One Postgame (Victory) Take
The word of the game was ENERGY. As in, we finally showed some on offense, courtesy of Bruce Gradkowski.
If we even pretend that we have a quarterback controversy on our hands, we're crazy. There is no controversy. Gradkowski is our starter. He is our spark. He is our ENERGY.
I really lost patience with Jason Campbell before halftime when he threw the ball away in open space, with ten yards between him and the nearest defender. I presume that's when Tom Cable lost patience with him as well.
We've been suffering a power outage at quarterback for years. Collins, Brooks, McCown, Walter, Russell...and now, I fear, Campbell. Shufflers, all of them. Questionable command. Little pep. Lack of ENERGY.
The Coliseum lit up like a Roman candle when Gradkowski entered the game, and so did his teammates. Murphy grew wings. McFadden meted out punishment. The defense stepped up its mojo. Even DHB was feeling his oats.
Now, before I get too excited, I should acknowledge that, at the end of the day, we simply turned in a two-point nail biter against a truly dreadful team that has now lost 27 of its last 28 games.
Frankly, I'm tired of baby steps. We need to lose the diapers for good. But this wasn't a moral victory. It was a victory, and I'll take it.
Both of our quarterbacks completed half of their passes. Both threw interceptions. However, Gradkowsi threw for twice as many yards and a touchdown.
At the end of the day, the stats don't include the phrase "Roman candle." The stats don't chant "BRUUUUCE" as the Nation did today. The stats don't reveal ENERGY.
But our eyes saw it, and our ears heard it, and the scoreboard confirmed it. Controversy over.
If we even pretend that we have a quarterback controversy on our hands, we're crazy. There is no controversy. Gradkowski is our starter. He is our spark. He is our ENERGY.
I really lost patience with Jason Campbell before halftime when he threw the ball away in open space, with ten yards between him and the nearest defender. I presume that's when Tom Cable lost patience with him as well.
We've been suffering a power outage at quarterback for years. Collins, Brooks, McCown, Walter, Russell...and now, I fear, Campbell. Shufflers, all of them. Questionable command. Little pep. Lack of ENERGY.
The Coliseum lit up like a Roman candle when Gradkowski entered the game, and so did his teammates. Murphy grew wings. McFadden meted out punishment. The defense stepped up its mojo. Even DHB was feeling his oats.
Now, before I get too excited, I should acknowledge that, at the end of the day, we simply turned in a two-point nail biter against a truly dreadful team that has now lost 27 of its last 28 games.
Frankly, I'm tired of baby steps. We need to lose the diapers for good. But this wasn't a moral victory. It was a victory, and I'll take it.
Both of our quarterbacks completed half of their passes. Both threw interceptions. However, Gradkowsi threw for twice as many yards and a touchdown.
At the end of the day, the stats don't include the phrase "Roman candle." The stats don't chant "BRUUUUCE" as the Nation did today. The stats don't reveal ENERGY.
But our eyes saw it, and our ears heard it, and the scoreboard confirmed it. Controversy over.
posted by Raider Take at 5:16 PM
138 Comments:
Gradkowski can play some football.
If not for Raider politics, grad would have started from day one.
Anyone else notice how Titans did not look so dominant against a modern, tough, football team ?
Supermen, Vince Young to the bench, and C. Johnson gains 56 yards.
Going to be a long year again for Raiders.
It's a win, doesn't inspire a ton of confidence, but it's a win. Wonder if Cable is going to get " yelled at" for benching Campbell? Raiders are not a top team, not even close, this is the reality. The corner just keeps turning, the 11 year plan just keeps on plannin.
Grad is the starter, no doubt about it. When a team responds to a Qb like this team responds to Grad, you milk it. You don't let it sit and watch a guy with no heart and leadership get the starting position for no reason. I hope Al has learned his lesson on this, but, he is an old dog and you know what they say...
JONES
Ski has saved Cable twice ... Ski's come from behind victories vs. Cincy and Pitt. last year are primary reasons Cable kept his job going into 2010. Ski coming in today for the 2nd half saved Cable's bacon again.
Going forward there is only 1 choice ... go with the hot hand and ride Ski as far as we can. It is an unmistakable feeling when he is on the field ... the feeling that we've got a fighting chance to win.
Does Al Davis resent Grad? The team, the HC and the fans want him to be the Qb. He's not an Al guy and you have to wonder if Al is at all happy today. His pet was pulled, the team rallied behind the non pet, is Al offended?
If making Campbell the starter was Cable's call, do any of you think Cable would have yanked him for Grad after 1 1/2 games?
Cable was saying ENOUGH, I'm not going through another year of these shit Qb's screwing up the team. Cable showed balls making the move. Will he be put in Al's bad books over this? Is there a MUTINY happening? Wonder if Cable is close to punching Al? Could there be a Raider revolution in the works? It will be interesting to see how this works out. It's definitely a trainwreck you can't stop watching.
JONES
guys, i'm gonna play devil's advocate, think al wields his heavy hand and starts campbell again. besides, he extended his contract and is paying him all this money. al doesn't wanna be embarrassed again...
If winning is the top priority, the choice is obvious.
Anyhow, aren't losing and not scoring points the ultimate embarrassment in sports?
A few things of note:
1) When "GradSki" was in their "D" was flanged twice for late hit "PF"s roughing the passer...Is there any doubt they wanted him out of the game and "JC" back in...
2) This team had to hang on to win and demonstrated the gonads to do it...They knew we would run that ball but we ran it anyway and passed when we needed and didn't meltdown like our past "O"s and give the game away...
3) We dominated the "LOS" running the ball "SmashMouth" style and their front 7 were exhausted towards the end of the game...40 rushes @ 4.3yd ave...
4) "Stupid Mario" could have cost us this game had Cable not shown the gonads to remove him and play his rookie "Vald" at "LT"..."Vald" made a few mistakes as well but the holding and false starts should diminish as he gains more experience...
5) We made effective halftime adjustments on both sides of the ball and were able to shut down their "O" almost entirely while our "O" became very productive...
6) "ST" played well except for the missed "FG"...We failed to pin them deep on one occasion punting but we gained good field position often which helped out team win and we didn't give up the long return...
7) Our "OL" is in a state of flux and needs to get settled...With Galery out the young "LG" played well..."Vald" should stay at "LT"...We should make a "FA" move at "C"..."RG"-n-"RT" are questionable and I would eventually move Campbell in and Lumpa too when Galery comes back...
8) "DeathRo" can lay some licks...He also drew the flag but he made a statement and sparked that "D"...
9) Routt was a liability but also made some plays as he got picked on while they stayed away from Nnamdi...Jury still out on him but I'm hoping for good things from McFadden when he gets healthy...
10) We had 36:10 "TOP" which was damn good...Dominated the clock in the 2nd half...
A few things can now be laid to rest:
....A) "D-Mac" is for real...30/145yds rushin and 2/8 yds receiven...153 total yds on the day as the feature back....
....B) We stopped a very good "RB" with that "Run-D" so are well on our way to removing that perpetual problem from our list...
Total Rushing Plays Rams 21
Net Yards Rushing 75
Average Gain per Rushing Play 3.6
....C) We "Blitzed" and "Blitzed" often so the hell with all that talk of how Al won't allow his "DC" to call a game..."SOB" was just an "SOB" and refused to use the blitz as a weapon...Too many fans only remember the recent history while us old guys remember this team blitzing frequently in the past...
....D) Our young core of "WR"s were highly visible in the 2nd half so this nonsense that we don't have adequacy at the position is illegitimate "BS"..."DHB" is for real...Not perfect but for real non the less...NOT a wasted pick...When Chaz is healthy we will be even batter...
PantyRaider...Concede Some Negatives Are Still Present But Focused Upon The Positives...
Raiders Corrected Stats -w- One Game Remaining This Week -vs- Cards...
"O" #21.............."D" #29
Pass #26.............Pass #22
Rush #5..............Rush #30
Scoring #28 Tie......#7 Tie
"OL" #24.............Sacks #11 Tie
"D" #22..............."O" #13
Pass #6..............."O" #17
Rush #31.............."O" #14
Scoring #30 Tie.......#19 Tie
Sacks #15 Tie........."OL" #23
What we should do...
Run-Run-Run and dump-off to the "RB"s-n-"TE"s against their #30 rush "D"...
Get the passing game on track against their #22 Pass "D"...
Protect the "QB" against their #11 ranked "Sack-D"...
"D" should bring the heat against their #23 "OL"...
Continue to make strides stuffing the run and get after their passing game...
PantyRaider....Week 3 = 2-n-1 Record 1st Time In Forever!!!/_
09/19/2010 T Erik Pears released;
S Stevie Brown signed to active roster
A Tale Of Two Halves:
Not at all the same team in the 2nd as in the 1st...
---------------------------------
Running back Steven Jackson looked headed for a 200-yard day with 56 yards on eight carries in the first quarter and had only 19 yards on 11 attempts afterward.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden had a career high 30 carries for 145 yards, with 20 carries for 107 yards in the second half. It was McFadden, not Jackson, who was lowering his shoulder and driving defenders backward.
– Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey had a career-high six receptions 80 yards, and five of those for 74 yards came with Gradkowski as quarterback in the second half.
Louis Murphy had six receptions for 91 yards, with five catches for 64 yards coming with Gradkowski in the game.
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"Stupid Mario" has got to go...What kind of an idiot says this...
---------------------------------
Henderson conceded the in-and-out treatment wasn’t easy.
“Of course you’re going to be a little cold, you want to get used to a guys, especially pass rushing,’’ Henderson said. “So it’s kind of like, when I get out there, it’s, ‘Oh (bleep).’ But at the same time, regardless, gotta get the job done.”
Totally Clueless...
PantyRaider....Just Cut'em Baby!!!/_
Calling All Cars...Calling All Cars...
Be on the look-out for one
"FaidaBoy" Shadow-Poster missing in action...
Prolley Black-n-Blue after his mommy "BitchSlapped" his dumb ass for that PottyJob in his diaper...
"SadFran" will get the holy crap kicked out of them by "St-Drew" -n- "St-LaBoy" while "GrabAss" loses his head in a "Contact Dispute"...
Stay Tuned to the "Smashin of the Gold" as they just surrender 49 times...
Pantyraider...Ha1 Ha! Just Laughin At Ya BITCH!!!/_
"The Empire Strikes Back"
........NOT...........
Is that like benching Jim Plunkett?
My call before the game was Grad at QB, Veldheer to LT and Satele at Center.
Was Cable actually listening?
I can only imagine if it seems remotely obvious from here, it must be like a train wreck happening right in front of Cable.
Mutiny is at hand.
