Cables hints that w/o Russell, Raiders a playoff team

[cvv84]

“It’s a quarterback-driven league,” Cable said. “That’s the bottom line. When you sit back and talk about what could’ve and should’ve . . . and all that kind of thing, you drive yourself crazy.

“The fact is, we’ve had some issues there and we’ve dealt with it in the best way, we think, for our team. And other parts of this team have improved around it and gotten better.”

I asked Cable: If the Raiders had gotten average to above-average quarterback play this year, do you think you’d be competing for a playoff spot right now?

“Without even asking that question,” Cable said with a tight grin, “you know we would have.”

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami/2009/12/29/raider-clarity-cable-suggests-jamarcus-russell-messed-up-this-season/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kawakami-merc+%28Talki

Uh oh, time for a patented Al Davis letter claiming Russell is a great QB and Lane Kiffin, I mean Tom Cable is an incompentent coach.

[terribletowel39]

That is not really hinting at it, that is basically coming out and saying it.

I don't know if I agree. But what do I know, the team I root for lost to them.

[CC.SD]

Cable trying to save his job. Not a bad point but this is some terrific under-the-bus throwing going on right here.

[BandwagonPunditry]

Cable trying to save his job. Not a bad point but this is some terrific under-the-bus throwing going on right here.

Al Davis is driving, they're all going under the bus at some point. Only the fast ones escape, explains his draft strategy I suppose.

[bigbluedefense]

well yeah...duh lol.

He could use a couple of offensive linemen too.

Theyre really not that far off. A couple of run stuffers on defense and a pass rusher, and a couple of offensive linemen and theyll be decent.

They just need to draft linemen.

[FlyingElvis]

The truth is spelled out quite nicely in the article:

"Cable blames Russell, and he’s not wrong. Davis backs Russell, and will publicly blame Cable, and I don’t think Davis is terribly wrong, either.

It’s typical Raiders triple-failure: Failure of player performance, failure of coach preparation, and failure of owner oversight.

Everybody failed. For the seventh straight year, everybody did."



brb . . . off to make a "Triple Fail" image


EDIT: cheap and easy, just like I like 'em.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r39/dmc27sinned/random%20nonsense/football/raiders_triple_fail.jpg

[Shane P. Hallam]

Cable trying to save his job. Not a bad point but this is some terrific under-the-bus throwing going on right here.

I think this will lose him his job to be honest. As mentioned, Russell is Davis' guy.

[Babylon]

Maybe Seymour meant they would make the playoffs........if they had a QB.

[Addict]

I think this will lose him his job to be honest. As mentioned, Russell is Davis' guy.

Given Davis' track record with coaches who produce losing records, I think Cable already assumes his tenure is over and just wanted to get that off his chest.

That said, the statement that the Raiders are a QB away from competing with San Diego for the AFC West playoff spot seems a little far-fetched.

[WinslowBodden]

And maybe the QB play had been better if they had actually drafted a decent receiver instead of HWB... From what I saw in multiple games from the Raiders, Miller and Murphy are the only two reliable targets on that team.

[CC.SD]

And maybe the QB play had been better if they had actually drafted a decent receiver instead of HWB... From what I saw in multiple games from the Raiders, Miller and Murphy are the only two reliable targets on that team.

They're high on Schillens too.

I know what you mean Bond but even Al has to have a breaking point. Jamarcus is atrocious on the field. Not just bad. You can't just keep blaming coaches.

[EvilNixon]

He's right. The talent is there except for a key few spots.

[EvilNixon]

And maybe the QB play had been better if they had actually drafted a decent receiver instead of HWB... From what I saw in multiple games from the Raiders, Miller and Murphy are the only two reliable targets on that team.

Murphy's hands are as questionable as DHB's and Schilens is close to as bad.

[RaiderNation]

We really could have been contending if we did have Russell starting the first 8 or 9 games. You could tell right when Gradkowski came in the team believed in him, and his play showed it. When Russell or Frye are in the offence looks bad, when Grad is in the young WRs look like solid vets and the oline actually protects him. We need to cut ties with Russell, resign Grad to a 3 year deal and draft a rookie in the 3rd or 4th like Tony Pike

[Iamcanadian]

I think this will lose him his job to be honest. As mentioned, Russell is Davis' guy.

