Oakland Raiders: Was Rich Gannon’s Offer To Help Sincere?

There is no sugar-coating it. Ever since Rich Gannon retired the Raiders have been bad.

And since then Gannon has been a harsh critic. Publicly stating his displeasure for the way the Raiders organization is being run and for how the team is being coached.

Lately Gannon has been making a lot of noise regarding the Raiders on his sports talk show on Sirius Radio or as a CBS sports analyst.

First Gannon allegedly went back and broke down every one of JaMarcus Russells’ pass attempts. He wrote a detailed report concluding and suggesting that Russell could be great with his help.

Then on Sirius Radio Gannon told us that he has been reaching out to Russell offering to tutor the young QB.

But the young QB didn’t even bother to respond or awknowledge the former MVP’s offer (how rude).

But the Raiders already have a great QB coach in Paul Hacket, the same coach who Gannon praised so highly for being a master of fundamentals, and credited for his own development.

So to quote John Herrara:

“What does Rich Gannon think he has to offer that Paul Hackett can’t contribute, when he himself said Paul Hackett is the best quarterbacks coach that he ever had?”

And then most recently on Sirius Radio Gannon said this:

“I did something yesterday that I can’t believe even I did. I picked up the phone and I reached out to Al Davis.”

“So I called Mr. Davis, I have not spoken with him yet, but I’m happy to help out in any way I can. I’d love to help JaMarcus Russell if he wants help. I’d love to help Tom Cable and that organization. It’s important. Listen, seven straight seasons where they’ve lost 11 or more games? Something’s not right.”

Then Gannon went on to play the victum and act as if he was baffled and shocked when the Raiders denied him.

Really Rich? After years of playing for the Raiders and working with and covering the franchise and all your insider information, you should know better.

Gannon went on to say he isn’t interested in coaching but has helped Aaron Rodgers as well as QBs in Minnesota and Tampa Bay by request.

So is Gannon sincere in his offers to help the Raiders, JaMarcus Russell and Davis, or does he have an ulterior motive?

With Gannons’ shaky history with the Raiders, there is a lot to suggest he isn’t so sincere.

Sure Gannon was a great QB with the Raiders, but to be blunt, no one liked him. He never saw eye to eye with Gruden or Davis, his teammates despised him and the local media hated him.

Tim Brown had this to say about Gannon:

“Even hearing a guy like Gannon say something negative about the organization is really wrong. Gannon knows that he came there with that `I hate the Raiders’ type mentality. He came in there with that, and showed that to all the players. Gannon wasn’t a very well-like player his whole time with the Raiders. In fact he was downright hated, and if not for my intervention, a lot of times, there would have been times he would have been sure-enough jumped on, almost. So for a guy like Rich to say something just isn’t fair to the organization, I don’t believe.”

Then there’s the fact that the Raiders have tried to ban Gannon from the Raiders facility the last two years. Clearly they just don’t want him around.

Regarding some of Gannons’ comments earlier this year Herrara had this to say:

“He seems to be a guy who can’t get over the fact that he played the worst Super Bowl in the history of the game and he wants to blame everybody but himself,” Herrera said on Sept. 26. “I guess it’s our fault he threw five interceptions.”

That one had to burn Gannon a little. But I can’t say he didn’t have that coming. While in Oakland Gannon was always quick to throw his teammates and coaches under the bus after every loss.

After all of that why would Gannon even think that Davis wants his help? Why would the Raiders even let Gannon touch their $61 million QB. Tom Cable thinks he’s done a good job, so why would he want any help?

And if Gannon really reached out to Russell and received no response, why make it public? Same goes for his call to Davis.

Is it possible Gannon is doing all of this to boost the ratings of his show on Sirious radio, or to increase his exposure as a CBS analyst, and that he never had any real interest in helping the Raiders.

Or could the unthinkable have happened? Is it possible that Gannon has forgiven the Raiders, put aside his feud with Davis, and is sincere in his offers to help the Silver and Black?

If Gannon is sincere then he is also very hard headed. If not he is just trying to stir the bees’ nest that is the Oakland Raiders.

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Mike Leach Raiders Next Head Coach? C’mon, Al, Can You Do Better Than That

Ever since the bye week, rumors of Tom Cable’s demise as head coach and who would replace him have been flying. Now, at season’s end, these rumors have picked up speed.

