It’s official: Gradkowski to start
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010 at 3:17 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Raiders coach Tom Cable gave two reasons for starting Bruce Gradkowski Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals:
Energy. The level of intensity was greatly increased when he joined the huddle and he produced with the same players, running the same plays as Jason Campbell.
Scoring points. Gradkowski has shown an ability to put the ball in the end zone at a better rate, both in the preseason anda gainst St. Louis.
Cable said he and Hue Jackson discussed as early as last week inserting Gradkowski after the Raiders’ opening week loss.
He said he made the decision in consultation with his staff and the decision was his alone without input from owner Al Davis.
More to come . . .
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:18 pm
1st?
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Predictions….now that it’s official, we’re back to taking predictions for the outcome of this week’s game.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:19 pm
oh dang am i #1?
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Wow. It wouldn’t be the Raiders without some form of drama and intrigue.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:19 pm
It’s the right move. Good decision, Tom and Hue.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:20 pm
damn, damn, damn, just like jjs mom on good times.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:21 pm
# The Big Banana Says:
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Predictions….now that it’s official, we’re back to taking predictions for the outcome of this week’s game.
______________________________________________________
Heavy dose of Mcfadden. Bey Murphy and Miller continue their improvement.
Raiders 24-17.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:21 pm
im happy and scared, hope grads does well. just dont lose the game for us.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:22 pm
# big pep Says:
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:20 pm
damn, damn, damn, just like jjs mom on good times.
_______________________________________________________
Hahaha. Good Times was never the same after John Amos left the show.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Campbell barely made if through one week as the next Jim Plunkett.
He sucked in the preseason and he sucked in the regular season.
Out of the league in 3 years tops.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Armchair,
I respect that and I am sure that is why you have such strong feelings on the issue. Unfortunately the move back to Oakland has been a resounding flop and all that history, tradition and rebelliousness and spirit you speak of has resulted in not much more than empty seats and many losses.
As a Raiders fan I was pumped when we moved back to Oakland. I thought we would re-establish our winning ways…didn’t work…sorry.
Besides, there is no way I am ever going to be able to catch a Lakers, Kings Raiders triple header if the team remains in Oakland!
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Even Garbagekowski should beat the Cards.
Raiders 28-17. McFadden 125 2 TDs. Garbage 220 yards, 2 TDS 2 INTs, 1 fumble.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Id would have been angry if Campbell started for the simple fact he does one of two things every play, gets sacked, checks down.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:26 pm
How soon before Campbell requests a trade?
Won’t be long.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:26 pm
I think the Raiders should try something thats never been done,..least not in the last 75 years or so,…this sundays game,..never attempt a pass….print that.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Dakota Says:
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Even Garbagekowski should beat the Cards.
================================================
Well, condsidering that Campbell couldn’t beat the Rams, you pretty much admitted that Grads is better. I knew you’d come around Dakota. Good for you, bro!
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:28 pm
i think we run 1st, playaction pass all day for a win, 27-17
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:29 pm
# Dakota Says:
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Besides, there is no way I am ever going to be able to catch a Lakers, Kings Raiders triple header if the team remains in Oakland!
_________________________________________________________
Dakota you are entitled to your opinion. But the reality is, The Raiders have had more success on the field in Oakland than in LA. That’s a fact.
LA games were getting blacked out as well, that was when the economy was much better than it is now. So the fascination with LA under the claim that LA somehow produced a better football product, just doesn’t ring true.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Do the Raiders scout players before they trade for them?
D. Hall…plays best in a zone, gets burned a lot…could have saved a 2nd round pick right there.
Jason Campbell…high completion % to RBs and TEs…slow decision maker…right there on film to be found…could have saved us a 4th rounder. If that was a concern for Cable, why didn’t he speak up?
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:30 pm
NFL playbook just unaminously supported as Gradkowski.
The dude with the crooked finger said it wasn’t just a spark, he is just a better QB.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Good news!
The only sensible pick at this point. Truth is we’ve got three fairly competent quarterbacks and each and every one of them is NOT Russell.
Bruce is the best fit given the state of the line.
They were picking Arizona by 4 1/2.
We should win this game and be 2 and 1 after three- including two away games.
GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Well all rightie then !!!!
My read between the lines skills are improving!
Hopefully we won’t need much more reading between the lines and we can just get on with playing the best players!
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Dakota,
and so resumes the GradFadden McKowski era of Raider football. may it be fruitful to the Nation.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Raiders will attempt close to 25 passes in the first half and put up 20 points in the half.