If Campbell starts next week, then Davis is still in charge (on the field and off the field). It's that simple.
"Screams Echo Threw The Night"
As visions of St Dick molesting the shameful SadFranchise "GayLord" sluts in their tattered-n-torn blood red pantaloons with twisted gold threads fringed in disgust while the asterisk prevails over the display cabinet of their tarnished imitation trophies that Eddie de Bought de Law exhibits as attributes of his unworthy and underhanded dealings while riding "Zebra"s to that penal colony off in the distant sunset nary to be seen again...
Ah! de Horror!!!...de Horror!!!...
For the record..."NYR"
---------------------------------
My call before the game was Grad at QB, Veldheer to LT and Satele at Center.
We will probably have a backup LG, a rookie C in his second game, and limited play from Richard Seymour.
I vote to move Henderson to RT and try Valdheer at LT (his natural position, where he never gave up a sack in a regular season college game). Then put Satele back at center.
---------------------------------
If Campbell starts next week, then Davis is still in charge (on the field and off the field). It's that simple.
----------------------------------
Ah! By what definition do you speak/type...How you can define what happens behind closed doors under that "Cone-o-Silence" as "Simple" is far beyond the scope of my primitive imagination...
Just what would define this as coming from Mr Davis...For instance could Hue as "OC" be involved...The appointed "OL" coach or Cable as "HC"...And why would Mr Davis be down on playing his new "OT" that he drafted to replace the piss poor performance on his "OL" roster...
Wouldn't it be much more reasonable to believe that if in fact Mr Davis was calling the shots he is benching "Stupid Mario" in favor of his new "OT" that he recently drafted as a replacement...
PantyRaider...Go Figure!!!/_
http://www.firstrow.net/sports/american-football.html
This one works...I'm getting the "NFL NetWork" now showing a complete replay of the Baltimore/Cincinnati game...
Can't wait to use this when back in USAirSpace Wednesday so I have a high speed stream parked outside any McDonalds in my RV......I use a small parabolic antenna that is directional and boost the single so it's just like sitting inside...
PantyRaider..."CyberSpace" Pirate!!!/_
Anyone else notice Stevie Brown was back on the roster and made a big play on ST?
This is the guy that caused a stir when one radio announcer said the coaches wanted to keep him over Mike Mitchell, but Davis blocked cutting Mitchell.
>>>>
Going to be a long year again for Raiders.
>>>>
FRIGGING HILARIOUS!!!
Sorry... the first post out of the chute after a WIN?
I can't stop laughing,.
"OO" why do you watch the games?
You have got to be the most miserable person on the planet earth.
Back for a quick drive by before the drugs take affect again.
Surgery went well, but another week before we know how much relief and for possibly how long.
"Is that like benching Jim Plunkett?"
Naw, it's more like benching Jason Campbell. But, the expression on Campbell's face appeared to be slightly pained. Probably nothing, but just an observation.
Anyway, Gradkowski should get the nod. The primary advantage he has is a much quicker release. He gets rid of the ball sooner also, which helps the O-Line and could cut down on the holding. Campbell can correct that, but not sure if in season is the time to do it.
For whatever reason, the team respons to Ski.
Basically, of 404 yards of offense, 131 of it came in the first half, so 273 under Gradkowski. (I'm adding numbers in my head, but that should be pretty close). Anyway, with that many total yards I would expect ten more points. In other words, better red zone.
But being the infernal optimist, McFadden hit the line of scrimmage with his pads lower and better leg drive. This will make he and Bush a true two headed monster.
On defense, the Nutered Sheep only managed 88 yards in the second half if I did the math correctly. That's with a Pro Bowl back and the QB of the future.
That is good defensive play without Seymour.
I'm waiting to hear McClain's explanation on the body slam. He seemed a little frustrated and animated on some things earlier in the game, maybe that's how he got it out of his system. But, agressive defense is what he is there to bring.
By the way, if you look at America's Game for '76. Mel Blount did much worse to Cliff Branch, but they call these things "Raider Rules."
Overall though, after two games I'm still of the opinion that the O-Line is of greater concern than receivers. We can win with these receivers, but we have to do a better job of keeping the QB in his original upright and locked position.
Back to the positive. Arizona did not look good at all, so here's looking at a potential win streak of greater than one game.
Oh well, the drugs are taking affect, time for my nap.
H
First off, NOBODY who posts here has supported Gradkowski longer than I have. When we acquired him last off season, most expected he was simply camp fodder. I researched him a bit, and identified him as something more.
But folks are also busy rewriting history. Gradkowski wasn't just denied the job in camp. Cable repeatedly announced an "open competition" for which Grad failed to show up - because he was injured.
And Campbell DID NOT play for a good team last year. The Redskins were easily worse than the Raiders. What made the Raiders appear worse was their starting QB. Campbell is a fine QB. He's just not what the Raiders need right now.
Where Grad is superior to Campbell is his complete vision of the field. The Raiders don't have any players to waste. They need everyone involved. And when Grad is on the field, everyone becomes involved. DHB was always a good receiver. He just needed someone to feed him the ball.
The best way to describe Gradkowski is how they used to describe Reggie Jackson when he played for the Yankees. He is the straw that stirs the drink. He mixes ALL of the flavors.
But don't kid yourself by thinking that Cable only has to make a simple choice, and "evil Al" will likely pop his balloon. It's far more complicated than that. There is much to consider.
At the end of the day, I believe that Gradkowski is the better choice. I believed that even when they brought in Campbell and I spent my time saying folks shouldn't write off Grad just yet. But having the entire organization commit to ONE QB is important in this day and age. Right now the loyalties of about a hundred people have to change, and move to the same page.
So I'm not demanding that the team do anything but to examine the situation carefully, considering the LONG TERM future of this team. GM, coaches, trainers and scouts are in a far better position than I am to pull whatever triggers need to be pulled.
BR said: "First off, NOBODY who posts here has supported Gradkowski longer than I have."
Huh? You said Grad was injury-prone, acknowledging Campbell was the better choice to start.
Davis said Campbell was the next Jim Plunkett, so many here would have never questioned Al's judgement.
Meanwhile, some of us lobbied hard for Grad to start, immediately. IMO, Campbell was the 3rd best QB in pre-season.
It's no coincidence there are fewer penalties on the O-line when Grad is in there. He commands the huddle and gets rid of the ball quickly.
J-Mac postgame wrap has some interesting "by the numbers" stuff for you stat-lovers.
http://tinyurl.com/2g83yp7
I believe that Gradkowski has clearly demonstrated that he gives us the best chance to win.
Therefore, it is my sincere hope (not demand) that Gradkowski takes over the starting role.
If he does not, I will be puzzled, and I will question it.
"Campbell is a fine QB. He's just not what the Raiders need right now."
Huh? They don't?
"But don't kid yourself by thinking that Cable only has to make a simple choice, and "evil Al" will likely pop his balloon. It's far more complicated than that. There is much to consider."
You mean like winning games and selling tickets? Those kind of silly things?
Ok... ignoring the "ALL IS STILL LOST" posts...
Positives:
1. McFadden... if anyone thinks he didn't completely outplay the 2nd leading rusher from last year they are on DRUGS. His vision and burst at the LOS was fantastic. He looks every bit of the number 4 overall pick right now, and I will be the first to admit I was wrong about him.
2. DHB... if he hadn't tripped after spinning off a tackle right after the catch he would have had a long TD. He's catching the balls with his hands.. and looks poised and confident. I will also be the first to admit I was wrong about him too (anyone else what to step to the plate with this... oh, wait... when pigs fly here.)
3. Gannonkowski made it look like watching two different teams on BOTH sides of the ball... and if there is anyone convinced he is not the heart and soul of this entire team, pull out the tape of the Wash. game last year when he went down to injury. Its a complete mirror image of what happened yesterday. The team completely shut down on both sides of the ball.
4. Defense played great in the second half.
5. Oline looked serviceable in the second half. I don't think we will ever see a fantastic oline this year as our young players learn the speed of the game... but an average o-line might get us sniffing playoffs.
Negatives...
1. McClain took too sharp of an angle to Jackson on the long screen play for TD... he needs to learn that its safer to meet them further down the field and make the STOP instead of doing something spectacular around the LOS. Linebackers need discipline. This is something Morrison never learned. Hopefully McClain will.
2. I am having doubts about Miller in clutch situations at the end of the game... that wide open drop on third (or was it 4th?) down nearly cost us a win. Completely unacceptable... no matter how awesome he is the rest of the game.
3. Jano STILL cannot kick from the dirt from any distance. How many more games do we have to see this shit? Is there any other NFL team playing on frigging dirt early? Crazy.
4. JaMarcus Campell is a _BACKUP_ QB and always will be. He keeps throwing behind his receivers, has no sense of pressure, and gives up on plays too quickly. That time he threw the ball into the ground because they had the screen covered was unacceptable... there wasn't anyone within 10 yards of him. What, you could roll out and look for something downfield on that play? He is over his head out there... and looks like a rookie to my eyes. I think the entire team knows it too.
Ok... ignoring the "ALL IS STILL LOST" posts...
Positives:
1. McFadden... if anyone thinks he didn't completely outplay the 2nd leading rusher from last year they are on DRUGS. His vision and burst at the LOS was fantastic. He looks every bit of the number 4 overall pick right now, and I will be the first to admit I was wrong about him.
2. DHB... if he hadn't tripped after spinning off a tackle right after the catch he would have had a long TD. He's catching the balls with his hands.. and looks poised and confident. I will also be the first to admit I was wrong about him too (anyone else what to step to the plate with this... oh, wait... when pigs fly here.)
3. Gannonkowski made it look like watching two different teams on BOTH sides of the ball... and if there is anyone convinced he is the heart and soul of this entire team, pull out the tape of the Wash. game last year when he went down to injury. Its a complete mirrored image of what happened yesterday. The team completely shut down on both sides of the ball.
4. Defense played great in the second half.
5. Oline looked serviceable in the second half. I don't think we will ever see a fantastic oline this year as our young players learn the speed of the game... but an average o-line might get us sniffing playoffs.
Negatives...
1. McClain took too sharp of an angle to Jackson on the long screen play for TD... he needs to learn that its safer to meet them further down the field and make the STOP instead of doing something spectacular around the LOS. Linebackers need discipline. This is something Morrison never learned. Hopefully McClain will.
2. I am having doubts about Miller in clutch situations at the end of the game... that wide open drop on third (or was it 4th?) down nearly cost us a win. Completely unacceptable... no matter how awesome he is the rest of the game.