We’ve heard names like Jim Fassell, Charlie Weis, Jon Gruden, Bill Cowher, Marc Trestman, and now, Mike Leach.

In the last few days, Leach’s name has been mentioned regarding the Raiders far too many times just to be a simple rumor.

But is Leach really what we want as a head coach?

In no way am I a Tom Cable supporter. My biggest complaint against Cable is his decision making.

His pass happy play-calling fails to utilize our strong running game and talents of Michael Bush, Justin Fargas, and Darren McFadden.

Then there’s the media circus and criminal accusations against Cable.

Mike Leach already has his own media circus for “locking” a player in an equipment shed. Unfortunately, that player happened to be the son of an ESPN analyst who was unhappy about his son’s lack of playing time.

Then there is the incredibly pass-happy offense that Leach ran at Texas Tech.

If you watched any of their games, you saw a lot of shotgun and three-plus wide receiver sets.

Sure, running backs caught the ball out of the backfield, but the running game was nearly non-existent, as the team averaged over 400 yards per game through the air, yet only 84 yards per game on the ground.

I can’t recall a single instance where I’ve seen Texas Tech involve a fullback or a two tight-end set in the offense.

Being a Raider fan since the ’90s, that is not what I know as Raider football.

Raider football is a strong-armed QB and fast receivers. Raider football is a ruthless fullback paving the way for a smashmouth running game. Raider football is 4th-and-short and the whole stadium knows the ball is going to Zack Crockett, yet the defense can’t do a thing about it.

The Raiders’ offense has always revolved around the running back position. Even while Gannon was here earning the league MVP, the offense revolved around Charlie Garner.

Then there’s the question of whether or not Leach’s offense can succeed at the next level.

Some Leach supporters have suggested that any QB can succeed under Leach’s system.

Yes, even JaMarcus Russell.

But throwing the ball 55 times a game can be very dangerous and detrimental to a QB’s health. As made apparent by how quickly Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye went down throwing 35-45 times a game.

Then there’s the fact that defensive play is much faster in the NFL: The pass rush is faster, coverage is tighter, windows in zone coverage are smaller, and defenders are smarter.

Sure, no doubt a QB like Russell can succeed in Leach’s system in the Big 12, but success in the NFL may be a completely different story.

Look at Graham Harrell.

Texas Tech’s former record-breaking, Heisman-hopeful star QB. He broke numerous NCAA QB records including single season pass completions, single season pass TDs, and was second in career completions.

Yet, he was labeled a system QB and went undrafted. He was then picked up by the Cleveland Browns to practice under a try-out basis and failed.

He went to the UFL, where no team showed any interest. Then he finally landed a spot buried in the depth chart of the Canadian Football league’s Saskatchewan Roughriders.

That fact either speaks volumes that any QB can be great under his system or that his system just won’t work in the NFL.

With the Raiders running an offense designed by Mike Leach, the Raiders would resemble some of the leagues pass-happy offenses like the Colts, Eagles, or Patriots. And no one wants that.

However, if Leach were to hire an offensive coordinator to put his pass-happy ways in check and help the Raiders bring a balanced attack, I would take him over Cable any day.

 

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Oakland Raiders: Could Former Raiders Fill Holes In The Coaching Staff?

Undoubtebly the Raiders have quite a few holes to fill. Whether they be on the roster, the coaching staff or even the front office. There is no denying they are there.

Could these holes be filled by former Raiders? I’m not suggesting giving Art Shell a third chance, hiring Warren Sapp as defensive coordinator and Bill Romanowski as JaMarcus Russells’ nutritionist .

I’m suggesting something much better.

The biggest holes on the coaching staff are on Offense: Offensive coordinator, Wide Receivers Coach and maybe QB coach.

So what about Marc Trestman, Tim Brown and Rich Gannon. Three integral parts to the last success the Raiders had.

Marc Trestman is the current head coach of the Champion CFL Montreal Alouettes. And was the offensive coordinator of the 2003 AFC Champion Raiders.

Some would say all doors of him coming to the NFL are closed as he just signed a contract extension with the Alouettes. But his website and blog  acknowledges the fact that NFL teams are interested in him. Would he void his new contract to come back to the NFL? Sure, maybe not the Raiders but what about other teams?