Could be right on. Cable only keeps his job by doing what Al orders. We all know that Davis ordered Cable to play Russell and Cable did until Al finally relented and allowed him to play someone else.
However, I don't think Oakland makes the playoffs with either Grad or Frye at QB, sounds like Cable is trying to sell himself so he can get a HCing shot with an owner who will allow him to do his own thing. Cannot blame him!

[Iamcanadian]

We really could have been contending if we did have Russell starting the first 8 or 9 games. You could tell right when Gradkowski came in the team believed in him, and his play showed it. When Russell or Frye are in the offence looks bad, when Grad is in the young WRs look like solid vets and the oline actually protects him. We need to cut ties with Russell, resign Grad to a 3 year deal and draft a rookie in the 3rd or 4th like Tony Pike

I think Oakland got a more than a few of their wins over teams who didn't take Oakland seriously and simply weren't up for the games. If Oakland had played better, teams would have been more motivated and then they might not even get 5 wins. Grad isn't a quality NFL starting QB and the WR corp still is still a piece of junk.

[YAYareaRB]

He ain't lyin

[Addict]

I think Oakland got a more than a few of their wins over teams who didn't take Oakland seriously and simply weren't up for the games. If Oakland had played better, teams would have been more motivated and then they might not even get 5 wins. Grad isn't a quality NFL starting QB and the WR corp still is still a piece of junk.

it's fast junk though, you gotta give them that

[CC.SD]

I think a better statement is minus Russell, plus Calvin, then yes they are a playoff team.

[EvilNixon]

I think Oakland got a more than a few of their wins over teams who didn't take Oakland seriously and simply weren't up for the games. If Oakland had played better, teams would have been more motivated and then they might not even get 5 wins. Grad isn't a quality NFL starting QB and the WR corp still is still a piece of junk.

Or they could have gotten outplayed,especially that Philly game where we physically dominated them for 4 quarters and won in spite of JaWalrus.

I'd say Gradkowski is a starting QB, Ask Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.

[BlindSite]

Look at the Raiders line up though, great running backs, great linebackers, secondary, at least acceptable defensive line, decent enough run blocking offensive line.

A few good FA signings and draft picks and a QB and they are right in the mix. Having someone who can complete a pass made a huge difference with Gradkowski.

[619]

We really could have been contending if we did have Russell starting the first 8 or 9 games. You could tell right when Gradkowski came in the team believed in him, and his play showed it. When Russell or Frye are in the offence looks bad, when Grad is in the young WRs look like solid vets and the oline actually protects him. We need to cut ties with Russell, resign Grad to a 3 year deal and draft a rookie in the 3rd or 4th like Tony Pike

This is exactly what I've been thinking, except I'd hold off from drafting a QB this year and instead opt to sign a vet to compete with Bruce.

[TACKLE]

It makes you wonder how many games they would have won if Garcia started at QB for them. I think they definitely could have been an 8 win team.

Very few teams have more impressive wins than the Raiders. Wins over Philly, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Denver. I really don't believe the Raiders are a bad team but because they get such inconsistent QB play, they are such an inconsistent team.

[PickedOffTwice]

I don't think that is too far off. I remember watching that first game of the season against san diego and, what do you know, the raiders looked like a damn solid football team. Minus the Quarterback that is. Jamarcus was missing receivers by 5 yards and more the whole game.

The team collapsed when Russel continued his atricious ways. Then they came back to life after he was benched.

So, with San Diego in that division they are no way a sure fire playoff team. But catching one or two breaks I can see them competing for a wild card spot this season without jamarcus.

[RaiderNation]

We are truely a RT,NT and RG away from being a decent team IMO. All those positions in this draft are pretty deep too.

1st Dan Williams NT Tennessee
2nd Jason Fox RT Miami
3rd Mike Johnson RG Alabama

If we had that kind of draft we could be very close, along with some solid vet signings. But with Al still in charge we might end up drafting JPP or someone in the 1st and ruining our chance to land a good player again

[EvilNixon]

We need a better MLB too,but your point got its way across.

