Jackson: I have the best job in football
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, December 16th, 2010 at 12:58 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Working from home today, but beat writer Steve Corkran was good enough to pass along some of today’s interview subjects, which included offensive coordinator Hue Jackson.
Some highlights:
On the Yahoo Sports! story which detailed tension between himself and coach Tom Cable
“Just what Tom said, we laughed about it. I’m really surprised. I don’t know where this stuff comes from. We all have a pretty good working relationship. I have known Tom here longer than anybody that’s on staff, other than Mike Waufle, because I worked with those guys before. There’s no truth to it. It’s amazing how things get out there like that.”
On whether his relationship with Cable is `typical’ between a coordinator and head coach
“Maybe it’s a little different because we have a prior relationship. We can talk about other things that happen along the lines of football, along the lines of life, a little bit different than with somebody that you don’t know.”
Whether he’s interested in being a head coach somewhere
“Let me say this: I have the best job in football right here . . I like what I do, I like our players. I like the people I’m around every day. I would be wrong to say that everybody who’s in my position doesn’t want to have that opportunity someday to go be the best they can be. That’s what I want to do. That’s what we all want to do. But I love what I’m doing right now. I’ve got three games to, hopefully, earn a fourth game here. That’s the most important thing I’ve got going.
“My mind is so far away from what’s going to happen down the road because I have a great job here, with great people, a great owner, a great city. I’m enjoying it.”
What if someone calls in the offseason
“I would say if someone calls, I’m not going to tell you I’m going to say no because it depends on what the situation is. But I’m not going to tell you I’m going to say yes, either, because I’ve really enjoyed what’s happening here with Oakland Raider football.”
On why Darren McFadden’s use is mostly restricted to the backfield
“I think a great runner likes to be able to look at the defense and put the ball in his hand and play . . . by putting him out there (as a receiver) now people know all (he) can do is go catch it as opposed to being in the backfield where he can run it and catch it. It gives us an advantage keeping him back tghere also so the defense doesn’t know exactly what we’re trying to do.”
On whether Jason Campbell’s development was helped because Bruce Gradkowski is on IR
“I don’t think that has anything to do with it. These guys are pro football player and there is pressure from every situation . . . everybody handles different stresses differently . . I think just the element of time, knowing who you’re playing with, getting to know them better, spending more time with those guys and then just going out and playing more consecutive games with those players over and over.”
The production of Darrius Heyward-Bey
“In order for Darren to do what he’s doing, it means somebody better be running downfield to get some of these guys up off us a little bit. I think Darrius has done his job. It’s unfortunate but I think everybody has the expectation that he’s supposed to catch seven or eight balls in every game. I don’t think that’s what it’s all about . . .
“This guy was a year ago, was ridiculed, honestly, for dropping balls. I don’t see that at all. We can all agree to that, right? That’s not happening. This guy is catching balls in games. He has more catches than he did a year ago and he’s playing with confidence. I see improvement. There’s no question we want to see the big jump and I think that’s coming. I want him to have that eight-catch game for 224 yards and three touchdowns. I think that’s just around the corner.”
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
December 16th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
around the corner, huh? I’d like to see a 4-catch, 100-yard, 2 TD game from DHB first.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
nice job HUE!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
BFD
December 16th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
The fact that we can even discuss the possibility of playoffs in mid-Dec is a testament to this team.
Even so, with the schedule we had this season, we should have had 10 wins. Now, with 7 losses, I consider this season a disappointment to say the least.
I, like the coaches, was wrong about Grad’s ability to win games with fire and courage. This mistake is likely the #1 reason our season has not been as successful as we had hoped.
Still, we have a reason to continue to fight hard, and I hope we do so with passion and determination. The future still looks bright, but the Denver Broncos would like nothing more than to wound us now, and return us to the bottom of this division. They do not want to take over as “laughing-stock” of the league, and they know they are dangerously close. They are going to try and come into our house and humiliate us. For the sake of the psyches of our young talented players, we cannot let that happen. Confidence is Key.