Then there is Rich Gannon. Could he be an offensive coordinator, or replace his former mentor as the Raiders QB coach.

Earlier this off-season he offered a detailed report on JaMarcus Russell’s problems. Then went on to say Russells problems could be fixed with coaching and that he has the ability to become a great NFL QB… He just has to want it.

Then in more recent weeks Gannon has been running his mouth on Sirius Radio. Claiming that he has been reaching out to JaMarcus Russell, to no avail, offering to tutor the young QB free of charge on his own time. Gannon says that he can help Russell, who hasn’t even responded to Gannons’ offers.

Only a few problems: First the Raiders already have a QB coach named Paul Hacket. Who Rich Gannon praised for being a “premier QB coach” specializing in foot work and fundamentals. Funny aren’t those the same problems Gannons’ detailed report pointed out?

Second, Gannon and Al Davis have a documented grudge. As Gannon tends to speak negatively about the Raiders organization prior to every Chiefs game prompting the Raiders to try and ban him from the facility two years in a row.

Could Gannon and Davis put their differences aside for the better of the Silver and Black?

Who knows.

But according to one of Rich Gannons’ former receivers , outside of his playing abilities, none of Gannons’ team-mates ever thought very highly of him.

“Gannon wasn’t a very well-like player his whole time with the Raiders. In fact he was downright hated.”

But hey he got the job done. He was here to win games not make friends.

According to that same former Raider receiver Rich Gannon hated the Raiders when he came to Oakland, while he was in Oakland, and still does to this day. That pretty much slams the door shut on Gannon ever helping Russell.

Sure some would say the opinion of one of Gannons’ former receivers holds little water. Except for the fact that former receiver is Mr. Raider, Tim Brown. One of the best receivers of all time and quite possibly the best ever to don the silver and black.

Tim Brown would be an awesome candidate to work in the front office, or replace Sanjay Lal as the receiver coach, or maybe even as GM.

When asked about working under Al Davis, Brown had this to say:

“It would take me about two seconds to make that decision. At some point, home is home, and even though I reside in Dallas, Dallas is not home for me when it comes to the NFL. The love I get when I’m in Oakland, that’s home for me. I realize that, and if the Raiders ever asked me to do anything in the front office, certainly I would jump at the opportunity because I do think, not just my presence in Oakland, but in some of the decision making as far as what’s happening with coaches and players that come in, I think I could be very instrumental in helping in that area.”

Could some of these guys help the Raiders coaching staff? Absolutely.

But will they? Probably, not but it’s still nice to dream.

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Marcel Reece Given an Early Chance To Make the Raiders’ 2010 Roster

Despite the loss to the Cleveland Browns, there may have been a bright spot in the game: the early emergence of FB Marcel Reece.

Sure he didn’t have the greatest game, but it was decent, with one reception for nine yards and two kick returns each for 23 yards. That 23-yard average on his two returns is actually better than the Raiders’ other five return men. Considering that it was his first NFL game and first time playing FB aside from preseason, he did a pretty good job.

In case you don’t know who Marcel Reece is, I will tell you:

He is a southern California native who played HB/WR at Washington. Here is his highlight reel if you haven’t seen it before.

If a team can have a fan favorite on the practice squad, he is it, as he has intrigued Raider fans with his tremendous potential and playmaking ability ever since he was picked up as an undrafted free agent.

He has spent the last two seasons on the Raiders practice squad transforming from an HB/WR to an NFL FB, learning the new position, and developing the skills that go along with it.

Reece was activated from the practice squad after Luke Lawton was suspended for four games because he violated the league’s performance enhancing drug policy.

One thing is for sure. Reece is not going back to the Raiders practice squad, as he has used up all of his practice squad eligibility.

So now it’s time to sink or swim. Reece will either have to make the final roster or be cut and try to succeed elsewhere or give up the sport he loves.

But on the bright side Reece has been given two extra games to make his mark and compete for a spot on the 2010 roster.

Without a doubt Reece has the hands and more than enough speed to play FB. The only question is his blocking. Over the last two years, how has he developed from an HB/WR deep-threat play-maker to a lead blocking multi-threat back?