Print that.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:32 pm
The dude with the crooked finger
—————————————————–
That thing is scary! Man up and break it yourself to straighten in out Baldy!
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Raiders will attempt close to 25 passes in the first half
—————————————————–
I hope not!
We need to pund the rock, and pass off of play action!
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Yes, Gradz won the game. But did you see DMac run??!! Give him the ball at least 40 times and we will WIN hands down regardless of who’s QB! Only then will Gradz/Campbell have time to throw deep to DHB or Murphy. Let’s go back to old style smash mouth running RAIDER STYLE!!
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:33 pm
All of Davis’ trades and free agent signings have s…ked.
What a waste of money and draft picks.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Campbell for one of the fourth rounders was a sound decision fellas. no reason to jump off the deep end because he’s not top shelf.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Campbells done,..wont play another down, Boller will surpass him on depth chart..and that year he was extended is fake money,..that extra year is just if hes on roster say after march 1st of next year,…hes done,..period,..one lesson they learned from Jamarcus,..they wont wait til the seasons over to make the switch,..they saw Campbell in practice, and in a game, and he flat out sucks,…hes done.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:34 pm
“It’s official: Gradkowski to start”…Yepeeee!
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Boy, Cable and Hue are jumping all over each other to take credit for this one. They must have zero confidence in Campbell…wah wahh, there goes Jason’s career in the NFL.
With Gradkowski in, DHB and Murphy are factors, but with increased scrutiny on them, I am looking for JLH to have a pretty good game. McFadden is gonna get boxed up early, but should have some nice recieving #’s and eventaully approach 25 carries and 90-something yards.
Though 8 quarters of football, Campbell averaged 3.25 points per quarter (ppq) at Tenn., (including garbage time) and 1.5 ppq vs St. Louis. Gradkowsi averaged 6.5 ppq at St. Louis. I don’t know that he can repeat that performance on the road, I say he is down to 5.75 ppq for 23 points, which is just enough to beat the Cardinals, who score 20 at home.
23-20 Raiders
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Arizona’s run defense suxs! let Dmac loose!
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
The Big Banana Says:
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Dakota Says:
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Even Garbagekowski should beat the Cards.
================================================
Well, condsidering that Campbell couldn’t beat the Rams, you pretty much admitted that Grads is better. I knew you’d come around Dakota. Good for you, bro!
++++++++++
Once again, my criticism of Garbagekowski does not equal an endorsement of Jason Campbell. I think a guy should get more than 6 quarter to prove himself, but I can see why Cable went with Garbage…he doesn’t have the luxury of giving Campbell time to fit in. Neither guy is the answer at QB. It is like choosing between Yugo GV and a Ford Pinto.
But I love watching you guys fight it out over which guy is better.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
i cant wait to see huff arriving late on a bad pass from d. anderson then pretend to have done something. man does he stink.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:37 pm
And for those who thinks hes too short, people who probably include Al Davis,..Gradkowski is about 2 inches taller then Drew Brees,..I have spoken.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Raiders 37-13
McClain with first career INT, Bruce lights it up with almost 200 yards passing in the first half, Ford 1st NFL TD receiving.
McFadden a productive 27 carries for 82 yards, 4 catches for 54 yards and a TD.
2-1, sellout against the Texans.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:38 pm
It’s going to be interesting to see how well DHB does with Spark Gradowski out there for the whole game.
I’m guessing he does real well.
They probably shouldn’t rush Bush back until that thumb is properly healed. We don’t need to see him out longer with a worse injury. McFadden was doing just fine in the last game. When Bush does get back though we’ll do very well with the two of them.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Great choice and for all the right reasons – just as Cable pointed out. In fact, I think I’ll start calling Bruce “Greatkowski” from now on.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:39 pm
BART Bridge Blues Says:
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
With Gradkowski in, DHB and Murphy are factors, but with increased scrutiny on them, I am looking for JLH to have a pretty good game. McFadden is gonna get boxed up early, but should have some nice recieving #’s and eventaully approach 25 carries and 90-something yards
_________________________
Are you sure about those receiving numbers? They had to keep him in to pass block almost all day last week to protect the QB due to our poor pass protection. I hope you are right though…
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Raiders 20-17
By the way, a group of us from the Black Hole are going to the game in Phoenix. We’ll be in sec 442. Anybody else making the trip? Look us up.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Arizona has given up 3o6 yards on the ground in two games. You can bet McFadden will get more than 90 yards.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Raiders 28-Cardinals 14 final score
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:43 pm
SR Raider,
I will be there, with 5 others (they are from the Bay, wife and I now live in ABQ, New Mexico).