We need to dictate this game on both sides of the ball for all four quarters. Our special teams needs to step up and our kickers need to play to their potential. It could be a rainy, sloppy, game – but we need to overcome those obstacles in our own stadium. Our run defense needs to on its game, as this this may be a slop-fest. I want to see big John Henderson have his best game as a Raider. I hope Huff and Branch are working on their Tackling as we speak. I want to see McClain in there laying the wood like he did against SD. We are gonna need him in there keeping an eye on Tebow – who, make no mistake, is a load to bring down. I want to see Nnamdi out there healthy, and expose the rookie QB with a pick. I want to see DMAC and BUSH pound the rock ALL DAY LONG! I want to see the Campbell Scramble! The deep balls to our wide-outs will be tough in the rain. Use those check-downs, dump-offs, and screens. Get the ball to Murph, Ford, and DHB with the short-pass, lets see what the speedsters can do with it after the catch!
Basically, lets be fresh, focused, and on our game. Let the elements help us, not hurt us. Lets play smart football, and lets remind Denver why they are in the basement!
GO RAIDERS!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Hugh is a badass!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
“I want him to have that eight-catch game for 224 yards and three touchdowns. I think that’s just around the corner.”
Hope so.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Hey Hue,
typical means different?
December 16th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Second level struggles…
http://www.raidernationstation.com/raider_war_room_3
Don’t care what this says, if McClain isn’t on the field in Denver I’m freaking out.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
is Hue Jackson bipolar?
NIGHT = “I don’t think that has anything to do with it. These guys are pro football player and there is pressure from every situation . . . everybody handles different stresses differently”
DAY = “I think just the element of time, knowing who you’re playing with, getting to know them better, spending more time with those guys and then just going out and playing more consecutive games with those players over and over.”
December 16th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Dam Suzy is looking fine today
mmmmm
mmmmmmm
mmmmmmmmm
December 16th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
This guy was a year ago, was ridiculed, honestly, for dropping balls. I don’t see that at all. We can all agree to that, right?
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Sorry, not in agreement Hue.
He is improving, but still dropping balls on a damn near weekly basis.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Are Hue and Tom Dating?
December 16th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I want him to have that eight-catch game for 224 yards and three touchdowns. I think that’s just around the corner.
***
no chance Al Davis is going to draft a WR in the first 3 rounds after this comment!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
DHB actually isnt dropping as many balls
December 16th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Are Hue and Tom Dating?
***
Hue Jax might need an O-Line Coach in Cincy!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Bey is an expensive decoy but in theory of we could get 6-4, 225 lb 4.3 40 Schilens and 6-2, 210 lb 4.2.5 40 on the filed at the same time or in rotation, it could be a good thing.
Raiders. Bigger faster stronger…
It works if they execute and can stay on the field!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
McLain hit a rookie wall,…not all do, alot do,..hes done for the year,..they can see it in practice hes done,..so he now has a “foot” injury,..BS,…hes just worn out,…they wont let him play because he sucks at practice and not due to any injury.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Murphy & Ford = dropping balls
DHB = still waiting for balls to drop!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
If Huge ax wants the phone to ring this off-season, we had better win this weekend.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/12/16/tim-tebow-inching-closer-to-first-nfl-start/
Tebow may start. I hope so. It’s fitting that his first start would be against the Raiders. I hope Rolando plays so he can take his head off.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Can’t really bish too much about Hue. Sure, we’d like more wins but have to admit, the offensive out put is much much greater than its been in years…
December 16th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
A reason why Cable wont be HC next season is simply because Hue Jackson has done what he was asked to do—improve the offense. It’s been lights out this year. Given how many years other OC’s have struggled to do anything of merit, Jackson has immediately.
Ie, we’re gonna have to promote Jackson to HC otherwise he’ll get snapped up by another NFL team like Cincinnati.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Iv got great news!!!!…my ticket rep just emailed me,..no local tv sunday!!!!!….yyyeeeesssss!!!!!!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
17. Ok…
December 16th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
22. Sup GG?
Barring a strike Hue Jackson 2011 Head Coach of…
THE DENVER BRONCOS…Aaaaaaaahhhhhh! NOOOOO!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
McLain hit a rookie wall,…not all do, alot do,..hes done for the year,..they can see it in practice hes done,..so he now has a “foot” injury,..BS,…hes just worn out,…they wont let him play because he sucks at practice and not due to any injury.
