be Cable’s new mantra.
July 28th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Bitter? Not bitter.
Disgusted is a better word.
July 28th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
# Coach Elkins Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Bitter? Not bitter.
Disgusted is a better word.
**********************
Disgusted about what? This is the best draft we’ve had in years. The FA pick-ups that were made were not the crazy type; there were no MeAngelo or Yvonne Walker adds; we finally dumped JaLardAss who was really holding us back; the coaches appear to have more latitude this year; opposition teams in the AFC all appear to have problems; and we’ve never looked this good in the last 7 years. Why are you disgusted?
July 28th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
This is the difference so far, and camp is only a few hours old!!
“It was interesting talking to those guys last night after they got checked in, just how that whole group of quarterbacks, they’re so much further ahead and prepared right now than we’ve been. It’s a tribute to all those guys, and it starts with Jason.”
It’s a stark change from a year ago when Russell arrived for his third NFL season out of shape and uninspired. He struggled mightily in camp and when the season started before finally losing his job to Gradkowski midway through the campaign. Russell completed 48.8 percent of his passes, with three touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 50.0 rating that was the lowest in 11 years. He was released May 6, shortly after the Raiders’ mandatory minicamp.
http://www.nfl.com/trainingcamp/story/09000d5d8195a161/article/cable-cautiously-optimistic-about-raiders-campbell-is-no-1-qb?module=HP_headlines
July 28th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
MR is getting all his trolls lined up in a row
July 28th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Coach Elkins Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Bitter? Not bitter.
Disgusted is a better word.
———————————————-
LMFAO. STFU puzzy!!
July 28th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Sell crazy someplace else fellas….
6-10
July 28th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Sorry Coach, my crystal ball says 10-6 & AFC-W champion. I guess we’ll just have to wait & see.
July 28th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Coach Elkins Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Sell crazy someplace else fellas….
6-10
————————-
What do you “coach”, synchronized swimming?
July 28th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Good stuff Jmc.
Thanks
KB in LV,WA
July 28th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
for those who didnt catch the presser today…here is the live vid. good jog Raiderfans….net
http://www.raiderfans.net/forum/oakland-raiders-forum-message-board/167071-2010-day-1-tom-cable-press-conference-video-clip.html
July 28th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
****job
July 28th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Coach, whats like in Kansas City this time of year?
July 28th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Im not here to tell you what I think, Im here to tell you the Oakland Raiders of 2010 will be 6-10.
Fill in the blanks!
July 28th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
Coach Elkins Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Im not here to tell you what I think, Im here to tell you the Oakland Raiders of 2010 will be 6-10.
Fill in the blanks!
—————————–
You shoot blanks?
July 28th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Is that all you got Dr.?
July 28th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
coach elkins is called coach cause he flys coach instead of 1st class.
July 28th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Cable’s play it safe mentality during training camp is itself a mistake.
Avoidance is just the recipe needed for fear of injury to grow in the minds of the players….
Case in point, last season.
July 28th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
I do fly Coach…always!
Why not?
July 28th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Coach Elkins Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Cable’s play it safe mentality during training camp is itself a mistake.
Avoidance is just the recipe needed for fear of injury to grow in the minds of the players….
Case in point, last season.
————————————————-
WOW Elkins, that is deep bro. I think you are over analyzing things just a bit…… Kind of borderline weird!
July 28th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Shut it Monte…
http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_15627095?source=rss
July 28th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Ok Nnamdi21 waiting on your link to your website….
July 28th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Why are we spending 4 days walking through stuff we learned in min camp?
Makes no sense.
Turn it up.
Make the guys learn on the fly, not slowly….
Just tells me the staff is completely behind themselevs…which is obvious by our record the past 7 years!
July 28th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Note how Monte takes every opportunity to back hadn the Raiders with stats on how horrible they are and is the only guy still talking about Jawhatsits.
You’re gonna hate it when we start winning aren’t you Montague?
July 28th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Dr. Steven Hawking Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Ok Nnamdi21 waiting on your link to your website….
================
Ok Hawking, waiting on your unified field theory…
July 28th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
http://www.raidernationstation.com/
July 28th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
Ha ha ha!
RAIDERS!!!
July 28th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
RRRRAAAAIIIIIDDDDDEEEERRRSSSSS!!!
July 28th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Yards 206.1 31st
Points 12.3 31st
1st Downs 14.5 31st
3rd down %(30%) 30th
TOP 28:18 27th
TO -13 30th
___________________________________
Yeah, you guys are right, Cable deserves another shot???
NOT!
July 28th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Nnamdi21 Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
http://www.raidernationstation.com/
————————————-
Your title of, “A New Hope…” is actually really cool. Kind of Star Wars esque…
July 28th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Coach Elkins Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Why are we spending 4 days walking through stuff we learned in min camp?
Makes no sense.
Turn it up.
Make the guys learn on the fly, not slowly….
**********************
Not sure what they learned at mini-camps. What I do know is 40-60% of the O-line will be new; 50-75% of the D-line will be new; 66%-100% of the LB starters are new; the WR group is basically new; the QB is new; the OC is new. With all that newness it kind of makes sense to stick with the basics a little longer than perhaps normal just to make sure everybody is on the same page. Oh, did I mention winning regularly will also be new so everybody needs to start from GO and do not go to jail and do not collect $200 – Just win baby, win.
July 28th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Nnamdi21 Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
http://www.raidernationstation.com/
where are the raiderettes?
July 28th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Monte is still finding ways to defend Jawalrus.
July 28th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Post 79 makes wayyyyyyyy to much sense for Elkins to comprehend. No need to explain to him, he just doesn’t get it.
July 28th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
aig Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Monte is still finding ways to defend Jawalrus.