We are in section 438.
e-mail me at raidersfanlv@yahoo.com, maybe get a group thing going on (pre-game;post-game whatever)
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:45 pm
I’ll start calling Bruce “Greatkowski” from now on.
==============================================
Or “The Great Gradski”
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:46 pm
3-9 in a defensive game Raiders
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:47 pm
# J Hill Says:
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Well all rightie then !!!!
My read between the lines skills are improving!
Hopefully we won’t need much more reading between the lines and we can just get on with playing the best players!
===========================================
LOL…and I hear you there.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:48 pm
We win the game. Grads starts all year. Campbell is the next Pastorini.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:49 pm
If I am the Cardinals D-Coordinator, I focus entirely on the #2 rusher in the NFL, and dare the 6′-1″ polack back-up to beat me with his arm. I would be very pleasantly surprised if McFadden can get to triple digits running. But I think he can get loose on some routes early on, if the blocking holds. The key is Hue keeping them off-balance with a nice mix of pass and run, becuase if he allows them to either stack the box or blitz everyone, the offense is in trouble.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Campbell slides on 3rd n 10 after running nine yards..he throws the ball in the ground when no one was presuring him..he checks down 7 out of 10 throws…grads will at least leave in all on the field and has a knack at the end of the game..he ’s not a star but he gives us something we haven’t had in 5 years..HOPE..i don’t understand why anyone can be negative with him..all he does is perform ..its time for Raider Nation to get rid of always focusing on the negatives..DMAC is at the next level, our WRs are starting to contribute and we finally have a legit QB..and we are in the AFC west which is wide open..Here we come
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:50 pm
24-20 Raiders
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:50 pm
IMO the purest QB the Raiders have on the roster is Boller. flawed yes, as are the other two, but the smoothest passer with the best chance of making any throws. so, as the weeks roll along we shall see what we shall see from QBs 1-2-3.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Sounds like a good week to give Bush 1 more week to heal up.
If this is true he already knows his days are numbered.
“He said he made the decision in consultation with his staff and the decision was his alone without input from owner Al Davis”
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:51 pm
The Big Banana Says:
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:45 pm
I’ll start calling Bruce “Greatkowski” from now on.
==============================================
Or “The Great Gradski”
______________________________________________
Clever! I like it.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:52 pm
If Cable and Hue want a better chance at winning games…..you gotta go with the hot hand and the guy who makes plays and is a fiery leader.
That is Da Bruce! He deserves a shot.
Just hope that crappy O-Line doesn’t get him killed!
It’s not about hurting anybodys feelings and if JC is a TEAM PLAYER he won’t cry about Bruce getting the start! If Bruce screws up bad enough or gets hurt, then JC will get his shot at starting again.
It’s about WINNING GAMES people!
Not about whether not a player gets their feelings hurt!
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:53 pm
and for all of you Cal fans out there in internet land…ain’t it nice what Jahvid Best has been puttin’ up and layin’ down on the stat sheet…
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Boller did look good out there, but all pre-season, Grad had a knack for moving the ball. I think that is key for our team as a whole right now. Keep our offense out there, controlling the TOP, keep the defense rested and energized.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:54 pm
No guarantee of getting his job back. If Bruce gets hurt I bet they go to Boller.
Cable is coaching like a guy who doesnt care if he gets fired OR already knows he is.
JC is done in Oakland.
_____
DKnight007 Says:
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:52 pm
It’s not about hurting anybodys feelings and if JC is a TEAM PLAYER he won’t cry about Bruce getting the start! If Bruce screws up bad enough or gets hurt, then JC will get his shot at starting again.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Bruce is the man until proven otherwise, or until he gets hurt. Go Grads!
Campbell plays like he is hurt. Boo-hoo.
Boller deserves a shot if Gradkowski goes down. As long as he brings a little “Hue” to the huddle, he can lead this team, too
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:57 pm
JC is done in the NFL.
He will never be handed another starting job again, and there isn’t much of a market for guys approaching their 30’s as backup QB’s, unless they are egg-head, mentoring, future coaches.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:57 pm
It’s the raiders so I’m going with 25-19 Raiders. Don’t ask me how cuz I already told you why.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:58 pm
It’s a shame we didn’t draft native son Jahvid Best. Great Oakland Tech and Cal product, would have sold some jerseys and made a good story. and it turns out he is a pretty good gamer as well.
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:58 pm
You go with who you think can win. Plain, simple.
Vick in Philly over Korn on the Kolb and Bruce Almighty over JC.