***
Bobby,
I’m not worried about it.
Ricky Brown is the same player with a different skin color. Travis Goethel is better than both players! Not sure if he’s mastered Marshall’s Defense though after missing 10+ weeks with that back surgery. May not be ready to start at MLB as “Capt of the Defense”, but he should get a lot more snaps than fellow LB’s Howard, Williams & Davis combined!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
18. Murphy’s been sub par this year.
More drops than a can of Maxwell house. Hi-yo! Dated reference alert!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
I never said I was worried about it wannaberocker….to me, McLains been a pretty big disappointment,…couple plays here and there, but average at best.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Travis Goethel is better than both players!
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Link? Source?
December 16th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
26. Ok…
Goethel’s got better run instincts but in coverage? Not sure he’s an uprgrade. Torched against the Phins.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Murphy’s been sub par this year.
More drops than a can of Maxwell house. Hi-yo! Dated reference alert!
***
LOL @ N21, nice!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Kirk Morrisons playin a hell of alot better in Jax this year then McLain here,…not even close.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
31. Hi-yo!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
GG Says:
December 16th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
A reason why Cable wont be HC next season is simply because Hue Jackson has done what he was asked to do—improve the offense. It’s been lights out this year. Given how many years other OC’s have struggled to do anything of merit, Jackson has immediately.
Ie, we’re gonna have to promote Jackson to HC otherwise he’ll get snapped up by another NFL team like Cincinnati.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
I keeping my fingers crossed you’re right!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
28. An upgrade over Morrison for sure Bob.
Lets give him 5 years like we did Capn Kirk. For a rookie to start game one and Captain THIS defense?
I’d say he’s done pretty good.
Not a pro bowl world beater yet but an upgrade at LEAST
December 16th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
34. Davis is not averse to opneing the check book.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Norco Bob Says:
December 16th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Kirk Morrisons playin a hell of alot better in Jax this year then McLain here,…not even close.
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Yeah. Too bad he was the worst LB in the history of football when he played for the RAIDERS.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
McLains been a pretty big disappointment,…couple plays here and there, but average at best.
Kirk Morrisons playin a hell of alot better in Jax this year then McLain here,…not even close.
***
Jhill, JFB, BAUCE, Ted, Mistic, YA here?
thoughts ???
December 16th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Uh-oh, Xmas starting early…
Its 1:21 on the West Coast and I’m starting drinking right….now…
Peace owt Nation!~
December 16th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Kirk here didnt suck,…he had no D line to help out,…he would be alot better here this year,..better then McLain.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
If you look at the stats it doesnt say Kirk is doing that better of a job….. 66 tackles to Rolando’s 64 and McClain has a sack and a funble Morrison has nothing
December 16th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
I’ve got three games to, hopefully, earn a fourth game here. That’s the most important thing I’ve got going.
___________________________________
Cuz’ if that don’t happen, he’ll be stuck in Oak-Town.
MAKE IT SO!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Too bad he was the worst LB in the history of football when he played for the RAIDERS
***
Debo,
who was the worst QB in the history of football when he played for the RAIDERS?
December 16th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
The problem with DHB is scheme and OL.
DHB is being used primarily on go routes, and with the OL’s pass-blocking woes, it means the QB doesn’t get any time to sit in the pocket and unleash bombs.
They could add more potency to DHB by having him run a lot of med-deep drag routes or short slants and in routes because he has very good YAC ability.
Basically, how the Steelers used Wallace against us on that TD. Short in route, no one could keep up with him, then YAC after burners.
Now that we have Jacoby Ford playing well, i would like to see Hue putting some emphasis on his WR alignments. Murphy at FL, Ford at Slot, DHB at SE…then having Ford run a go route and DHB a short drag route. Then another time having DHB going deep and Ford the drag route. Then another time having Murphy going over the middle, and both DHB and Ford running deep post and corner routes.
Mixing the usage of each from pass play to pass play.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
# lefty12 Says:
December 16th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
BTW,B,I was with you on the Rice thing.Never accepted him and wish we had never signed his sorry a$$.
