After one game, the Tom Cable Raiders don't appear to be all that different from the Lane Kiffin Raiders. Actually, they might be a little bit worse, seeing as how Kiffin at least had them playing somewhat competitive football. Perhaps that's because Kiffin wasn't asking second-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell to "empty the playbook," sort of like Cable did on Sunday afternoon when the Saints bulldozed the Raiders back to Oakland.
But, hey, give the new Raiders coach some credit. He seems to have learned from his mistake and now realizes that Russell is still in a "developmental stage," and perhaps throwing the kitchen sink at him wasn't exactly the best game plan. From Raiders beat writer Jerry McDonald of the Contra Costa Times:
"We certainly put him in a lot of situations, moving him around, move the pocket, three steps, five-, seven-steps and play-action, and really kind of ran the gamut with him," Cable said. "And I think we really found out a lot about where he is. And it's obvious he's still in a stage of development. It's obvious maybe he can't handle that much. But it doesn't changJaMarcus Russell e the fact that we need to continue to throw the football and continue to find ways to get completions and throw the ball down the field."
Russell had his worst game of the season on Sunday, completing only 13 passes and tossing an interception -- and narrowly missing a few more. The Raiders offense, at this point, should be running through that three-headed monster they currently have at running back (Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush) and tight end Zach Miller. Throwing the entire playbook at Russell -- or any first year starting quarterback, for that matter -- doesn't seem like the best move, especially when the talent around him is sort of lacking.
On a somewhat related note, Cable seems to be as frustrated with his teams receivers as the previous coach was.
"Specifically who and all that I don't know that I'm ready to speak on that yet," Cable said. "But I do know this. We've got to catch the ball when it's thrown to us and we've got to run the right routes that we're supposed to and be where we need to be on time.I think he's talking to you, Javon Walker.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-13-2008 @ 10:59PM
Spoonman said...
Weird. And I would have though throwing billions at washed up, injured, or d-bag players would have made a crappy team perfect, and only Kiffin could hold them back.
Russel was a bad pick, that, let's be honest, only Al Davis would have picked, because all he has is some measurables. He is exactly what Kiffin said he would be, which is fat and lazy. Think if they had grabbed Joe Thomas, and paid a small sum, like $150 million to Garcia for a 1 year prove it deal. Someone who can make the throws and manage the game.
In the end, the Raiders are so dysfunctional, that the only players that will go there are either totally dysfunctional (Hall/Walker), or those who will go there simply for the money (Hall again). I feel bad for Cable, but he knows exactly what he was getting into, and he will likely be unemployed once January comes. Then enter another dysfunctional guy who will go there simply for the money.
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10-14-2008 @ 2:54PM
Pick said...
Spoonman -
I agree that Russell has looked worthless, but don't lay all that blame on Al Davis. As you recall, EVERYONE (incl Mel Kiper and the other "draft experts") slotted Jam ahead of all the other QBs. I was still holding out hope that we would draft the Peyton Manning (Brady Quinn), but it did not happen. The jury is still out, but Russell does not look good at all...
Let's also spread some of the blame to Robert (SUCKS SO BAD) Gallery. This CAN'T MISS PROSPECT (according to ESPN and Mel Kiper) was supposed to anchor our LT position for the next 12-15 years and he has arguably been the WORST DRAFT PICK ever made by Oakland. Gallery is just plain horrible. If he plays like Joe Thomas or D'Brick (NYJ), then half of the QB pressures and all of the 3rd and Extra Longs (due to #76 false start or holding) facing Jam would be reduced.
I watch how awesome Joe Thomas (Browns) and Matt Ryan (Falcons) look already and wonder why us...
Remember: Jam and Gallery were both RATED #1 in their respective drafts by the Media.. This same group of idiots crushed Al Davis during the Draft when he selected Nnamdi Asomugha from Cal in the 1st round. I guess that makes 3x in the last few years that these so called Experts have missed by a f'in mile....
And, don't even get me started on the Invisible Man - Javon Walker...
10-14-2008 @ 9:39AM
Robert H said...
I'll say it again. There is two ways to get fired by Al Davis. Do it Al's way. It never works he fires you. Do it your way. It may or may not work. It doesn't matter. Al fires you for bucking him. In my opinion John Gruden and Lane Kiffin did it there way. Turner and Shell did it Al's way. It appears Tom Cable is trying to thread the needle. Notice he said, "It's obvious Jamarcus is still in a development phase." Well Tom. It's obvious to us and to you....but, if it isn't obvious to Al.....you'll be fired.....and soon.
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10-14-2008 @ 10:48AM
ken E said...
Russell was at best a third roung QB. He was VERY over rated and more than likely will never live up to his or anyone else's expectations. If he had sat on the bench for another year or two and learned how to play at this level he might have made it. Right now he is a big BUST
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10-18-2008 @ 10:00AM
KingD said...
Seriously guys... You may be coming down a little hard on a QB who doesn't have a #1 receiver to throw to. Walker... Lelie... Curry... No disrespect, but these are #2 receivers at best. Al's got to go out there and get him a #1 receiver. Al should have picked up Roy Williams instead of letting him go to Dallas. Or Boldin when those rumors were abound. Give Russell some tools then judge the man.
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