Still think JC will get there…
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:58 pm
BART Bridge Blues Says:
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:58 pm
It’s a shame we didn’t draft native son Jahvid Best. Great Oakland Tech and Cal product, would have sold some jerseys and made a good story. and it turns out he is a pretty good gamer as well.
===============
Looked pretty sweet…
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Boller never looked good out there. He sucked it up against the scrubs. Please in what game he looked good?
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Raiders 26
Cards 13
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:00 pm
SR Raider Says:
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Bruce is the man until proven otherwise, or until he gets hurt…
==============
Just Fire Baby Says:
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:57 pm
JC is done in the NFL.
================
Mm Hmm.
SR hit it on the head.
JC’s not likely done at all. He’ll likely be asked to play again B4 the year is out.
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Likely
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:01 pm
I’d rather have Cable coaching with a “Devil-may-care” attitude than have pantywaists like Norv and Joe Bugel coaching not to lose and being afraid of their own shadows.
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Raiders 28-10
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:02 pm
M Lonetree Says:
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:53 pm
and for all of you Cal fans out there in internet land…ain’t it nice what Jahvid Best has been puttin’ up and layin’ down on the stat sheet…
———–
Proof that Tedford is good at recruiting, but sucks as a coach.
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:03 pm
GradDakotaski. I like the sound of it!!!!
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Bruce Almighty Gawdkowski
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Surely, Campbell will play again at some point in his career.
But he will have to be better than he has ever been, just to stay relevant.
Aaron Brooks came and went, and his resume was a lot more impressive than Jason Campbell’s. Pro Bowls, playoff wins…..Campbell has none of this.
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Whomever comes in, as long as they bring consistency, I be fine.
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Macho Man Randy Savage Says:
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Boller never looked good out there.
=======
You got me there. Boller did not play as well as Campbell in the preseason.
I guess my point is that Campbell is only a backup- quality quarterback. Once you’re starting a backup, you might as well start any of your backups, depending on the week.
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Greatkowski will bring passion and a refusal to lose. He won’t be perfect, but on balance, I think his positive plays will outnumber his negative plays – and he’ll never quit. That’s what you want in a leader.
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Were gonna need as many QBs as we can get with this O -line so, we will see the entire depth chart if the line doesn’t get better.
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:11 pm
He said he made the decision in consultation with his staff and the decision was his alone without input from owner Al Davis.
=======================================
But Coach Davis might have had input!
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Colt is still available if things get really ugly
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Al’s record on QB’s is abysmal.
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:15 pm
As much as I love to watch Grads, he will get injured and we’ll see Jason back. Then they’ll have to sign a 3rd stringer. We’ll see Boller, then he’ll go down. Back to Jason. Finally the 3rd stringer and season over Jason released. Deja vu! Well sort of.
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:18 pm
I think the O-line will play better this weekend. Just knowing that Bruce can avoid sacks and get the ball out quickly will steady them at the line of scrimmage and will reduce pre-snap penalties.
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:21 pm
He’ll get injured-that seems to be the main knock I keep reading about him.Well guess what ,they all get injured at one time or another.You can’t field your team worrying about when a guy is going to get hurt-otherwise you couldn’t play anyone.Just as players they can’t take the field worrying about getting hurt.
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:23 pm
gradavis era begins
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:25 pm
For those who appreciate the view of Football Outsiders, their stats seem to show the trend that Hue Jackson predicted at halftime.
Of QB’s with at least 15 pass attempts, Godkowski ranks 17th in DYAR (Defense-Adjusted Yards Above Replacement) and 13th in DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average). DYAR indicates a QB’s total value, while DVOA indicates a QB’s value per play. Campbell is ranked 37th and 36th respectively, 2nd to last to another QB being replaced this week, Matt Moore.
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/qb
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:35 pm
DHB gets his first 100 yard game this sunday
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Any word on Stevie Brown?
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:40 pm
A great kick-off or punt return would also be a welcome sight.
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Raiders for life Says:
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Any word on Stevie Brown?
^^^^^^^
Lets hope he doesn’t get picked up…
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Vegas, what are the line odds that Grads don’t make it 8 games? Everyone in here forget out O-line? They punish QB’s. Campbell will be starting when we play our first Playoff game. He’ll be the only one left. Banana, 21-20 Raiders, this will be closer than we think…..
September 22nd, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Stevie B. Nooooooooooooo!!!
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Overheard in Alameda this morning:
“That Gradkowski fella’s gonna be the next Cotton Davidson.”
September 23rd, 2010 at 2:28 am
Welcome, Bruce Plunkett