***********************
Good man
December 16th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Hue, just repeated what he learned from reading the: AD Football Inc. Media Relations Page.
1.) Al Davis, is the smartest man I’ve ever met.
2.) I have the best job in football.
3.) No comment.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
RRS…Kirk is a soft Fashion loving geek….glad he is gone….notice we have won more than 5 games without his sorry behind. Not one hard crushing hit over the middle has ever occurred when he was here. Glad that wimp is gone. McClain better than Morrison for sure
December 16th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Well, Kirk played his aasss off last sunday,..McLain was in street clothes,…and who won again?…Im real.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Yeah Hue of course you have the best job in football! you can constantly screw up week after week and not be worried about being fired but yet prolly promoted lol
December 16th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Dang, Kirk, local boy makes good,..gettin killed by his peeps…not right man.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
A lot of people are down on DHB, but I haven’t lost faith.
We’ll have the most talented young WR corp in the NFL next year if Hue stays here as HC, and our pass-blocking excels.
Murphy-DHB-Ford has a very high ceiling.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Id rather have Kirk playing his aasss off in december, then an underachieving rookie sitting out with a fake injury.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Yeah Hue of course you have the best job in football! you can constantly screw up week after week and not be worried about being fired but yet prolly promoted
***
TRUTH. Cable backs every questionable play call made by him or Marshall!
blames “player execution”
December 16th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
DHB?…most fans have forgotten about him, not even in their thoughts,..oh by the way, he never enters the thoughts of opposing teams defensive coordinators.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
# RaiderRockstar Says:
December 16th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
McLains been a pretty big disappointment,…couple plays here and there, but average at best.
Kirk Morrisons playin a hell of alot better in Jax this year then McLain here,…not even close.
***
Jhill, JFB, BAUCE, Ted, Mistic, YA here?
thoughts ???
__________________________________
Disagree, I believe that their production is similar – I give ‘em a push.
Capt. Kirk gave up some big plays last week. Raiders got 152y on the ground. Stand-up guy – I wish him the best.
I’m still rootin’ for the new kid – even tho’ he got the GOUT. He needs some fish oils, and to lay-off the rich foods.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
McLain isnt hurt.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
Opposing DC’s factor out DHB simply by focusing on crushing our pass-protection schemes.
If we solidified the pocket like NE constantly gives Brady 5-10 secs, opposing DC’s would be scared of DHB…and Ford and Murphy. And Dmac would then have obscene amounts of yards per carry too.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Kirk was a wimp out here Bob….too many malls and big time shopping stores out here….in Jax there is nothing so he can focus on being a man for once
December 16th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
DHB? Who is that?….sounds like an STD
December 16th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
RaiderRockstar Says:
December 16th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
JFB,
who do you think the next QB signed before JaWalrus will be?
Joey Harrington
Mike Teel
D.J. Shockley
Jeff Rowe
Mike Reilly
Gibran Hamdan
Matt Gutierrez
Brett Basanez
————————————————————————————————————–
My pick would be the current freshman QB at the High School any of you guys went to.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Thats probably true Bauce…Iv been to Jax,..sucks.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
McLain isnt hurt
***
ROMAC read my comments on this blog and got his feelings HURT. he’s that soft
December 16th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
GG Says:
December 16th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
A lot of people are down on DHB, but I haven’t lost faith.
We’ll have the most talented young WR corp in the NFL next year if Hue stays here as HC, and our pass-blocking excels.
Murphy-DHB-Ford has a very high ceiling.
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source
December 16th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Kirk didn’t even play MLB for two years, so in my book McClain is already way ahead of schedule to Kirk.
Plus Kirk was 23 when he entered the league, McClain wasn’t even 21 when he was drafted.
BTW, the Jags in 2009 had the 19th ranked rush D and 23rd ranked total D. 2010 there are 18th against the run and 26th total. So basically they are one spot better against the run, and worse overall.
While the Raiders in 2009 were 26th overall and 29th against the run, and in 2010 they are 14th overall and 26th against the rush. Basically improved a few spots against the run (not having McClain last week cost us a few spots) and improved drastically overall.