In college he was not only known for his deep threat ability, but for his tremendous size and blocking strength (for a receiver) and ability to seal corners, and he was a huge asset in the run game. But now he is going up against NFL linebackers, not college-level corners.

At 6’2” and 240 pounds, he at least looks the part of an NFL FB. He looked just as big, if not bigger than fellow FB Gary Russell.

Next Sunday in the season finale I encourage everyone to watch his performance, not just the way in which he catches the ball out of the backfield or returns kicks, but how he blocks and opens up lanes for the likes of Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, and Justin Fargas.

If he develops his blocking ability to the level of an NFL FB, he could be a very dangerous weapon much in the mold of the Bronco’s Peyton Hillis, or better.

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The Oakland Raiders Have Three Options With Tom Cable

One big question the Raiders need to ask themselves this off-season. Is it time for the Raiders to go another direction with the coaching staff? Or is Tom Cable a good option, maybe even whats best for the Raiders.

There is actually strong support for retaining Tom Cable from fans and I would classify his supporters into four groups:

First, there are those who blindly support him for whatever reason and believe he is actually doing a good job. Who knows why: Maybe simply because he is part of the Raiders, or maybe they can relate to him because they’re also over-weight “mouth-breathers” or some other reason. These guys aren’t even worth trying to talk to you might as well argue with your dog.

Then there are those who just want a sense of continuity. They can’t stand the constant coaching changes and would rather see us fail under Cable again then switch coaches again.

They need to be absolutely sure Cable isn’t the answer. And though they have good reasoning to back up there opinion they are still usually stubborn.

Then there are those who think that Cable just needs some help. They site his abilities as a motivator. They would like to see Cable retained as head coach but striped of his play call responsibility.

They would also like to see an offensive coordinator and maybe an assistant head coach and better positional coaches in to take some pressure off of Cable.

Lastly there are those that believe Tom Cable is our only viable option. Not necessarily because he is the answer to the Raiders struggles. But because neither Jon Gruden or any other playoff caliber coach in there right mind would want to coach in Oakland.

Right now there are three things the Raider can do with the coaching staff.

The first and easiest option is to do nothing. Some people believe that the team will just get better through continuity and the constant coaching changes have hurt the Raiders more than anything over the last seven years.

With players becoming more familiar with the schemes and each other they will be able to gel and actually become a team.

I think that is the most absurd option and would be a huge mistake.

The second option is to get Tom Cable some help. A lot of the players are behind Cable and he is a great motivator. Problem is motivation will only get you so far.

Tom Cable is a horrible play-caller. But if the Raiders were to hire an offensive coordinator and strip Cable of that duty, we would be able to retain his motivational skills and do away with the bone-headed plays he calls.

Some people think that Tom Cable isn’t qualified for the stress and responsibility being asked of him as an NFL head coach. But this also could be helped with the addition of an assistant head coach and maybe better positional coaches and a GM.

Then the last option is to do what Rich Gannon said to do.”Just blow up the building and start over.” New coaches, new players, new everything. Much like the Broncos did last off-season.

The only problem with that is there is risk. If a real head coach isn’t willing to come to Oakland and coach under Al Davis, then the Raiders would have to Gamble and hope to strike gold again like they did with Gruden.

It would also mean new schemes and the departure of quality coaches like John Marshall and Lionel Washington.

Lets take a look  some of the arguments for and against Cable. First the positive.

A lot of players are fully behind Cable and believe in him. Robert Gallery said he would go to war with him.Also the Raiders are desperately in need of some kind of stability and the constant coaching carousel has done nothing but hurt the team.

Then there’s the fact that no one wants to coach this train wreck called the Oakland Raiders. At least not any qualified or sane head coach anyway. So essentially many believe we are stuck with Cable.

Then the negatives.

First, Tom Cable is a horrible play-caller and not qualified to be a head coach. But if the Raiders were to higher an offensive coordinator and an assistant head coach, that issue could be disregarded as a huge workload would be taken off of Cables shoulders.

Then theirs his anger and character problems which he obviously has. Its said that teams are a reflection of coaching and if you think the Raiders mental breakdown against the Browns wasn’t a clear reflection of Tom Cable, then you are blind.

Then there’s the thought that Cable really doesn’t have his team behind him. Sure he has some of the players but not all. Mario Henderson and Justin Fargas both started criticizing Cables play-calling after the Houston game.