[MichaelJordanEberle (sabf)]

I think a better statement is minus Russell, plus Calvin, then yes they are a playoff team.

Well, minus Russell and with no Calvin, they still managed to beat Denver and Pittsburgh, and at least one of them will most likely make the playoffs. They probably wouldn't be a playoff team, because San Diego is so good and Denver is pretty good as well, leaving them probably 3-3 at best in the div, but they probably could have competed for the WC spot at least.

[619]

We need a better MLB too,but your point got its way across.

I can't see how we upgrade at the position unless we draft McClain. There is likely to be slim pickings in FA. Chances are very high we resign Morrison and Howard.

[RaiderNation]

Well, minus Russell and with no Calvin, they still managed to beat Denver and Pittsburgh, and at least one of them will most likely make the playoffs. They probably wouldn't be a playoff team, because San Diego is so good and Denver is pretty good as well, leaving them probably 3-3 at best in the div, but they probably could have competed for the WC spot at least.

We competed in both games against SD, and probably should have won the opener if we didnt decide we were a passing team in the 2nd half

[EvilNixon]

I can't see how we upgrade at the position unless we draft McClain. There is likely to be slim pickings in FA. Chances are very high we resign Morrison and Howard.

I like Howard because he has at least one manageable trait,speed,but Morrison is bad at everything.

[RaiderNation]

I can't see how we upgrade at the position unless we draft McClain. There is likely to be slim pickings in FA. Chances are very high we resign Morrison and Howard.

I agree and I really dont want to draft a LB with a top 10 pick unless a few players are gone. Morrison and Howard are both starting caliber LB's.

[Xonraider]

Well, I am a Raiders fan. But to be honest we're three wins away from being in the contention.

Week 1 the Chargers came back on us on the last drive and Russell played terribly.

Then we lost to the Chiefs, then we lost to the Redskins and then we lost to Cleveland. All of those teams we should've beat and we would be fighting for the playoffs against the Ravens in week 17 (i doubt we'd beat em anyways).

[WinslowBodden]

Well, I am a Raiders fan. But to be honest we're three wins away from being in the contention.

Week 1 the Chargers came back on us on the last drive and Russell played terribly.

Then we lost to the Chiefs, then we lost to the Redskins and then we lost to Cleveland. All of those teams we should've beat and we would be fighting for the playoffs against the Ravens in week 17 (i doubt we'd beat em anyways).

I dont know how you should have beat cleveland, you're just as bad as we are... There is a reason that you lost to the CHIEFS REDSKINS AND CLEVELAND.

[619]

I dont know how you should have beat cleveland, you're just as bad as we are... There is a reason that you lost to the CHIEFS REDSKINS AND CLEVELAND.

We beat Philly, Cincy, Pitt, and Denver. You want to compare signature victories?

[Splat]

Beating Pitt this year is not all that impressive they have lost to some bad teams Chiefs,Chi,Oak and Cleveland.

[MichaelJordanEberle (sabf)]

Wow I forgot about the Raiders beating Cincy and Philly. I thought the only two impressive wins were against Pittsburgh and Denver. And Pittsburgh might not be that good this year, but they're a potential playoff team depending on how Week 17 plays out, and that's what we're talking about here. Just playoffs.

The only thing with the Raiders though is they're woefully inconsistent. It seems like one week, they play a team super tough, and sometimes even pull it out in a close one, but in the next game, they get blown out terribly. Get rid of the inconsistency, keep Jamarcus on the bench and playoffs are possible, although I wouldn't say likely.

[EvilNixon]

I dont know how you should have beat cleveland, you're just as bad as we are... There is a reason that you lost to the CHIEFS REDSKINS AND CLEVELAND.

Much better talent at skill positions and a much better secondary. Other than that,it's pretty much a wash.

[WinslowBodden]

We beat Philly, Cincy, Pitt, and Denver. You want to compare signature victories?

I never said the Browns were good...

Wanna go by stats though?