3. Jano STILL cannot kick from the dirt from any distance. How many more games do we have to see this shit?
4. JaMarcus Campell is a BACKUP QB. He keeps throwing behind his receivers, has no sense of pressure, and gives up on plays too quickly. That time he threw the ball into the ground because they had the screen covered was unacceptable... there wasn't anyone within 10 yards of him. He is over his head out there... and looks like a rookie to my eyes.
Ok... ignoring the "ALL IS STILL LOST" posts...
Positives:
1. McFadden... if anyone thinks he didn't completely outplay the 2nd leading rusher from last year they are on DRUGS. His vision and burst at the LOS was fantastic. He looks every bit of the number 4 overall pick right now, and I will be the first to admit I was wrong about him.
2. DHB... if he hadn't tripped after spinning off a tackle right after the catch he would have had a long TD. He's catching the balls with his hands.. and looks poised and confident. I will also be the first to admit I was wrong about him too (anyone else what to step to the plate with this... oh, wait... when pigs fly here.)
3. Gannonkowski made it look like watching two different teams on BOTH sides of the ball... and if there is anyone convinced he is the heart and soul of this entire team, pull out the tape of the Wash. game last year when he went down to injury. Its a complete mirrored image of what happened yesterday. The team completely shut down on both sides of the ball.
4. Defense played great in the second half.
5. Oline looked serviceable in the second half. I don't think we will ever see a fantastic oline this year as our young players learn the speed of the game... but an average o-line might get us sniffing playoffs.
Negatives...
1. McClain took too sharp of an angle to Jackson on the long screen play for TD... he needs to learn that its safer to meet them further down the field and make the STOP instead of doing something spectacular around the LOS. Linebackers need discipline. This is something Morrison never learned. Hopefully McClain will.
2. I am having doubts about Miller in clutch situations at the end of the game... that wide open drop on third (or was it 4th?) down nearly cost us a win. Completely unacceptable... no matter how awesome he is the rest of the game.
3. Jano STILL cannot kick from the dirt from any distance. How many more games do we have to see this shit?
4. JaMarcus Campell is a BACKUP QB. He keeps throwing behind his receivers, has no sense of pressure, and gives up on plays too quickly. That time he threw the ball into the ground because they had the screen covered was unacceptable... there wasn't anyone within 10 yards of him. He is over his head out there... and looks like a rookie to my eyes.
Ok... ignoring the "ALL IS STILL LOST" posts...
Positives:
1. McFadden... if anyone thinks he didn't completely outplay the 2nd leading rusher from last year they are on DRUGS. His vision and burst at the LOS was fantastic. He looks every bit of the number 4 overall pick right now, and I will be the first to admit I was wrong about him.
2. DHB... if he hadn't tripped after spinning off a tackle right after the catch he would have had a long TD. He's catching the balls with his hands.. and looks poised and confident. I will also be the first to admit I was wrong about him too (anyone else what to step to the plate with this... oh, wait... when pigs fly here.)
3. Gannonkowski made it look like watching two different teams on BOTH sides of the ball... and if there is anyone convinced he is the heart and soul of this entire team, pull out the tape of the Wash. game last year when he went down to injury. Its a complete mirrored image of what happened yesterday. The team completely shut down on both sides of the ball.
4. Defense played great in the second half.
5. Oline looked serviceable in the second half. I don't think we will ever see a fantastic oline this year as our young players learn the speed of the game... but an average o-line might get us sniffing playoffs.
Negatives...
1. McClain took too sharp of an angle to Jackson on the long screen play for TD... he needs to learn that its safer to meet them further down the field and make the STOP instead of doing something spectacular around the LOS. Linebackers need discipline. This is something Morrison never learned. Hopefully McClain will.
2. I am having doubts about Miller in clutch situations at the end of the game... that wide open drop on third (or was it 4th?) down nearly cost us a win. Completely unacceptable... no matter how awesome he is the rest of the game.
3. Jano STILL cannot kick from the dirt from any distance. How many more games do we have to see this shit?
4. JaMarcus Campell is a BACKUP QB. He keeps throwing behind his receivers, has no sense of pressure, and gives up on plays too quickly. That time he threw the ball into the ground because they had the screen covered was unacceptable... there wasn't anyone within 10 yards of him. He is over his head out there... and looks like a rookie to my eyes.
Ok... ignoring the "ALL IS STILL LOST" posts...
Positives:
1. McFadden... if anyone thinks he didn't completely outplay the 2nd leading rusher from last year they are on DRUGS. His vision and burst at the LOS was fantastic. He looks every bit of the number 4 overall pick right now, and I will be the first to admit I was wrong about him.
2. DHB... if he hadn't tripped after spinning off a tackle right after the catch he would have had a long TD. He's catching the balls with his hands.. and looks poised and confident. I will also be the first to admit I was wrong about him too (anyone else what to step to the plate with this... oh, wait... when pigs fly here.)
3. Gannonkowski made it look like watching two different teams on BOTH sides of the ball... and if there is anyone convinced he is the heart and soul of this entire team, pull out the tape of the Wash. game last year when he went down to injury. Its a complete mirrored image of what happened yesterday. The team completely shut down on both sides of the ball.
4. Defense played great in the second half.
5. Oline looked serviceable in the second half. I don't think we will ever see a fantastic oline this year as our young players learn the speed of the game... but an average o-line might get us sniffing playoffs.
Negatives...
1. McClain took too sharp of an angle to Jackson on the long screen play for TD... he needs to learn that its safer to meet them further down the field and make the STOP instead of doing something spectacular around the LOS. Linebackers need discipline. This is something Morrison never learned. Hopefully McClain will.
2. I am having doubts about Miller in clutch situations at the end of the game... that wide open drop on third (or was it 4th?) down nearly cost us a win. Completely unacceptable... no matter how awesome he is the rest of the game.
3. Jano STILL cannot kick from the dirt from any distance. How many more games do we have to see this shit?
4. JaMarcus Campell is a BACKUP QB. He keeps throwing behind his receivers, has no sense of pressure, and gives up on plays too quickly. That time he threw the ball into the ground because they had the screen covered was unacceptable... there wasn't anyone within 10 yards of him. He is over his head out there... and looks like a rookie to my eyes.
Nobody is in a position to "demand" anything. But if we're drawing our opinions from logic, there are some obvious things going on.
Gradkowski at QB
Veldheer at LT (under a watchful eye)
Satele at C
By the way, the Raiders stuffed the run without Seymour. Hmm. Maybe we could have kept that 1st round pick after all.
NY, as long as you are going to criticize my posts, you ought to read them and characterize them correctly. I did say that the Raiders may, justifiably, be concerned that Grad is injury prone. I'd say that when someone is given a total of three starts and one off season conditioning program, and he comes up with two injuries during that time that put him on the shelf for a month each, you'd be damn foolish not to have that concern.
And just because I believe that Grad is the "straw that stirs the drink," it doesn't mean that I believe the concern shouldn't exist.
It is a fair and reasonable concern which should weigh heavily on making the commitment to a single QB. You DO NOT want to go through the season with revolving QBs. I admit that revolving Campbell and Gradkowski is better than giving J. Russell the season, but let's actually strive for the best scenario - where everyone is confident that Grad will remain healthy and finish the season.
Here is all we know from Sunday: Cable believed by the end of the first half that Gradkowski, more than Campbell, would provide the spark to win this game. He took credit for the decision because the decision was his to make. While it is possible that Davis ordered the switch, I doubt it. But it is possible.
Here is likely what will happen now, if Cable actually believes that Gradkowski should be the field leader of this team: Hue and Cable will put film together of the two QBs and take their case to Al. Al will look over the film and evaluate their case, the costs associated with it, player loyalties, the approaching schedule, and other considerations for the Owner/GM. If Davis decides that Cable and Jackson are correct and the change should be made, Davis will tell Cable that he has the authority to make a final determination.
This is the right way to make the change. Folks who are wanting Cable to start slamming his fists on tables and yelling that Davis is a fool, and any idiot can see that Grad is the guy, and will make the change no matter what Al says... Well, you're in for a long wait.
The prior post, for the intent challenged, is not to say that Cable is weak. It is only to say that Cable likes working in the NFL.
I do believe that Cable is some guts. Last week, toward the end of the half against Tenn, the network showed Davis in his booth. An assistant was getting to his feet, I think headed for the locker room, and you could see Davis talking to him as he left.
Trying to read his lips, it looked to me like Davis said, "tell him to get Veldeer out of there." However, when the Raiders came back on the field in the second half, Veldeer was still there.
I actually teared up when Dr. Evil came in and the crowd went from beginning to boo, then some shuffling and murmers as everyone was realizing who was in at QB, then the turn to "BBBRRRRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCEEE!!!!!!
-Moshbucket
"Hey, JONES. Time to wake up and join the party. Not one Raider player is asking for the insertion of Gradkowski. Nice of you to decide for them what they want, but I really don't think they care what you think."
Hey Balanda, now you say Grad is the one who stirs it. Glad to see you are coming around.
JONES
One other thing occured to me durring the game. Apparently the reason that DHB struggled some is that defenders, for some reason, are permitted to hold one of his arms. According to the broadcast crew, this happened about three times during the game, but a flag was never thrown on Fletcher.
JONES, nice of you wake up. But the fact is, I was on the Grad bandwagon when he showed up last year. Have been ever since. Nice to see you are coming around. But I peg you as someone who will support whoever the #2 is. I figure if the Raiders make the switch, it won't be long before you are demanding Boller.
BALANDA SAYS:
"In further defense of the Raider management, they can fairly argue that they don't just suspect that Grad is injury prone. They know he is injury prone. Over the course of three starts, rehab and off season workouts, he was injured over protracted periods TWICE
The feeling of the Raider management is fairly clear. Their concern about Grad's durability is also reflected by the fact they even have a qualified starter as their number three. They anticipate the possibility that if Campbell goes down, Gradkowski might shortly follow.
At this point Gradkowski will have to prove his durability. The management already knows he can move the team. But shuffling QBs every couple of weeks will get them NOWHERE.
Pulling Campbell after one game would look like panic, and adversely effect the team. They have to stick with Campbell until he's clearly beaten out by Gradkowski or until Campbell gets injured.
This kind of thing DOES NOT represent poor or weak management. Virtually evey intelligent team in the NFL would do it the same way."
There you have it, Balanda, your ego is your own worst enemy.
JONES
Oh sure Balanda, who was the one DEMANDING to sit Campbell and start Grad DESPITE you and CJ telling me it was the wrong thing to do? Who was that Balanda? It sure wasn't YOU.
You are such a pompus ass that after you declare Grad too INJURY PRONE to start, you come on here today and gloat how you knew it all along. You are a sick puppy Balanda, get some freakin help and take the rest of the "crew" with you.