Nnamdi criticized the defense for being so simple and Sam Williams said, “Tom Cable is a joke to half the team and everyone outside the Raiders locker room.” Sure that last comment may be taken a little out of context as it was said regarding the Hanson situation but it was still said.

Does Tom Cable really have the players behind him or is that just a myth? Honestly I couldn’t tell you, no one knows accept for the players on the team.

As far as us fans go its just a matter of perception. I think he lost the team weeks ago while others believe all the players are willing to go to war with him.

One things for sure, Bill Romonowski thinks Cable is gone as he had this to say on “The Chronicle Live ” following the game

 “When you only win six games in the NFL your job is on the line.”

“I would be surprised if Tom Cable returned as the Raiders head coach.”

So what should the Raiders do with Cable: Let him be, so the team can build continuity, gel, and hopefully become better. Keep him as head coach, but get him some help or just fire him and start over once again.

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Its Time For The Raiders To Fire Tom Cable And Go Back To The Drawing Board

Why is it that so many Raider fans still blindly support head coach Tom Cable?

Do they completely disregard accusations of abuse and the Randy Hanson attack?

Do they not see the plays being called or how our team is unprepared for opponents nearly every week?

Does a clear history of violence and losing mean nothing?

Through six years of being a head coach in college and in the NFL, Cable’s abilities have always been sub-par. Last year as an interim head coach he was 4-8. With three games left in the 2009 season, we’re already 4-9. Absolutely no improvement whatsoever from one year to the next.

As a head coach in college for the Utah Vandals, Cable never broke the .500 mark as his best season was 5-6. His overall record was a dismal 11-35.

Sure some would argue that it was a lousy football program to begin with. But Cable did nothing to improve it and is actually the only head coach to be fired in the team’s history.

So if Cable is even a decent coach, please explain to me how he was the only coach ever to be fired from such a lousy program.

I’ll tell you how, because he isn’t a decent coach.

A few weeks ago when asked why Chaz Schilens wasn’t starting, Cable came up with some nonsense about how the X,Y, and Z receivers are completely different positions and aren’t interchangeable.

In case you didn’t know, X receivers are split-ends, they line up on the line of scrimmage. Z receivers are flankers and the Y receivers plays the slot.

So what he is saying is Johnnie Lee Higgins and Darrius Heyward-Bey, the two X receivers, are both incapable of playing in the flanker or slot.

Wait, isn’t the slot where Higgins has had the most success?

Sorry Tom Cable, but you are an idiot. Sanjay Lal, Louis Murphy, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Chaz Schilens all disputed what you said.

All the receivers said the two positions run the same routes and because they’ve played both positions in the past, they could easily play both now.

Next time Tom Cable lies to his fans he should come up with a lie that won’t be disputed by one of his assistants and his whole receiving corps.

Then there’s the play calling, which has been horrible all season. Cable has received criticism from his players, including Mario Henderson and Justin Fargas, for not sticking to the run and giving up on it too early.

His lack of commitment in the run game has been a big part of the offense’s struggles.

With Justin Fargas, Michael Bush, and Darren McFadden in the backfield, it makes absolutely no sense that Cable insists on passing 35 times a game. It’s not like he has Peyton Manning or Drew Brees at QB.

Without respect for the run and knowledge of Cable’s insistence on passing, defenders and defensive coordinators get put in a pass-rush mode. This is the reason for the constant pressure and sacks on Raider QBs.

This is the reason Raider QBs are hammered by defenders nearly every time they release the ball. And it is the reason Bruce Gradkowski went down with two knee injuries after only two-and-a-half games.

Cable is completely clueless on what to do when backed up against his own end zone. You’d think it would be simple, just run up the middle and create yourself some space to work with.

On one occasion when backed up his own three-yard line he called three consecutive pass plays with his receivers running vertical routes. Guess what? It didn’t work out.

On another occasion, the Raiders were on their one-yard line. Cable calls a stretch play to the outside. By the time Fargas got the ball, three yards deep in the end zone, there were already defenders on him as he was tackled for a safety.

If you call plays like that then you have no business as a play-caller or head coach at any level, let alone in the NFL.

I guess that explains why the Vandals fired him.