Oakland Raiders offense - 31st in league in points per game, 31st in total yards per game, only beating the browns by a whopping 5 yards per game. 2nd in league in penalties on offense.

Oakland Raiders defense - 22nd in points allowed. 27th in league in yards given up per game. 31st in league in interceptions. 25th in league in forced fumbles.

Losses of

44-7 against the Giants
23-3 against Denver
29-6 against Houston
38-0 against the Jets
24-7 against Dallas
34-13 against Washington
23-9 against Cleveland

They were outscored 215 to 45 in those games.

Close losses against the Chargers twice and the Chiefs

So how exactly are the Raiders one quarterback away from being a good team, can anyone tell me this.

[NotRickJames]

44-7 against the Giants
23-3 against Denver
29-6 against Houston
38-0 against the Jets
24-7 against Dallas
34-13 against Washington
23-9 against Cleveland

The problem with just throwing out these numbers is that it ignores the various factors that could have affected the defenses struggles. With Russell at the helm, the Raiders were three and out quite often. They weren't sustaining any drives; so of course the defense got tired out and gave up more points.

I don't know if they'd be a playoff team with Gradkowski at the helm throughout the year, but they'd definitely be competing. If they had Gradkowski against the Browns just last week, it's a win. Frye threw 3 picks in the red-zone. They also might've beaten Redskins three weeks ago. Not to mention the Chargers game and others.

Cable should give up the play-calling. He's a good HC in my opinion, but a horrendous playcaller...especially last week. Michael Bush is being grossly underused, he is 10x better than Darren McFumble is. They've got a fine secondary, two good starting corners. Huff's finally come on this year and Tyvon Branch is underrated.

It's a good team in my opinion, Russel has just merked it in the head.

[RaiderNation]

Our offence is 31st and all that because Russell was at QB over half the season

[Paranoidmoonduck]

First off, I'm not particularly sold that if Oakland had had Gradkowski under center for 16 games that Oakland would be in the playoffs. But they would've been in the hunt, to be sure.

Also, why is everyone assuming that Al Davis still backs Russell and will trash Cable? Al's been silent while Russell was kept from the starting spot by Charlie ******* Frye. Cable has been a total Davis tool from the get-go. It's how he's kept his job, and why he might keep his job after this season. Russell being benched is all Al, and I'm willing to bet Cable's comments are all Al too. Al protects his players, but this isn't 2008, Russell isn't still "promising", and Cable isn't Lane Kiffin. Russell isn't going to get a start at quarterback until he proves to Al Davis that he won't make Al look like a fool every time he drops back. Until then, he's in the shithouse.

[Bengalsrocket]

I'd say Gradkowski is a starting QB, Ask Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.

Don't ask Cincinnati. We got screwed because Andre Caldwell decided he was going to be a hero on a kick off and ended up fumbling it to you guys with 20 seconds left.

The game was tied at the point, I don't know who would have won if we had gone to overtime, but it certainly would have been much harder on the Raiders than a 33 yard field goal.

Gradkowski was good in the final 2 minutes of that game for sure. Maybe even great if you think about it. But there were 58 minutes in that game where he didn't look good.

[Xonraider]

I never said the Browns were good...

Wanna go by stats though?

Oakland Raiders offense - 31st in league in points per game, 31st in total yards per game, only beating the browns by a whopping 5 yards per game. 2nd in league in penalties on offense.

Oakland Raiders defense - 22nd in points allowed. 27th in league in yards given up per game. 31st in league in interceptions. 25th in league in forced fumbles.

Losses of

44-7 against the Giants
23-3 against Denver
29-6 against Houston
38-0 against the Jets
24-7 against Dallas
34-13 against Washington
23-9 against Cleveland

They were outscored 215 to 45 in those games.

Close losses against the Chargers twice and the Chiefs

So how exactly are the Raiders one quarterback away from being a good team, can anyone tell me this.

Well did you even see JaMarcus this season? This should answer your question.

[wogitalia]

Why Cut Russell... the way he looks these days why not send him to KFC for an offseason and move him to DT or OT, he has the size and is pretty agile for it.