JONES
What's your point, JONES? There's a right way and a wrong way to initiate a QB change, and I'm advocating the right way. How is asking that the team do it the right way showing a lack of belief in Gradkowski. The fact is, whether he's injury prone is still a concern. And shuffling QBs all season is a BAD thing. But you're obviously a proponent of "don't think, just do."
No public decision on Gradkowski will likely be made until Wednesday. The decision between the coaches and Davis will likely be made tomorrow. If I had the power to whisper in Davis' ear, I'd tell him this:
No QB playing for the Raiders in since Gannon has displayed such a working knowledge of the players he has around him. Since 2007 when we lost the veterans on our receiving corps, it has almost seemed that we haven't had a WR corps. Whenever Bruce steps on the field of play, he seems to locate them. I'm not sure why the WRs don't seem to be a factor when other QBs play, but Gradkowski always seems to find their address when he delivers the football.
I believe you might have been on to something when you compared this team to the 1980 Raiders. However, for right now, the Plunkett comparison isn't with Campbell, it's with Gradkowski.
When Dan Pastorini took control of the Raiders, it didn't look like we were off to much of a season. Pastorini didn't understand the Raiders' personnel. I groaned each time he sent Van Egan on a sweep, and sent King between the tackles. I moaned on the occasions he attempted to use Branch as a possession WR.
We will have to find out if Gradkowski is indeed injury prone, and this is that time. To send Campbell back out on the field now would cause him to spend the rest of the season looking over his shoulder. That will diminish focus on what he has to do. The team will also continually wonder whether or not Gradkowski would have been better in games they lose.
If the change is made, and Gradkowski does go down with a prolonged injury, the players will then understand that they have no choice but to rally around Campbell as they did for Russell against Denver last year.
Gradkowski, like Plunkett, is also the player the fans will likely rally around. He's simply the better story - like Plunkett and subsequently Gannon.
Be careful, Al. This is likely the most important QB change in the Raiders history. Whether this team turns things around and your legacy depend on it.
I'd add one more thing. When Gradkowski is inserted, the Raider draft choices and free agent acquisitions suddenly seem to make sense. Heyward-Bey is really a 1st round draft choice, McFadden was really worth a #4 pick, and Miller, Murphy and Higgins all seem to become play-makers.
Pull the trigger, Al. Gradkowski is the guy to make sense of all that you have done to rebuild this team.
Well if changing Grad was a " don't think, just do", why are you praising the move? You see Balanda, everyone knew Grad was the guy, the team wanted him in there, remember? You wondered how could I know that, now you admit that it is true.
You said Grad shouldn't play, as you were "defending management", he IS injury prone, remember? You said that pulling Campbell would "Look Bad" so don't do it. Well, the team is liking the move, it was the right move. The players, as you say, played with more energy when Grad came in. Waiting isn't the right move...remember these words from a former Heavyweight Champ of the World, Joe Frazier, he used to say this to his son Marvis...."There is no right way to do wrong...and there is no wrong way to do right." Understand? The move was made for the GOOD of the team, playing Campbell will not be for the good of the team. When you are stuck in record futility, you don't wait for when it "looks right". WHO CARES what looks right, do WHAT is right. Understand?
JONES
"Be careful, Al. This is likely the most important QB change in the Raiders history. Whether this team turns things around and your legacy depend on it."
Give me a break, this post makes me gag.
The team isn't going to the bowl, Balanda, sorry to break it to you. Putting Grad in gives the team a better chance to win, but it isn't like the Raiders go to a top team. The drama from the drama....it isn't the biggest decision, not even close. You should write children's books.
JONES
JONES, I understand that all of the things I say are far too complex for you. That's okay, sit back and learn something. I know your world is all black and white for your lizard brain. But be assured there are many shades of grey and all kinds of colors in the world. Try to imagine it.
For those who believe there is absolutely no impediment to handing the keys to Gradkowski, consider this. Suppose Cable pulls the trigger and the team comes out against AZ as listless as they did under Campbell. Grad is, after all, only one player.
If that happens, what does Cable do then? Contemplate bringing in Boller? You want one huge "here we go again" scenario, that's it. Cable, Jackson and Davis are all going to have to be convinced that inserting Gradkowski will absolutely have a positive effect over the course of the entire season. Right now, it can be legitimately argued that Campbell simply hasn't yet melded with the team, but he will.
This is not an easy choice to make, nor should it be made without very careful deliberation. This is THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION that the Raiders will make this season, and it has to be the right one.
Making changes on the fly makes perfect sense when your team is mired in a seven-season collapse.
Now is NOT the time to make friends, be polite, nor be politically correct.
Now is the time to kick ass and take names.
Some of the position problems the Raiders are facing right now were as plain as day from 2000 miles away, watching on a piss-poor Internet feed.
This doesn't have to be brain surgery. Do whatever it takes to win games now... not in another three years from now, or the second half of the season when Schilens makes his return (if he does at all).
All that stupid talk of Al making all the decision continues...No one has a brain to digest what really happened...
#1..."Stupid Mario"...Now who do you suppose made that decision..."NYR" posts it must be Al making him the starter...How silly is that...
Just what would define this as coming from Mr Davis...For instance could Hue as "OC" be involved...The appointed "OL" coach or Cable as "HC"...And why would Mr Davis be down on playing his new "OT" that he drafted to replace the piss poor performance on his "OL" roster...
Wouldn't it be much more reasonable to believe that if in fact Mr Davis was calling the shots he is benching "Stupid Mario" in favor of his new "OT" that he recently drafted as a replacement...
#2...It's all Al's fault "JC" was the starter...Well than who made that change...Was it Al...You claim Al wears all the hats and than post it's Al who will destroy this teams hopes by insisting that "JC" continues to start...
Can't you see the stupidity of your reasoning...Give Al the credit for winning this game by playing "Vald" at "LT" and "GradSki" at "QB" if you think Al wears all the damn hats....
NO...That just won't happen because it's all "BS" when you posted Al would get the "Lions Share Of The Credit When This Team Wins"...BullShit...You continue to bash the man from every conceivable angle between your ever moving "Rubber Walls"...
No consistency and NO legitimacy in your words at all...Period!!!...
#3...We have neglected the "WR"s for years...
Well who the hell was catching all those passes in the 2nd half...That's right it was the 2 "WR"s Al Davis drafted last season...So now where the hell is that "Lyon's Share Of The Credit" for what Al Davis brought to this team when most others including myself couldn't see the value...
#4..."D" stopped the run and blitzed frequently...
Again where is the credit going for signing these "FA"s and drafting those players...
PantyRaider..."HateTrip" Of Total "BS" Continues!!!/_
"Right now, it can be legitimately argued that Campbell simply hasn't yet melded with the team, but he will."
So, ole wise guy, how do you know he will? Look at the guy, he was nothing in Washington and he'll be a nothing in Oakland. But you make these assertions that NEVER pan out. You then speak at me in a condescending manner as if you have it right all the time.
Problems is, your ego won't let you see the truth. So you fumble your way through, trying to use bravado to coverup your nonsense. Look man, we've been going at this for years, who has never gotten it right? Last year you were telling us the Fassell would be HC and Losman would be the QB, that is just ONE example. So give it up, stop with your arrogance, it's very misplaced.
JONES
Look at the "crew", all saying Al IS calling the shots when they denied it FOR YEARS. You guys are unfreaking real. You are as stable as an One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest inmate. As you flip flop, you try to make out like you have been on that side of the story all along. It's insane, you can't reason with insane.
JONES
Just because the D stopped a last place team with a poor O-line, it's not time for the parade yet Waste. IF, they can do it consistently, then props go out, until then your nutsack sucking goes nowhere.
JONES
>>>>
This is not an easy choice to make, nor should it be made without very careful deliberation. This is THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION that the Raiders will make this season, and it has to be the right one.
>>>>
Well ok... none of us are at any of the practices and inside the locker room... and perhaps Campbell lights it up in practice every day, and the entire team sees this and is behind him.
But watching from a hi-def teevee on gameday, this looks like Gannonkowski's team, and he looks more comfortable with the offense than Campbell.
Campbell scored 16 points in 6 quarters, while Grad scored 13 in TWO (coulda been more without the Miller drop.)
Oh, and Campbell was handed some damn fine field position often with a suddenly resurgent STs play... and has the leagues second leading rusher taking the pressure off him.
No more excuses here... just play the best damn players please.
BTW... another negative... the fourth and short play call by Jackson was horrible. With Campbell as QB he has a choice of TWO plays.
1. QB sneak.
2. The "McFadden toss play" making someone make a tackle. He's seeing the field so well right now... that would prolly go to the HOUSE more often than not.
"Fullback up the gut" needs to be axed from the playbook. Any RB up the gut should until Bush gets back for that matter...
I agree with Gary. Stats aside (and they aren't good), Campbell just isn't passing the eyeball/intangibles test. His throws lack the zip of Gradkowski. His body language is weak. The throwaway in open space reveals a lack of intensity.
Gradkowski gives us the best chance to win.
"Going to be a long year again for Raiders."
***********************************
>>>>
Hey Gary, just because I said it, doesn't make it true. I hope the Raiders prove me wrong.
I was simply reacting to the fact that last week, the Raiders went to Tenn and were dominated by the Titans. And one week later, Pitt goes to Tenn and totally shuts down Young & Johnson.
Plus the fact that the "pissed off", angry Raiders, had to scratch and cling to a 2 point victory over the dreadful Rams.
However, on a positive note.
If Gradkowski remains the starting QB.
If Valdheer can sure up the LT position.
If early roster mistakes, keeping Figurs, not keeping Stevie Brown, continue to be corrected,(now Brown is back).
And if Schillins can return sooner rather than later. Stay healthy and contribute.
Then I think the Raiders can still win 8 games. Which is all I ever expected this year in the first place.
Campbell's lack of intensity showed loud and clear last week too, on his safety-slide that landed him one yard shy of a first down.
Later that night, I watched Matt Cassel go head-first and make the first down. KC won their game.
PR said: "..."Stupid Mario"...Now who do you suppose made that decision..."NYR" posts it must be Al making him the starter."
Show me that post, smart guy. I never said that. You're way out of line.
What I said was that the Raiders should replace him at LT. You just make shit up as you go.
Listen, I know when Grad showed up, we were a different team offensively. We had over 400 offensive yards for the first time since Norv was Head Coach. It was a huge game for us offensively.
With that said, we should have posted 30+ points with those numbers. 26 of 31 offensive plays in the first half in St Louis' red zone, and only 3 points? Really? That's why Campbell was pulled. 16 points overall, despite 400+ yards on offense. Really?