Then there’s Cable’s coaching staff. I’m not going to debate whether or not Cable actually had a part in hiring them but they are garbage.

The O-line can’t block, the receivers can’t catch, and Rich Gannon’s recent comments tell the story on Raiders QB coach Paul Hackett.

Earlier this season Gannon said that JaMarcus Russell has the potential to be a great QB, he just has to want it. Over the last week Gannon has said he has been trying to reach out to Russell, but hasn’t received a response.

Gannon is offering to tutor Russell in his own time, free of charge. So either Gannon still sees potential in Russell or he wants to see first hand if Russell is hopeless.

But Russell already has Paul Hackett, you know the guy supposedly responsible for the development of Joe Montana, Steve Young, Rich Gannon, Jeff Garcia, and Bruce Gradkowski. So how could Gannon help?

Clearly, Gannon thinks Hackett isn’t doing his job and he could do a better job. Either Hackett just isn’t trying with Russell or is just no longer capable.

The current Raiders staff doesn’t have Gannon vote of confidence at all. As earlier this season Gannon said the Raiders just need to blow up the building and start from scratch.

Al Davis needs to listen to his former MVP QB and just clean house.

Cable is a clear cut loser of a head coach, always has been, and the idea that he could change that next year is just wishful thinking.

And with a loser head coach at the helm of the Raiders, they will not be able to change their losing ways. It is time for the Raiders to part ways with Tom Cable and hire a real head coach who is capable of putting together a winning season.

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2010 Raiders: Ten Rumored Coaching Candidates

This year with the Raiders alot of people are fed up with the horrible coaching. As well as the playcaling and constant drama and distractions.

Consensus says that Raiders head coach Tom Cable is done.

In turn rumors of who will be the Raiders coach in 2010 are spreding like wild-fire.

Heres a look at some of the Raider coaching rumors that have been out there.

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RAIDER NATION: Face It, JaMarcus Russell Isn’t Going Anywhere

Over the last four to five weeks JaMarcus Russell, whether you support him or not, has been a hot topic within the Raider Nation.

Whether it be his play, him being benched, a recent interview, or even just his overall demeanor, chances are  if your a Raider fan, his name has entered at least a few of your conversations.

Some have suggested that Russell’s days in Oakland are numbered and that Al Davis is going to give up on his first-overall draft pick of 2007.

They say he is playing and talking himself right out of Oakland and it only makes sense for the Raiders to cut ties with him.

Because it only makes sense… I’m sorry your a fan of what team again?

Oh yea, the Raiders. You know the team that: Drafted Darius Heyward-Bey seventh overall. Traded away one of the NFL’s top receivers for a fourth rounder. Has fired two coaches(Shanahan and Kiffin) without pay. Has drafted two kickers in the first round(Ray Guy and Sebastion Janikowski). Traded away Jon Gruden. Let Marcus Allen go because he didn’t see eye-to-eye with Al Davis. And so many other questionable decisions.

Sure, Al Davis is the maverick of sports owners, but he is also stubborn. And the reason for the Raiders successful history as well as there shortcomings over the last seven years.

JaMarcus not wanting to restructure his contract is by no means reason to cut ties with him.

It wasn’t Al Davis or a coach or even his fellow teammates asking him if he would accept a pay cut, it was just reporter/blogger Jerry McDonald.

Sure past Raider greats have restructured to help better the team and add cap space. Tim Brown took a pay cut so the Raiders would have cap space to sign Jerry Rice. But with no real reason to take a pay cut, no one within the Raiders organization asking, and next year being an uncapped year. Why would he take a pay cut?

Like he said that’s over and done with and he already talked to Al.

The Raiders are not giving up on Russell after his third year. Did they give up on Nnamdi or Huff after three years? Did other teams give up on Matt Leinart, Vince Young, Alex Smith, JP Losman, Kyle Boller, or Rex Grossman. Sure some of these guys never actually panned out but they were still giving more than three years.

 

So obviously Al Davis already traveled that route and made the decision to keep Russell already.

JaMarcus Russell isn’t going anywhere. Tom Cable and Bruce Gradkowski on the other hand…they may be the ones whose days in Oakland are numbered.

First off, Tom Cable has made life easy for Raider haters everywhere. With his losing record, horrible playcalling, and clear history of violence, he has made it easy for the media to drag his name through the mud along with the Raiders.