The numbers simply support that the Jaguars are no better with Kirk, and the Raiders are much better with McClain.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
thoughts ???
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Does this guy even watch the games?
December 16th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Kirk didn’t even play MLB for two years, so in my book McClain is already way ahead of schedule to Kirk
***
Kirk was drafted in RD3 and EARNED a job. McClain was handed the MLB job due to draft status and the Def doesn’t miss a beat when Ricky Brown is in the game!
JFB = Danny “Hammerhead” Clark hater?
solid MLB for 2 years before Kirk beat him out imo
December 16th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Snowing in Albuquerque!!!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Hue has Bekins on speed dial…
December 16th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Does this guy even watch the games?
***
LOL!
Bobby is AT all the home games, which means he’s seen Kirk Morrison dominate a football game at least 40 times in person live from the Black Hole
December 16th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
However, if DHB has that big of game it means Hue is not doing his job….playing to the strength of the team….running the ball!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
On why Darren McFadden’s use is mostly restricted to the backfield
“I think a great runner likes to be able to look at the defense and put the ball in his hand and play . . . by putting him out there (as a receiver) now people know all (he) can do is go catch it as opposed to being in the backfield where he can run it and catch it. It gives us an advantage keeping him back tghere also so the defense doesn’t know exactly what we’re trying to do.”
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Where was this statement in the Summer? There were many NASA employees on here this Summer saying we should split DMAC out wide and run Bush.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Once Cable is gone, and Hue is our coach, this team is going to blow the roof off the sucka. Hue will implement Al’s deep passing game to better effect. We will see DHB, Murphy, and Ford excel. I think once we get another quality CB, the defense can play man to man Raider style.
2011 Oakland Raiders with Hue Jack at coach = 11-5
December 16th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Man,
I shouldn’t have had those two glasses of wine at lunch……wheeew
December 16th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2010/12/13/tebow-black-hole-doesnt-scare-me/6129/
December 16th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Hue’s a little better with the oratory skills than Cable
December 16th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
Kirk was drafted in RD3 and EARNED a job. McClain was handed the MLB job due to draft status and the Def doesn’t miss a beat when Ricky Brown is in the game!
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Are you crazy? Ricky Brown got schooled last week. McClain’s absence probably cost us the game
December 16th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
How did we not miss a beat with Ricky Brown in the game?
Did you even watch the game on Sunday? Two hundred yard rushers in the same game.
That hasn’t happened since Kirk Morrison was our MLB.
And the Chiefs rushed for 65 yards in the second half of our earlier game, and 39 in the first half with McClain in there.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
MB, RRS, Dakota…not a good day, fellers.
WSJ poll has Mama Grizzly losing to the champion 55%-33% if election were today.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
GoodOle00 Says:
December 16th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2010/12/13/tebow-black-hole-doesnt-scare-me/6129/
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That b*tch better be scared. He’s marching directly into Satan’s lair.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Sorry wannaberocker,..I dont sit in the black hole,..Im in the other endzone,..but we wont let the facts get in the way of your story.
December 16th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
I shouldn’t have had those two glasses of wine at lunch……wheeew
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Sounds like you need a BRUT face slap!
December 16th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
What’s up MR, you a believer yet?
December 16th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
This just in:…the election isnt today. lol
December 16th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Bauce 2 Clean Says:
December 16th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Kirk was a wimp out here Bob….too many malls and big time shopping stores out here….in Jax there is nothing so he can focus on being a man for once
Ouch
December 16th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
I was at a party with Eric Frampton’s dad last nite. A DB drafted in the 5th round by the Raiders a few years back, now with Minnesota.
Spoke highly of Al Davis, btw.
He says the Raiders gave his kid a book about the history of Al Davis when he was drafted. And went on to speak glowingly of Al Davis and his contributions to the league
I thought to myself “Yep, it only about Al.”
December 16th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
SI writer redoes the first round of the draft. Has us take Dez Bryant instead of Rolando, but then he has Lamarr, Jacoby, and Veldheer all get taken in the first along with Rolando. Makes the draft look good, although we all knew that already.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/don_banks/12/16/2010-nfl-draft-redux/index.html?eref=sihp