Our problem still remains, we cannot punch the ball into the end zone, and score points. I would have loved to seen more of Michael Bennett within the 5 yards, bulldozing his way into the end zone. If he can't do it on first down, play action pass on second. This isn't rocket science, just play.
J-Mac has an article about the Raiders' D "gang tackling" Jackson, instead of going 1-on-1 against him. They were a week too late with that philosophy; we needed that against Chris Johnson.
It's a win, yes; but we need more points on the board; and consistent "gang tackling" by our defense. No more "island" defense; everyone needs to get to the ball. Everyone needs to take a lesson from McClain as well on how to tackle 1-on-1.
I'm still waiting for someone to make sense of our improved run defense with Seymour off the field... particularly after all the arguing by some that he would be the catalyst for our run D.
NY, you made it very clear that you wrote the season off after the first game. With 14 games to go, I haven't gotten to that point yet.
And if we're going to go all in comparing this to 1980, the season won't really get started until after game 5.
"NYR" Said...
Show me that post, smart guy. I never said that. You're way out of line.
---------------------------------
Is that like benching Jim Plunkett?
My call before the game was Grad at QB, Veldheer to LT and Satele at Center.
Was Cable actually listening?
I can only imagine if it seems remotely obvious from here, it must be like a train wreck happening right in front of Cable.
Mutiny is at hand.
If Campbell starts next week, then Davis is still in charge (on the field and off the field). It's that simple.
----------------------------------
You posted about 3 players with the implication that cable was making a decision in "Mutiny" and if "JC" was starter it shows Al Davis is still in charge...By association that it's applied to all 3 whom you named in that post...So "Stupid Mario" at "LT" was/is an Al Davis decision too just like the "QB"...
Now do you deny that you repeatedly post Al Davis wears all the hats...You just posted it again that it's his decision to start "JC"...
"RubberWalls" are just too ridged to bend for you anymore...
PantyRaider...The Evidence Is There!!!!/_
09/20/2010 FB Luke Lawton Released
"NYR" Said...
I'm still waiting for someone to make sense of our improved run defense with Seymour off the field... particularly after all the arguing by some that he would be the catalyst for our run D.
-----------------------------------
#1....Al Davis signed "FA"s like Henderson and 2 "OLB"s while drafting in the 1st rd "DeathRo" at "MLB" -n- Houston in the 2nd...
#2....Last season Al Davis brought us "ShaNasty"/Seymoure/"MM"...
#3...."08" Al Davis brought us Tyvon Branch -n- Trevor Scott along with Martial as "DC"...
#4...Al Davis resigned his quality players like Nnamdi -n- Kelly even though "Some" bashed him for the coast saying there was NO value at "DT"...
Now what you are seeing is all those moves coming together to build a strong "D" against the run so even when our best front 7 player goes down we can still hold up with our depth...
Now what was your question again??....
PantyRaider...Seems Very Clear Viewing The Game Roster!!!!/_
OT: but this is sad. The Broncos really have had some horrible things happen to them.
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/39279329/ns/sports-player_news/
I'm not sure how a team as bad as the Raiders' can have any type of controversy. Play the best player, period. This isn't rocket science.
Right now that's Grad. From what I can see, it's not even close. Hopefully someone over in Raiderland will have a short hook and do the right thing and start Grad. And hey if BR is correct and Grad is injury prone, well Campbell will be playing soon enough.
BR: "NY, you made it very clear that you wrote the season off after the first game."
No. What I made clear was that the Raiders looked the same in Game 1 that they did last year in losing six blowout games.
I made some observations that smart decisions were not being made and the team looked terrible.
Since then (in less than one game), Cable replaced the starting QB, starting center, starting LT, and starting KR/PR.
That's as extreme as it gets. So, apparently, someone else thought as much of the Raiders as I did.
PR - I did say Campbell. But I said nothing about Mario Henderson. Once again, you are wrong.
And you provided support that Seymour's presence in run D is NOT as critical as you previously asserted (in pre-season).
You guys don't know if you're coming or going. Your posts often have no connection to your previous assertions.
"Retrofitting failure with success."
It's really quite comical.
Hey, you guys want positive ? The Raiders can make me feel positive this weekend.
Let's go in to Arizona and beat the Cards.
No Kurt Warner. No Boldin. We can do it.
I'll even take an ugly, sloppy, 2 point win.
Any win, and I'll feel positive.
Am I asking too much ??
Updated Team Ranks....
Raiders..........Cards
"O"-#9..........."D"-#27
Pass-#22.........#21
Rush-#3..........#31
Scoring-#22......#27
"OL"-#26.........Sacks-#18
.................INT's-#7 Tie
"D"-#9............"O"-#15 Tie
Pass-#5..........#18
Rush-#29.........#13
Scoring-#25 Tie..#29
Sacks-#8 Tie....."OL"-#16
INT's-#21 Tie....
We should be able to run very well against their low ranked "Rush-D" while we should also be able to pass too....
Our "D" needs to shut down their #13 ranked running game and continue taking care of business against the pass where we are ranked at #3...We should be able to bring the heat against their "QB"-nn generate "TO"s in the passing game...
PantyRaider....Week 3 = 2-1 Record!!!/_
"NYR"...
You can't even recognize your own words...Forget or just ignore rather than be exposed...
It Just Don't Work That Way Baby!!!...
"CJ"...
This is another one we should have...
I'm all for starting "GradSki" and if Cable wants to keep both his "QB"s in the game than that's fine with me....Give each a half and make it difficult for the "D"s to make halftime adjustments....
2 headed monster at "RB"-n-"QB"...Now that would be something new....
PantyRaider....As Long As We Win Go For It!!!!/_
PR - Like Jones always says, it's not your fault. Those are the cards you were dealt.
If you want credibility, go back and find the post that you delude I said something I didn’t.
I never made any statement linking playing Mario Henderson to a decision made by Al Davis, nor do I believe that's the case.
Ask me about Jason Campbell or DHB, I'll give you a different answer.
Stick with stats. As pathetic as it is, at least they’re factual.
If you want credibility,
Hell "NYR" I didn't even know you were in that department...As if you could give any so why the hell would I even consider the offer...
And yes...The stats are adjustable and fact-based which is more than can be said for your ridicules childish attempts to diminish my Raiders -n- "MGP"....As if you could diminish anything beyond yourself...
Nice to see you enjoy having a shadow....The 2 of you make a great couple...
"The Odd Couple"....
"LoL" BigTime!!!!...
Your new hero...Pee's in a pod -w- similar IQ's...In the past I would have considered your shadow to be somewhat diminished in your presence but not any more...
So you have spoken so let it be established...
"Brothers of the Dumb"....
"LoL" Hilariously!!!...
.........Ecstatically....
................Emphatically....
Notice the 1st letters spell HEE!..
As in HEE! HEE! HEEE! HEEEE!......
And they said it couldn't get dumber!!!...
PantyRaider..."GoonSquad"!!!/_
From the mouth of the "Beast" himself..
On whether he thinks he has been given a fair shot to start in Oakland:
Gradkowski: Yeah I’d like to think that. You always want to compete and do the best you can to be the starter. It was very unfortunate the injuries I had over this past offseason. I can’t control that. It was hard for me to really compete for the starting job when I wasn’t out there.
----------------------------------
Now there's very little doubt that the "NYR" types can play twister with his testimony and imply the competition was simply never there...In which case I would simply ask...
Than why the hell did Campbell get benched as Cable switched to "GradSki" at "QB" if there was never any competition or any chance to become the starter...
Makes no sense to me but it must to "Some"...
PantyRaider....But Who Would Accept What A Real "QB" Said When We Have The "Twin-Dumbsters" Crying In Harmony!!!/_
http://www.nfl.com/partner?partnerType=players-air-and-ground
Vote "D-Mac" as ground player of the week...Do your part...
"NYR" falsely posted...
PR - I did say Campbell. But I said nothing about Mario Henderson. Once again, you are wrong.
"Veldheer to LT"
"I vote to move Henderson to RT and try Valdheer at LT"
NYR... thinkin' positive and creatin' solutions.
Ya!....You were never talking about "Stupid Mario"....
Nonfactually Misrepresented Fallacies Continue so there is no legitimacy to any conversations involving you so therefor I'm discontinuing considering your crap/posts...
"Click"....Collapsed!!!...
PR said: #1..."Stupid Mario"...Now who do you suppose made that decision..."NYR" posts it must be Al making him the starter...How silly is that...”
How many times must I post that I never said anything linking Al Davis to the decision to start Mario Henderson. I can’t say it any clearer.
T r y - r e a d i n g - i t - s l o w e r.
PR said: “Ya!....You were never talking about "Stupid Mario"....
Ah! A moving target. What a surprise.
PR said: “Nonfactually Misrepresented Fallacies Continue so there is no legitimacy to any conversations involving you so therefor I'm discontinuing considering your crap/posts...”
___________
Thank you!
Please take me off your list. Ignore my posts. Go about your Kindergarten antics without me.
I don't believe you can do it but we shall see...Your already off but how long can you go without some stupid antics regarding what I post positively about my Raiders like you should have the power of censorship on this damn board....
"Some" references..."StatBoy" references..."The Crew"...He said but than he said...All of which you get totally nonfactual and than do your "Prima Dona" impression in denial of ever saying anything....Huh!...Couldn't be farther from the TRUTH!!!....
Your on the clock...
Tick-Tick-Tick-....
How long til you Talk...
PantyRaider...I'm Winning This One Hands Down Cause You Just Can't Hang Baby!!!/_
Times On My Side....Yes It Is!!!....And the clock has already started...
Times tick'n tick'n into the future...
"LoL".."LoL".."LoL".."LoL".."LoL"..
"CessPool" is at it again as if anything from that "Mediot" was worth reading...But he sums himself up very well with this one...
---------------------------------
-- even if you couldn't care less about the Raiders.
---------------------------------
Monte Poole: Quarterback switch now for Oakland Raiders would reek of panic
Ya!....So he sets the table for an attack later when decisions are made like that bastard knows more than a coach or Al Davis himself...NO-One alive knows more about football than the "GodFather"...
In other news...
Safety Stevie Brown was waived Tuesday just three days after being promoted to the 53-man roster and making a big special teams tackle in a 16-14 win over the St. Louis Rams.
Also waived was Jonathan Holland, who was on injured reserve and is now free to sign with another team.
Well so much for saying it was a mistake to let "SB" go...But who is he making room for...Could it be a "C" from Pitts....
Stay Tuned cause ya will hear it from me 1st....
PantyRaider...Time Will Tell!!!/_
Now in the center of the Islamic world of Kuala Lumpur waiting for my connecting flight back to USAirSpace...
Ah!...No more "BlackOut" int-vid-connections...I get's to watch my Raiders play come Sunday....