Actually, Tom Cable has never had a winning record. Last year he was 4-8. Sound familiar, we were 4-8 just last week. The Raiders clearly haven’t improved under Cable from one year to the next.

As a Raider head coach, he is 8-17. And as a head coach in college his career best was a 5-6 season with an overall record of 11-35. So far as a head coach in the NFL and in college his combined record is 19-52. That’s a winning percentage of less than 25 percent and if an NFL season comes out to four wins a year, maybe less. 

Just like the Raiders over the last seven years, Tom Cable has a clear history of losing. And with a loser at the helm the Raiders will not be able to change there losing ways.

Then there’s the fact that Tom Cable has given up on Al Davis’s last three prized first round draft picks. It is very possible that Al Davis is going to part ways with Tom Cable for failing to utilize these players talents. Tom Cable may have sealed his fate the day he benched Darren McFadden, Darius Heyward-Bey, and JaMarcus Russell.

Then there’s the Raiders injured hero, Bruce Gradkowski. Who went down with two knee injuries: A MCL sprain in one knee and a partial tear in the other MCL. Even with all that, some sources say he isn’t ruled out for Sundays game.

Despite two games where his fourth quarter heroics led to game winning TDs, he hasn’t been that great. Actually, he’s only had one good game…against the Bengals he was decent, not good.

The guy is also on a contract year. With the whole world seeing what he did against the Steelers there are bound to be a few teams interested and bidding for his services.

Bruce knows this, the Raiders know this, and so does the whole NFL. Why wouldn’t the guy want to test the free agency waters and get paid?

Before the Raiders re-sign Gradkowski, they have to ask themselves a few questions: How much does he want? How much is he worth? And does he even want to play in Oakland next year?

Also the Raiders just signed a former first rounder in QB JP Losman , looks like the Raiders are already preparing for life without Gradkowski

So without further ado, let me introduce you to your 2010 Raider QBs: JaMarcus Russell, Charlie Frye, and JP Losman

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Raider-Nation, Stop Buying Into the Hype: All Is Not Well in Oakland

All seems well in Raider-Nation. At least to a good deal of fans who somehow believe all of the Raiders’ problems have been fixed with a victory over the defending Super-Bowl Champion Steelers.

Do these fans have selective memories? Do the other eleven games the Raiders have played this season not matter? Did they forget that we are still 4-8 and at the verge of being mathematically eliminated from the playoffs? Have they forgotten about all the distractions, the bill-board, and the horrendous blow-outs?

Sure the Steelers won the Super-Bowl but what about the fact that Troy Polamalu, arguably the teams best defender, was absent? Or that they are on a four game slide losing to the Bengals, Chiefs, Ravens, and now the Raiders?

Then there are those who are suddenly sold on the coaching staff. What about the constant coaching blunders, especially on the offensive side of the ball? Have these fans forgotten about the constant criticism the team has received from its own players?  About questionable play-calling?  A pass happy offense?  Giving up on the run too early?  A vanilla defensive scheme?  The list goes on.

Or what about how the coaching staff has failed to properly utilize the skills of Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, and even JaMarcus Russell?

Gibril Wilson and Gary Russell both said the Raiders are the most “ talented” team they have ever played for. If the Raiders are more talented than the 2007 Super Bowl Champion Giants and the 2008 Super Bowl Champion Steelers, shouldn’t they be winning more games? Assuming the comments by Wilson and Russell are true, I have to blame the Raiders short-comings on the inadequate coaching staff.

But, to not completely throw the coaching staff under the bus, I have to admit their short-comings may be due to the fact that they are fielding an incomplete coaching staff and football team.

The Raiders’ coaching staff is without an offensive coordinator and an assistant head coach. In turn, the Raiders are putting far too much responsibility on an under-qualified Tom Cable, asking him to be head coach and offensive coordinator without even an assistant. If the Raiders were to add an offensive coordinator and an assistant head coach and continue to produce the same results then the coaching staff is undoubtedly to blame.

To make matters worse, the Raiders just re-hired Randy Hanson to the personnel staff. Could this be a precursor to the firing of Tom Cable? Is it possible that whatever it was that Hanson said to put Cable over the edge had some truth to it or that Al Davis actually favors Randy Hanson? Why rehire an assistant who got in a fight with your head coach, filed criminal charges against said coach, and now has a civil suit pending?