[WinslowBodden]

Well did you even see JaMarcus this season? This should answer your question.

That accounts for your defense for being in the bottom third of almost every category?

Also, it accounts for the fact that you have below average receivers, a below average line, and at best average running backs?

You are far away from being a playoff team.

[FlyingElvis]

First off, I'm not particularly sold that if Oakland had had Gradkowski under center for 16 games that Oakland would be in the playoffs. But they would've been in the hunt, to be sure.

Also, why is everyone assuming that Al Davis still backs Russell and will trash Cable? Al's been silent while Russell was kept from the starting spot by Charlie ******* Frye. Cable has been a total Davis tool from the get-go. It's how he's kept his job, and why he might keep his job after this season. Russell being benched is all Al, and I'm willing to bet Cable's comments are all Al too. Al protects his players, but this isn't 2008, Russell isn't still "promising", and Cable isn't Lane Kiffin. Russell isn't going to get a start at quarterback until he proves to Al Davis that he won't make Al look like a fool every time he drops back. Until then, he's in the shithouse.

I think you're right. Let's hope so b/c it's no fun to hate on the Raiders when they're this bad. I'd love to see Al on top again before he crokes, too. Even though that may be another few centuries.

[EvilNixon]

That accounts for your defense for being in the bottom third of almost every category?

Also, it accounts for the fact that you have below average receivers, a below average line, and at best average running backs?

You are far away from being a playoff team.

When a defense is on the field for most of the game, they tend to break. The talent is there on defense.

Our entire offense looked better with Gradkowski in.

[Xonraider]

That accounts for your defense for being in the bottom third of almost every category?

Also, it accounts for the fact that you have below average receivers, a below average line, and at best average running backs?

You are far away from being a playoff team.

Well, Louis Murphy and Chaz Schilens did fine with Gradkowski. And he knew when to get rid of the ball to avoid sacks, and hits.

And I'm not saying we're a playoff team, but if we had had better QB play all the season, our record might be 2 or 3 wins better, and we'd be in the race, and probably wouldn't make it anyways.

[RealityCheck]

The Raiders are, in paper, a good team. But in the field, they suck.

That's the fact.

[tjsunstein]

So far, what I've gotten out of this thread is that the Raiders are a QB, RT, NT, RG, Reliable WR, pass rusher, HC, and owner away from being a playoff team. I don't see how they're so close with such important needs.

[Jvig43]

I think you're right. Let's hope so b/c it's no fun to hate on the Raiders when they're this bad. I'd love to see Al on top again before he crokes, too. Even though that may be another few centuries.

As Pats fans we need them to be bad for just one more season :) Just one more season......

[FlyingElvis]

As Pats fans we need them to be bad for just one more season :) Just one more season......

Which is why I hope PMD is wrong and Russell gets another shot next year. The first 8 games or so should do the trick well enough.

[619]

So far, what I've gotten out of this thread is that the Raiders are a QB, RT, NT, RG, Reliable WR, pass rusher, HC, and owner away from being a playoff team. I don't see how they're so close with such important needs.

Realistically, only the first three. We would be on the cusp of a playoff spot this season had we just had a competent QB the whole time. Not even a very good one was needed.

[Iamcanadian]

Personally, I think Oakland fans are living in a dream world if they think Grad would have meant a few more wins this year. It could just have easily led to more losses than more victories. Teams don't take Oakland seriously when they play them and that is a formula for upsets. If Oakland was a better team, the top teams would take them more seriously, be far better prepared to play them and some of their victories could have easily turned into losses.
The Eagle game is a perfect example of a top team not getting emotionally into the game because they thought the victory would be easy. Normally, if they had taken the game seriously, they crush Oakland.
Fans on losing teams are always impressed by these types of victories when in fact they measure very little about Oakland.
Oakland isn't going to be a competitive team till a real starting QB is found and their WR corp actually looks like something. No doubt Al will sign a veteran in the off season to start for Oakland at QB and might even draft a couple of WR's to improve the WR corp. This is how he has found most of his great QB's. Grad or Frye are not the answer.