I'm sure there will be a negative or two before it's all said -n- done but this team will win and be over 500 for the 1st time in forever...
Does anyone know if fans are allowed to video games from the stands...I have my Sony HD and would like to have the copy...Plan to sit in one of the endzones because the field of view is much better...Difficult to see at the opposite end but the formations and play development is much better...
Boarding time got's to go...
PantyRaider...AirBorne!!!/_
A brief reprieve from the Kindergarten insanity. Maybe he'll get stopped by customs and not be allowed to enter the country.
Strike One...You failed already...
You posted...
----------------------------------
Please take me off your list. Ignore my posts. Go about your Kindergarten antics without me.
----------------------------------
Now try to be a man of your words and see if you can get past your damn stupidity and NOT reply to/about me any further....I'm without any desire to communicate with your damn dumb ass about anything....
Damn you really are stupider than you look....
China was not even on my itinerary but here we are non the less...Fuel stop and reload...Makes no sense to me to fly 2 hrs south to Malaysia from Bangkok and than north to China prior to landing on USSoil but that's how they're doing it this go around...
Unload check threw China customs and reboard...
So do our players have to go threw such antics every tine they travel for a game...How do they ever clear all those helmets -n- pads threw the check-points...
Prolley "Zebra"s manning the customs stations too...
PantyRaider....Chasing The Sun Set...
Poole: Why Campbell should start
Another "Mediot" "J-Mac" gives his rebuttal...
http://www.ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders/2010/09/21/poole-why-campbell-should-start/
PantyRaider...Stay Tuned For The Next Episode Of "Mediot Wars"!!!/_
How can one person have a total breakdown in communication with himself. Truly amazing how the mind works. Schizophrenia runs deep in this one.
PR said: “Nonfactually Misrepresented Fallacies Continue so there is no legitimacy to any conversations involving you so therefor I'm discontinuing considering your crap/posts..."
All I said in response was "thank you."
Reading & writing comprehension is not one of your strengths, is it?
Take another look at your post and follow your own instructions.
NYR, you can't reason with insane. Trying to have a reasonable dialogue with WASTE, is like trying to have a conversation with your dog, it's impossible. Obviously, Waste lives for the argument = troll.Why do think his name is Waste? As in waste of time. He is the village idiot, they should always be avoided. This is a football site and he goes on about his life = WHO CARES. He is ill, not his fault, but avoid it, it might be catching.
JONES
I keep thinking I can talk football with the guy, then he proves me wrong... again! My mistake.
From J McDonald
"Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson took a minute and 50 seconds and 368 words to not answer the question of who would start Sunday at quarterback Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, Jason Campbell or Bruce Gradkowski"
If you want to read Jackson's full answer it's here:
http://www.ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders/2010/09/22/jacksons-epic-non-answer/
Maybe I'm naive, but wouldn't the best way to avoid a controversy be pick a guy and go with it? I feel the only outcome of all this dancing around is controversy and speculation.
I know I should have confidence that management has made a decision and have informed all involved parties and are just being coy with the media, as they are wont to do. But after years of futility my confidence in the Raiders' management is pretty much shot.
Personally I'd like Grad to start, but I'm not really vested him in. If Campbell is the guy, then Campbell is the guy. Just make a decision and tell folks.
Of course maybe it's a tactic so Zona can't prepare?
Update to my own post
weeeeeeeeeeee!
NFL Networki is reporting Grad is going to start.
http://tinyurl.com/26a9uod
Steve Corkran made a sound argument why Campbell should start.
I understand that 6 qtrs is not a reasonable sample, and you don't pay a guy starter's money and not play him.
But, IMO, Bruce Gradkowski is hands down the best option at QB right now.
The Raiders have two good QBs behind him... more depth at QB than I can ever remember.
Would it be the Raiders style to leak that info (Grad to start) to the media, then formerly announce Campbell?
Quote from Hue Jackson regarding the QB switch:
"Like I said, I’m not beyond suggesting, whether it’s to coach Davis or whether to coach Cable that we make any change if I think it’s going to help us win a football game."
Coach Davis? I understand it's out of respect, but there really isn't any question that Davis is the "real" Head Coach of this team.
according to Jerry, Gradkowski took reps with the first team while Campbell watched with his helmet off.
That probably means G starts on Sunday.
Now he's saying it's official Gradkowski to start.
Sorry RT, it's almost like I'm spamming your blog.
:)
And Coach Davis.
I always figured they would refer to him as Emperor Davis...
"6 qtrs is not a reasonable sample"
***********************************
But isn't it more than 6 quarters regarding Jason Campbell ?
Shouldn't we take into account his resume with the Redskins ?
And consider tha fact Campbell was blessed to QB for hall of famer, Joe Gibbs, but never distinguished himself ?
And to look at his entire body of work with the Skins, and be very underwhelmed ?
And to wonder if it's fair to expect he will perform any diffrently for the Raiders ?
To ask, how much of this season are we willing to waste waiting for Campbell to show something he may never show ?
To me it's simple. Play the best players on your roster at every position.
Gradkowski has shown he is our best QB.
Stevie Brown cleared waivers, again. Something intriguing about this kid. He seems to always be around the ball when he plays. And with Mitchell not doing much, and Eugene injured, it would probably make sense that the Raiders shouldn't test fate so much by releasing Brown time and again.
My understanding is while on waivers, any team can sign him to their practice squad. But when he’s our the practice squad, any team that signs him must place him on their 53-man roster (not much risk there).
Stevie Brown is a pure, instinctive football player who understands the game. Why isn't activated to be a special teams coverage ace and backup safety?
Glad to hear Ski is starting. It is very clear from 2 quarters of play, the exhibition games, and the games he started last year that the team feeds off his vibe. DHB in particular raises his game and confidence level with Ski at QB.
What I like best about the Raiders with Ski is that the team seems more energized, passionate, and animated with him ... as opposed to playing listless and coming out flat.
All I said in response was "thank you."
Than just what the hell was all this crap you posted Liar......
PR - Like Jones always says, it's not your fault. Those are the cards you were dealt.
Please take me off your list. Ignore my posts. Go about your Kindergarten antics without me.
A brief reprieve from the Kindergarten insanity. Maybe he'll get stopped by customs and not be allowed to enter the country.
---------------------------------
I said...
Now try to be a man of your words and see if you can get past your damn stupidity and NOT reply to/about me any further....I'm without any desire to communicate with your damn dumb ass about anything....
----------------------------------
It's you stupid that wants to continue some sadistic responses to feed your pathetic whatever while you continue to lie your damn ass off...
You can't do what you post...Just shut the hell up and walk away...I'll be damn happy with that and discussions about Raider football instead of some stupidity because once a coach always a coach....
I'm NOT your damn Boy-Friend so go hold hands with your shadow freak....I'm not interested and your NOT worthy of consideration...
The Raiders have an opportunity this Sunday to do something they have not done in SIX years. That is be over .500. This coming Sunday, September 26th, marks the 6 year anniversary of the last time the Raiders had a winning record. It was September 26th, 2004, week 3 of the 2004 season, that the Raiders can last say they have had a winning record. Every single team in the NFL have all had winning records more recently than the Raiders. It has been six long years. Can the Raiders end that six year streak this Sunday? Tune in to find out.
Sarasota Raider
Adding to Sarasota Raider ...
Make no mistake. The Cardinals game is critical when you consider we play Houston next week which arguably has the best and most balanced offense in the NFL.
Beating the Cardinals gives the Raiders the opportunity to be at least 2-2 at the quarter pole. Being 2-2 (or better) compared to potentially 1-3 is a BIG difference.
09/22/2010 Re-Signed T Erik Pears
Musical Chairs....
Coach Responsibilities -vs- MGP" Responsibilities...
Seems the only ones who have a problem here are the damn "Mediot"s and their stupid fans...To all others that point is very clear as follows...
“This was handled by us as coaches. It ultimately rested at my feet and when we made the decision, it comes from me,” Cable said.
"Like I said, I’m not beyond suggesting, whether it’s to coach Davis or whether to coach Cable that we make any change if I think it’s going to help us win a football game." Jackson said.
Re: Luke Lawton's termination Monday...
coach Tom Cable said, “I believe we do this week but I have not had a lot of thought on that. Those would be administrative issues that will be next this afternoon.”
But in the clearness of all that the damn "Mediot"s are attempting to create a fire out of nothing as usual speculating everything from Cable's firing to his rebellion...
Meanwhile Al's silence is portrayed as evidence that something is smoldering...Now how damn stupid is that when under Mr Davis' "Cone-o-Silence" his silence is usually the case...
So what's the motive here...Not sure but maybe they want to force Mr Davis into commenting as they try to construct a controversy and as in the past trying to influence a coach getting run...It's obvious they don't like the way Coach Cable gives them the "Silent Treatment" right along with Mr Davis so perhaps they think it necessary to try to ignite a flame of controversy to drive a wedge...
As I posted a little earlier on this thread the table is being set now for a controversy later over the starting "QB" so now we can see it coming further in view...
---------------------------------
Monte Poole: Quarterback switch now for Oakland Raiders would reek of panic
Ya!....So he sets the table for an attack later when decisions are made like that bastard knows more than a coach or Al Davis himself...NO-One alive knows more about football than the "GodFather"...
----------------------------------
Poole: Why Campbell should start
Another "Mediot" "J-Mac" gives his rebuttal...
Stay Tuned For The Next Episode Of "Mediot Wars"!!!/_
-----------------------------------
So as you can see I was already onto it and could smell a stench fermenting in the minds/hearts of the "Mediot"s....Now the question is how many total fools will bite and fall in their trap....A few no doubt!!!...
PantyRaider...The "Mediot" Clone War Has begun!!!/_
Stay tuned for the "Attack of the Clones" as "Mediot" fans rise up in emotional response in the "Propaganda War"...
"CJ"........
When you look at this match up to lose would make a terrible statement by this team just like the rams game would have so for that reason this game becomes more critical than usual...A loss say's we have no chance the following week against the "Texans" who are vastly superior to the "RedBird"s this season....But it still only counts as one...
As fans enduring these past several seasons of losing we need more reassurance than normal so are reading greater value into each new approaching contest than it's reality...
The AFCW shows greater potential weakness this year than last...We already are showing greater potential as a team in all facets of the game but still those worrisome insecurities prevail...So as in years of our long distant past when we were confident to succeed each new season we now are confident to lose...Confidant to fall of the charts and digress into what has been...
But I sincerely believe this season will be different...Our faith will be resurrected....Our doubters will dwindle...Our enemies will tremble as they did in our distant past...