The Raiders’ roster is still without a nose-tackle or any veteran leadership on offense.

Without a real nose-tackle you can’t be sure whether or not Kirk Morrison is able to succeed at middle-backer, and the run-d will always be a weakness.

And without a veteran leader on offense, who will hold players accountable for dropped passes, missed blocks, and bad throws?

Many have suggested that Bruce Gradkowski can fill that leadership void. As he is often vocal on the field and gave an ear full to Mario Henderson. Henderson deserved an ear full as he was admiring his blocking from the last play on the big screen.

Sure, I admit that Gradkowski gives us a better chance of winning than Russell did. But, I don’t buy that he is our savior, or as some have dubbed him “white jesus”, and it is sickening how much of a hard-on so many Raider fans now have for him.

Sorry to break it to you, but Gradkowski isn’t the next Stabler or Plunkett, he isn’t even the next Gannon.

In three games we have seen Gradkowski make many of the same mistakes as Russell.  He struggles to read defenses, he often misfires, he fails to recognize open receivers and he even throws off of his back foot like Russell so often did. Don’t believe me?  Take his game winning drive.  He telegraphed an INT to a Pittsburgh safety only to have it dropped, and just a few plays later he threw up a dead duck which Louis Murphy miraculously came down with over three defenders.

Gradkowski is on a contract year and if you honestly think he will receive a new contract worthy of an NFL starter you are fooling yourself. At least, not with Al Davis and the Raiders all in on JaMarcus Russell. The only thing that may keep Gradkowski in Oakland is ties to Raider QB coach Paul Hackett.

Gradkowski is not the answer.  He is nothing but a band-aid, a temporary fix.

As far as everyone who matters in the Raider organization are concerned, JaMarcus Russell is still the Raiders’ future and we haven’t seen the last of him.

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Langston Walker at Left Guard: Could the Raiders Reshuffle the O-Line Again?

It’s no secret that the Raiders’ offensive line has been a mess all season. Actually, it’s been a mess since Lincoln Kennedy retired.

Sunday against the Steelers, the situation seemingly got even worse. To play the Steelers the Raiders only dressed two backup o-linemen in Langston Walker and Chris Morris, and they both saw the field. Morris saw action at center due to a calf injury to Samson Satelem and Langston Walker saw action at left guard due to a back injury to Robert Gallery.

Though Walker wasn’t completely comfortable playing the position—not doing it since 2003—he did a decent job.

When the Steelers defense saw Gallery leave the field, they smelled blood and attacked Langston Walker at the left guard relentlessly. This was to no avail, aside from a few early pressures on Bruce Gradkowski, once Walker settled in to his new position.

The thing you have to ask yourself is: Is Langston Walker a viable option at Guard?

Well, the offense did struggle before before Walker was inserted into the starting lineup. And without Walker, the Raiders offense had to settle for field goals. Once Walker replaced Gallery, the Raiders offense exploded, scoring a season-high three touchdowns in the fourth quarter alone.

Now don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying that Walker is the sole reason for the Raiders new found success on offense, nor am I saying he is better than Robert Gallery. I’m just saying that Walker is a viable option at guard.

Though it is funny that Langston Walker is the one difference between week 13 and the other 11 Raider games.

So why should Robert Gallery lose his job to Langston Walker who played less than one half of good football?

That’s not what I’m suggesting, though rumors have been flying for weeks. Not that Gallery will be replaced, but that either Robert Gallery or Mario Henderson will be moving to right-tackle.

First off, let me say that moving Mario Henderson would be absurd. But moving Gallery, especially with a replacement already on the roster, is very possible.

In this instance the starting o-line would look like this: LT Mario Henderson, LG Langston Walker, C Samson Satele, RG Cooper Carlisle, RT Robert Gallery.

Even if the rumors of another position change for Robert Gallery are completely false, why not consider Walker as a guard? Could Walker replace Cooper Carlisle at right guard who is a constant source of holding calls and who at 32 is beginning to show signs of age?

In his second stint as a Raider is Langston Walker deserving of a shot at the starting line-up, or will his time at guard be short lived?

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