…………………..well in defense of jawalrus he did not have many turnovers.
July 28th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
As far as Cable goes, this is his year to make or break. He no longer has the anchor around his neck. He now has an NFL caliber starting QB. He has a real OC. He has new talent on BOTH lines of scrimmage He seems to have more unilateral control of his assistant coaches. And, at least for now, AD appears to be giving him what he needs to make significant improvement over past showings. If he fails this time around and does not produce competitive results, he’ll be gone and next years HC will be Hue Jackson. The stage is set and the curtain is about to go up. I personally, am expecting a good show.
July 28th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Hue Jackson isn’t the answer either…but thats a topic of a future discussion.
Jackson has been an OC twice, 4-12 and 5-11…
No difference between he or Cable as a Head Man…
None whatsoever
July 28th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
JB Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
As far as Cable goes, this is his year to make or break. He no longer has the anchor around his neck. He now has an NFL caliber starting QB. He has a real OC. He has new talent on BOTH lines of scrimmage He seems to have more unilateral control of his assistant coaches. And, at least for now, AD appears to be giving him what he needs to make significant improvement over past showings. If he fails this time around and does not produce competitive results, he’ll be gone and next years HC will be Hue Jackson. The stage is set and the curtain is about to go up. I personally, am expecting a good show.
……………………..we dont want hue jackson as HC no jackson no michael jackson no janet jackson no Jermaine Jackson , no Marlon Jackson no Jackie Jackson , no Randy Jackson ,no Tito Jackson etc.
July 28th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
We should be taking about Super Bowls, instead we’re talking about getting back to respectablity…
Ha ha
July 28th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Finding respectable HC’s for Oakland has become a real challenge. Unless we promote from within, the likelihood is that the candidate will be an unknown. About the only known entity I can think of that might accept the role if offered is Gruden. I’m not even sure he’s a real option. AD is known for underpaying his coaches and more importantly not respecting their span of control when it comes to players. My hope is that able can pull a Madden and magically turn this team around. Madden was an unknown when he started so it is possible for an unknown to make it happen. Will lightening strike in the same place twice? Who knows, maybe, just maybe.
July 28th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
I’m having a hard time telling who hates EVERYTHING Silver & Black more.. MR or Crotch Elkins?
July 28th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Dr. Steven Hawking Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Nnamdi21 Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
http://www.raidernationstation.com/
————————————-
Your title of, “A New Hope…” is actually really cool. Kind of Star Wars esque…
=====================
Again, not my site Herr Doktor but I got that reference too.
The whole Darth Raider thing perhaps?
Maybe seeing subtext that isn’t there…like in the Matrix and Avatar…
TOUCHDOWN
RAAAAAIIIIDEEEEERS!!!
July 28th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
What’s with Coach Elkins? Talk about a pessimist. He has a real hangup with Tom Cable. What, did he interview for a Raiders job & get turned down? He’s so negative he should really consider following another team. It’s not healthy to hang around something that brings you down so badly. I really don’t understand his stated disgust with this years’ prospects. Just doesn’t make sense to me.
July 28th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
Perhaps a case of coach-envy?
July 28th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Roach Elkins works as a scout he discovered ryan leaf and j. russell.
July 28th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
I think the addition of Greg Biekert as Asst defensive coach will be a good thing. He should really be able to help McClain. He could end up being his personal mentor. McClain has the size and the tools to get the job done well. Biekert should be able to school him in the little extras, techniques & reads, that will help him excel. He also brings the S&B tradition with him – hopefully to instill a winning attitude that will be contagious.
July 28th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
What’s with that ad at the top of this page every time you refresh the page? It looks like a BIG TURD being pulled apart revealing Ray Ratto. What are they trying to tell us? I don’t think that ad was well thought out. If it were JaFatAss’s picture then it would make sense. But, Ray Ratto? Who did he piss off?
July 28th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
It is interesting to me to see how many people are either way over optimistic or way pessimistic. It’s like extremes is the only way to go. The truth is that even though we have had one of the most promising offseasons in a long time, and I mean a long time, we still have a lot of question marks. Sure, on paper everything looks great, but that has yet to translate to the field. It is true though, that at this point, from the additions and subtractions of players to coaches, the odds are on our side to take a big step forward. I personally think that 8-8 is a realistic goal. Anything more would be an amazing turn around and the team should be awarded the NFL’s most improved team of the season award. Of course, 7-9 would be improvement and acceptable, but an underachievement of potential. Anything less than that would be enough to bring about questioning of who will be replacing Cable next season. With HJ being the top candidate. Specially considering our schedule and team talent. If JC performs below average, then whispers of a new QB might be surfacing as well, with Grad being brought to mind and why he wasn’t the starter.
This are just my thoughts, agree or disagree, it doesn’t matter, at least not until the after the 3rd preseason game or so. Enjoy the show, it should be a good one.
As always, GO RAIDERS!
July 28th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
Makes sense to me. No argument here. I fall a little more on the optimistic side. I’m expecting a 10-6 season, not far from your 8-8. I also expect to take the AFC-W title. Looking at our competition and what they did or did not this off-season, we should be VERY competitive.
July 28th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
aig Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Monte is still finding ways to defend Jawalrus.
…………………..well in defense of jawalrus he did not have many turnovers.
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Cuzz he was on the bench… err Buffet.
July 28th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
I hope Al is working through the night to get a deal done with McClain.
July 28th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
Coach Elkins is Randy Hanson.
July 29th, 2010 at 12:01 am
Monte is still finding ways to defend Jawalrus.
…………………..well in defense of jawalrus he did not have many turnovers.
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2008 3,TD,s and 11,INT’s
July 29th, 2010 at 12:08 am
2010 cfl