PantyRaider...As The Glory Returns So Shall The Faith!!!/_
http://www.firstrow.net/sports/american-football.html
Currently NFL Network is showing the NO-SF game....@ 12:00 of the 2nd quarter 9-7 "NO"...
There is also a thread for the BTS Pitts-Miami game...
This one works and looks good too....This is a Justin TV feed...
Enjoy....
PantyRaider....Need A Schedule To Know When The Raiders On On!!!/_
http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/networkschedule
NFL Network Schedule...Raider game must have already been shown...Oh Well! I will be able to see it twice or more time this week now that I can get hi-speed feed back in Cali...
Park my RV next to any Mcdonalds and I have the net for free...
Sitten at LAX until early morning when I go to Metro for the train north...
PantyRaider...Exhausted Freedom!!!/_
"SF" @ "KC"....
Does this mean I have to root for the "Burgundy Pantaloons -w- Fools Gold Dangles"...2-1...
"Ind" @ "Mule"s....
Hee! Hah! da "Mule""s lose...1-2...
"SD" @ "Sea"....
Go "SeaChicken"s Go...But if they play like last week "SD" is 2-1...
Raiders must win...2-1...
PantyRaider...Full Match-Ups/Predictions To Fallow!!!/_
Gradkowski gives Raiders what they really need
Tom Cable and the Raiders are looking for a spark. With Darren McFadden and others competing to win on Sundays, the Raiders need a quarterback with swagger and substance.
Some are saying that Cable was in danger of losing his job with a loss to the Rams, prompting the switch to Gradkowski. But what the Raiders are more worried about is production and execution on offense. Their skill players are ready to go now, and they need a quarterback who is as well.
Watch as the other 10 guys in the huddle rally around the limited skills of Gradkowski. The heart and guts he brings to the game inspires his teammates.
This is going to be fun.
----------------------------------
Yes it will and it's nice to read a "Mediot" post that diminishes the other "Mediot"s assaults on my Raiders....He writes about the reality of the team rater than ridicules hypothetical nonsense...But than he is an NFL writer CBS commentator who was an NFL "DB" so no doubt has some inside input -n- knowledge to speak from instead of just being some "Rag" employee who wishes he had a pair.....
Sorta like the "Mediot" Fans who eat their crap...
PantyRaider...Just Lookin For The Fun Baby!!!/_
From J-Mac:
“Seems like a major shift that Cable isn’t giving the owner his due on an important decision, or offering up a glowing endorsement of their conversations.”
“It’s said by some former Raiders coaches and assistants that at some point when Davis sours on a coach, he “goes silent,” like a submarine hiding in enemy waters.”
“Has Davis gone silent on Cable?”
http://tinyurl.com/27l58ns
"Mediot" Wars Continues...
Can Imman: Hue Jackson's clout is bad news for Raiders head coach Tom Cable
More "BS" trying to stir the pot and drive a wedge...Can't have a good time as a Raider winning with these types circulating the drain and dragging all those criers with them in an emotional stir...
They are so predictable so it's easy to detect their plans as soon as they begin an attempted assault...
PantyRaider....ScrewBalls With A Fan Following That's Just As Ignorant!!!/_
It's very funny...Jerry Rhome has his "Clones" and so do these other damn "Mediot"s...Guess it runs in patterns that way....
So just as those "Clones" hang on every bit of stupidity that Rhomy pimps out in his "Jungle" so too these "Rag"-"Mediot" fans do the same...Now I suspect that they are one -n- the same....Cross-overs from the Radio-TV crap that hang on the "Rag"s -n- post on the Blogs...Seems very possible and that explains their constant tendency to argue stupidity and try to be "Cute" about what the write while obviously inept in mental capacity....
Oh! but certainly none of those "Clone" types hang out on this damn board....
I had forgotten about that whole mess of crap being so far away but just a little while back and it's evident again...
PantyRaider....Now I Get's It....Now I Understands!!!/_
Leave it to the "media" to create a controversy.
When Hue was hired, everyone was notified that Hue would take control of the offense. Cable liked that idea because it wasn't his strength, but it was Jackson's. Cable also said at the beginning of the season that the coaching staff would make decisions together (with Cable always having the final say), and each member of the staff would focus on what he does best.
They make a QB change, following that plan precisely, but it proves to the "media" that Davis is throwing Cable under the buss and Jackson is undermining Cable's authority.
That is, quite simply, JONES logic.
While even JMac claims this is never the way things are done with Davis, I simply can't remember any other way with the exception of the Jackson influence which was announced before the season started.
EVERY TIME a raider coach in the past has made a QB change, that coach has claimed that the decision ultimately rested with them.
Davis is always accused of being unable to change the way he thinks. This pretty much indicates to me that he can (viewing this off season and the current structure of the coaching staff), but the "media" and some Raider fans simply cannot.
Too funny, so Balanda is trying to twist me in with media? And now the "crew" is trying once again to say that Al doesn't make the decisions? Who cares what the press says, the "crew" always says the press are poison, yet they get their stained shorts in a bunch everytime they write something.
The only thing I take out of all of it is, Huey saying he runs it by "coach" Davis. That right there tells it all. No matter what the "crew" insinuates about it, Coach Davis is the HC. Cable answers to what Al wants no matter how much Cable tries to play " It's my decision". No it's not, they had to run it by Coach Davis and get the OK first.
Cable's job is now on the line, if Grad doesn't come through, watch for the firing soon. And then Coach Davis will appoint his next assistant that will take his orders from the REAL HC. It will probably be Huey because he already calls Al Coach.
JONES
Hard to believe Cable's neck is so long he can stick it out there far enough to replace Campbell (hand picked by Coach Davis) on his own.
Case and point: What NFL HC would continue to start a WR who could only generate 9 receptions in 11 starts? That's not even remotely fathomable.
Keeping Davis removed from this decision not only allows him to save face on Plunkett-like endorsement of Campbell, but provides an opening for firing Cable down the road if this doesn't work.
Remember, Davis threw Lane Kiffin under the bus by stating Kiffin didn't want Russell. That statement turned out to be premature, since Russell was still a bust-in-waiting.
This time round, if Grad doesn’t work, Davis can say Cable never gave Campbell a fair chance.
>>>>>
NYR:
Case and point: What NFL HC would continue to start a WR who could only generate 9 receptions in 11 starts? That's not even remotely fathomable.
>>>>
Are you referring to DHB???
If so, he looked pretty awesome to my eyes in the second half. And you are about the only person I've seen that still thinks he sucks.
Again... do you even WATCH the games? My guess is you don't and you simply come here to make knee-jerk negative reactions to whatever vibe you think there is about the Raiders.
Oh and to whine about Al.
Are you this insufferable in real life? Somehow I think you are.
Gary -
Let me rephrase that for your simpleton understanding.
What NFL head coach could ever survive starting a WR who only produced 9 receptions in 11 games, if not for the behest of his superior?
It has nothing to do with the DHB stepping up his game in 2010, which he appears to be doing; although I fall short of calling his performance “awesome,” as you have....
Angelic Raider-
I hope Cable makes it through the season. He grew up a Raiders fan and I'm sure he's giving everything he has to make this team work.
That being said I just watched the Hue Jackson interview and I really like what I saw in him, love his energy and gusto.
Hope it works out for Cable, but Hue probably will be a nice replacement.
Go Raiders
Good article in Sports Irritating about QB body language, best quote is below. Explains the energy shift between Campbell and Gradkowski. Campbell might want to consider this the next time he's considering throwing the ball intentionally into the turf in open space with no defenders near him.
"There is something called isopraxism, which is an anthropological explanation of how we pull toward the same energy," says Patti Wood, a body language expert who taught a course in the subject at Florida State and has authored seven books on nonverbal communication. "It actually explains why when the person we're with steps off the curb, we follow him or her into the crosswalk; or why at the dance, nobody wants to go on the dance floor when there's nobody out there, but as soon as it gets crowded everybody wants to go. In team sports it explains how one person, especially the leader, if he gets discouraged or gets upset or feels defeated, the entire group is affected really quickly. In fact, the research says the more powerful the person in terms of status and admiration, the faster whatever they're doing nonverbally transfers to the rest of the group."
>>>
What NFL head coach could ever survive starting a WR who only produced 9 receptions in 11 games, if not for the behest of his superior?
>>>
Pretty much every coach in the entire NFL considering the WR was picked so high.
JFC... any other softball you want knocked out of the park?
The guy suddenly looks like a STUD occasionally in both regular season and practice games... (something I would never have predicted) have you watched ANY Raiders football this season?
I have high hopes for such a guy... I know how much it will piss you off if he turns into a very good player, but I think it might happen.
The guy had one half of catching and running and Gary is reproducing the Raider press release of DHB being in the class of Cliff Branch or a Warren Wells.
It's going to take more than a half of ball to call him awesome or a stud or turn into a very good player.
You blame NYR for going by the facts that DHB has done nothing, except avg 1 catch per game and dropping balls. Gary is going off the basis that he made A good catch in preseason and a couple catch and runs in one half of ball. Then Gary pronounces that he hit the argument out of the park.....you can't reason with insane.
JONES
"The guy suddenly looks like a STUD occasionally in both regular season and practice games... (something I would never have predicted) have you watched ANY Raiders football this season?"
Gary, I don't want to dash your dreams, but DHB barely even played in pre-season. He had four receptions and was held out for over a week of practice and at least one game due to "fatigue."
I watch the games. Do you?
Meanwhile, the "STUD" is up to 16 career receptions.
I too hope he gets better. You’re misguided if you think I would root against him... but I’m also not sending him to the Pro Bowl just yet.
The basis of my previous discussion was a comparison from last year. That’s all. Don’t make something out of it that it’s not.
I have raised hopes that DHB will progress into a good WR.
What he produced in the 2nd half on Sunday (5 receptions, 74 yards, 3 1st down receptions) is a positive step in the right direction.
At the same time, it is what is expected if you are a starting WR in the NFL. If and when he shows he can produce on a regular, consistent basis, then we've got something.
Once again, the bar is set so incredibly low by some fans that if a guy produces in 1 half of football decent numbers, he is a "STUD".
1st catch - 6 yards (1st Quarter)
2nd catch - 6 yards
3rd catch - 6 yards
4th catch - 16 yards
5th catch - 33 yards
6th catch - 13 yards
Don't get me wrong ... 6 receptions, 80 yards, 3 1st downs is in fact a solid day for DHB. Just like the team stacking up wins on a regular basis, I hope DHB can stack up good outings week and week out.
>>>
Once again, the bar is set so incredibly low by some fans that if a guy produces in 1 half of football decent numbers, he is a "STUD".
>>>
IIRC he caught every ball thrown to him... what did you expect him to do? Be QB too so he could throw himself more passes?
That spin move after catch was amazing... if he hadn't slipped it would have been a TD. I don't know how long you have been watching football but that is not an usual move. That combined with the amazing catch in a practice game makes me think this guy can be a "stud".
Pointing out his 13 yard per catch average doesn't exactly persuade me differently.
Can ANY of you be optimistic about ANYTHING with the Raiders? Jesus you make being a "fan" such hard work. Guess none of this should surprise me any more.
>>>
I too hope he gets better.
>>>
Oh good gawd... if Als pick you have been pissing for the last 14 months turns out to be an elite player, what else are you going to turn for evidence Al is a senile moron? (Especially since McFadden suddenly looks like an All-Pro).
Maybe you can just keep jacking your meat to thew JaMarcus flop for the next three years or something?
You take the credibility out of posting on this site. Because Gary thinks he could be a stud, when all he has done is show a decent half of ball means absolutely SQUAT. So excuse those who hold "studs" at a higher standard.
You read like a little kid at his first ball game, but you promote yourself as being very charismatic and very savvy.
Someone without an agenda (trying to pump up DHB) will take a longer look at DHB because at this point, he hasn't done SQUAT. Still PREMATURE to call him a stud.
JONES
"if Als pick you have been pissing for the last 14 months turns out to be an elite player, what else are you going to turn for evidence Al is a senile moron?"
IF IF IF....how bout all the losing? How bout all the HC's that suck? Dmac IS FAAAARRR from showing he is a STUD, just like DHB....keep it in your pants, Gary, it's WAY too early for that yet. Reminds me of that show "Earl", the guy with the list.
JONES
Gary -
I don't know why you are getting bent out of shape about my post which was balanced and factual.
In summary, I want DHB to do well. I think he has a chance. I complimented him on a solid (but not extraordinary) day. He has produced 1 decent half in 13 games started.
This one cracks me up ...
"That spin move after catch was amazing... if he hadn't slipped it would have been a TD. I don't know how long you have been watching football but that is not an usual move."
I'm not pre-judging DHB. I'm being real with the facts at hand. BTW, I've been watching Raider football for 40 years ... how bout' you as if it matters.
Yes, it was a fine move by DHB and? No it isn't unusual for a WR to make a move on his defender and get significant YAC ... happens in every game, every season, all the time.
"Amazing", "Elite", "stud"? Give me a break. These words don't describe a player who had a decent half of football and did what he was paid very handsomely to do. Did you write the press release for DHB?
Angelic Raider-
Take: Great point about some of the non verbal things that perhaps we don't think about. Bruce just loves being upbeat and positive and yelling at guys who are out of position. Sounds a little like Gannon, well the yelling part.
I would also like to add a little of Jon Stewart's concept "Rally to Restore Sanity" to this blog. It's ok to have different view point it doesn't mean the other person an idiot.
There's probably no such thing as temperance in the Nation but could we have some tolerance. I would ask the others readers of this blog to start making posts no matter if its not ground breaking or thought provoking in order to drown out the drama that some of these posters keep going. Keeping it respectful is a lost art.
Gary -
Since when is a spin move unusual?
Do you EVER watch ANY football, at ANY level?
Gary said: "...he [DHB] caught every ball thrown to him."
FYI, DHB missed a catchable (albeit difficult) ball early in the game, so he didn't catch "everything that was thrown to him" as you state.
Gary said: "...if Als pick you have been pissing for the last 14 months turns out to be an elite player, what else are you going to turn for evidence Al is a senile moron?"
Nobody said anything about Davis being a "senile moron", but let's not pretend his current status as supreme ruler of the Raiders rests on one player. Did you already forget JaMarcus Russell?
No doubt, DHB is improved. However, it's obvious he is still tentative. But perhaps that's understandable for DHB, since he's had so much pressure placed on him in terms of draft status, money and his forced starting role.
For me, the most improved player on the team is McFadden. He seems focused and determined, and has the skills to back it up.
Angelic...that respect left a long time ago. It was set then and it hasn't changed up to now. How can you have respect for those who post propaganda that has no basis in reality? Those same posters then ridicule and mock those who actually "tell it like it is".
Until those who have been totally wrong in their assessments and who continue to post as if they are the authorities, give respect....it ain't going to change.
This is years deep, so don't hold your breath. I would gladly stop the nonsense, but the nonsensical ones will be here forever, it seems. So when in nutsville, some times you have to be a little nuts.
JONES
Just a quick hit.
I'm watching the replay a second time. I can do this since I'm not allowed back at work until middle of next week. Doctors orders.
Also, I'm going from memory, but it seems McFadden now is running with a slight forward body lean that wasn't there before. Also, slightly higher knee action.
It reminds me of another running back. I'm searching the hard drive in the back of my brain and the name Eric Dickerson pops up. I'll have to look into that.
NYRaider,
I'll have to disagree on DHB's tentativeness. If you have access to the play at the 4:00 minute mark of the third period.
He runs a quick stop route, catches the ball right at ten yards, breaks a tackle, after six yards he jukes two Ram DB's, gets almost 15 more yards and it takes four Rams to get him on the ground. Play went from the 11 to the 44.
He caught the ball coming out of his break, secured it and was very physical getting 23 yards after the catch. We wound up having to punt on that drive, but his play got us out of a deep hole. He was anything but tentative in the second half.
Now for my media gripe. There was a reporter/blogger (and I really question the reporter part), who stated on Monday that Campbell was given the quick hook because he was a black quarterback and Campbell should have been given the whole game.
Well, on Wednesday, after it came out that Hue Jackson went to Cable at half time and requested the change, this same clown came out talking about what a good call it was.
He also failed to mention in his initial Monday comments that we stuck with Jamarcus Russell for 9 games last year, which was about 9 games too long.
Sunday is a winnable road game. I'm tempted to predict a score, but I don't want to jinx anything.
Just Win Baby.
H
Angelic, have no fear for Tom Cable. Davis has only fired two coaches in his history during the season. On both occasions it was because the staff and team were in complete disruption. Shanahan was the first, who tried to get Shell fired, and Lance Kiffin was the second. By the time he was fired, Davis had no choice, and most felt he should have done it before the season started.
Cable seems to be a very unifying force for the Raiders, and manages to get everyone working together and on the same page. If the Raiders don't win this season, he will very likely be replaced - likely with Jackson.
Personally, I don't believe that Head Coach will be Cable's last job with the Raiders. I frankly think that he'll eventually wind up at the executive level because of his ability to deal with the press, the coaches, the players and the owner.
Blanda - isn't that kind of what many here said about Kiffin when he was first hired?
Many here compared Kiffin to early Davis, a young upstart who would someday take over the team.
You can't convince me that Davis didn't almost fire Cable at the end of last season. True, Cable has Raider blood in him, but does he have what it takes to keep his job? That remains to be seen.
"have no fear for Tom Cable. Davis has only fired two coaches in his history during the season."
Talk about the Kiss of Death. If Balanda is writing this, you can almost be assured the Cable will be gone soon. If Grad faulters, the O-line keeps it's swiss cheese look and Raiders keep losing, you can be certain that Al will kick him to the curb. For those who have followed this team and know it's workings, you can almost smell it. No matter how much a certain group keeps saying "there's no smell".
JONES
Notice that no one is talking to the press, only one that would, was Grad. Guess the rest of the team got word from upstairs that the press are in the bad books. Campbell said he is "not allowed to talk", other players avoided the press until they left. WTF is going on? Something tells me that it's already cracking, something is going to give. If Raiders lose badly on Sunday, I have a feeling that Cable will be toast.Just my opinion.
JONES
Maybe. But this has been kinda going on since pre-season, when Cable was offering up too much injury info to Coach Davis' liking.
Is it possible that a new directive came down after Jackson (and Cable) were sounding off about who made the decision to replace Campbell?
Now the entire team seems to be involved with this "new" directive.
Note, the Raiders are required to make a QB available to the media, so Grad's exchange is mandated by the NFL.
When you see a team "afraid" to talk to the press, something is going on. I think Coach Al is trying to get control of the team, maybe he feels it's not in his control enough? That bond that the "crew" always talked about, between Cable and Davis, well, looks like Al might be pulling on the chain, maybe he feels the bond has been broken? Kinda like the way he felt that Lance was being insubordinate?
Al doesn't want to be seen, but he wants control. When the team is giving out quotes that he doesn't like, you are right, he reels it in. We all know what happens when Al gets pissed and he might be getting pissed right about now. Heads will roll......
JONES
BREAK OUT THE PROJECTOR BOYS, Al is going to state his case. I say this, only if the Raiders lose badly on Sunday. If it's close and they perform well, he might last, if they win, he gets another week.
JONES
If Cable's job is hanging by a thread, as you imply, then I would partly attribute that to a HC safety net provided by Hue Jackson. Otherwise, it's not like Davis would have a lot of options to replace Cable.
Personally, while I may agree that Coach Davis is reeling in things a bit in terms of press coverage, I don't think Cable's job is at stake just yet... i.e., unless he’s totally gone rogue on this Gradkowski thing and Davis is pissed off because of his Campbell endorsement.
Speculation aside, winning heals all.
There are 2 ways to look at this.
One is, if the Raiders are trying everything in their power to really win, then yes, Cable might be in trouble in season.
More likely, the Raiders are only trying to maintain, "The Raider Way", whatever the hell that means these days.
That means another lightweight, such as Hue Jackson, the always begging Jim Fassel, or James Lofton are always waiting in the wings.
My bet is Cable survives the season. But if he loses 10 or more again, in comes the next lightweight.
If Cable can pull out 7 wins, he has a chance of keeping his job.
It's "The Raider Way".
In other words, the bar is low.
1. The Raiders sudenly aren't talking to the press.
This isn't sudden. It's been that way since the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
2. Cable's job is hanging by a thread.
Not sure how that is when you make a coaching decision that results in a win.
3. Hue Jackson is waiting in the wings.
Someone is always waiting in the wings. Remember when we though it was Greg Knapp or SOB and surprise, surprise it was Cable.
H
H,
My point was, why is it never Bill Cowher, or Tony Dungy waiting in the wings to be the next Raiders HC ?
Why must it always be some lightweight like Jackson, Fassel, Lofton, ect.
I know, I know. One hundred years ago, Al Davis hired unknowns, Madden & Flores.
More recently, he discovered Gruden.
Tell the truth H. Deep down, don't you think Whisenhunt will have his Cards better prepared for the game, then Cable will have his Raiders ?
And don't you get that feeling during most games the Raiders play each year ?
That the other team has the edge going in because their HC usually trumps ours ?
That's how I feel most of the time.
New take is up, spread the word!
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