12-02-10 4:31 pm pac

                
Photo George Nitkin / AP                                                                                 WR Chaz Schilens 

The following is a transcript of Raider Head Coach Tom Cable's Wednesday meeting with Bay Area media.

Cable: Chaz Schilens practiced in a limited role, see if he can do a little bit more tomorrow. Zach Miller practiced limited, Bruce Gradkowski did not, Richard Seymour practiced limited, Asomugha, Branch and Chris Johnson did not practice.

Q: Which of those are most likely to play?

Cable: I would say Branch and then Asomugha, both of those guys.

Q: Asomugha went for second MRI, did it prove OK?

Cable::It’s just sore.

Q: Thoughts on Ford being AFC Special teams player of the month?

Cable: I just heard that. That’s a tremendous deal for our team. Obviously he has made a couple of big plays but he’s growing and he’s showing up more and more with each game. Hopefully we can do it again in December.

Q: Might he return punts at some point?

Cable: It’s something that we worked on at camp. I think that maybe that will be in his future but not right now.

Q: : Difference between a punt returner and kickoff returner?

Cable: :It’s the ball. The mentality’s the same but it’s a much different football that’s coming down. One’s turning over and spiraling and it matters whether it’s a right-footed or left-footed kicker, how the ball moves right to left and left to right, where kickoffs are end over end and pretty much sail.

Q: Is Jacoby currently a starter?

Cable: Based on our health at that position, yes.

Q: So you expect him to be out there this week, or do you have to wait until the corpse wakes up and tells you what to do?

Cable: Just depends on the health at that position.

Q: Is Darrius still struggling . . .

Cable: Actually he looked good today. Practiced the whole practice, looked very good, caught a lot of balls, a lot of tough balls today. It’s good to see him back.

Q: There was an issue vs. Miami with his health?

Cable: A little bit. He was tight and sore before the game.

Q: Could Chaz play this week?

Cable: Let’s see what tomorrow brings before we go down that path. But I just talked to him after practice and he said he felt really good, so that’s a real positive.

Q: Thomas Howard reinserted himself back in the, um, defense?

Cable: I think we’re getting there. I think he showed up the other day when Kamerion got the cut in his hand and had to go in there and play some snaps and did a really good job. So I think, A, he’s back healthy and B, if he’s needed I think he’s ready to go.

Q: Do you see him as a strong side or weak side player?

Cable: I think really they’re kind of inner-changeable. So you would say, both ways.

Q: On the other side, Goethel is playing more often now, is in the mix also?

Cable: You know, it’s been about 50-50. But yes, he’s playing more because obviously he wasn’t in there for quite some time. But I think those two guys are splitting time and he’s doing some good things and we’ll just take that as it goes.

Q: How did Shaughnessy show up with the additional work with Trevor Scott out?

Cable: There’s an issue there in terms of getting the right rotation now because of really only having the two. We’ll see what we can get done with Jarvis Moss this week in terms of preparation, if we ca get him as part of that rotation.

Q: How much did Shaughnessy play?

Cable: A ton. I don’t have the snaps right off the top of my head but it was quite a bit.

Q: Speaking of the rotation, will any of these guys play end and tackle?

Cable: You know, the one guy that can do that is Desmond Bryant. He can play inside and then move outside to spell you. But I would say, maybe in nickel, you might see Lamarr Houston go inside. We’ve done that a little bit. But really, to answer your question, no, I don’t see those guys moving in there very much.

Q: What went into decision to screw Wags’ boy Nick Miller by making him inactive, fair catch on the 4, perhaps?

Cable: Numbers. You only get 45, plus your 3rd quarterback and we’re only going to dress four receivers, at least at this point.

Q: Is Bruce healthy enough to be your 3rd QB?

Cable: We’ll see about that. He is sore, no worse for wear in terms of the damage from before. But if he took another shot, we’ll have to see how this goes.

Q: If he’s not, are you comfortable two quarterbacks or would you look for a third quarterback?

Cable: Well I think that’s something that will have to be sat down and discussed, you know? And we’ll know that here pretty quick on that, I’m sure.

Q: Are you optimistic he’ll be healthy by end of season?

Cable: Potentially. I mean, they’re telling me it’s a week or two now, so, um, you’re talking about five weeks from now. Maybe.

Q: Jason is the starter this weekend?

Cable: He is.

Q: Your thoughts on playing the Chargers at their place?

Cable: I’m excited. We’re all excited. It is what it is. It’s Oakland and San Diego. We’re playing in the division. You have a chance to win another division game against a very good team, a hot team right now, but we’re excited about this challenge.

Q: How does the injury to Gates affect what they like to do on offense?

Cable: You know, when he was playing so well early in the year, it’s pretty easy to see. A lot of things were going through him and to him, and all it’s done is really make Phillip kind of spread the ball around a little more.

Q: Are they tougher to defend because Rivers has been forced to spread it around so much because of injuries?

Cable: Yeah, I don’t know if they’re tougher to defend. I mean, I think Antonio is such a quality, quality player. He’s proven he can take over games, he’s tough to matchup in the red zone, tough on third down, and so even though you know there’s probably a good chance he’s probably gonna’ get it, you still have to defend him.

Q: Will Huff have the matchup with Gates?

Cable: : It could be Huff or Branch, either one, yeah. It could be Mike Mitchell as well.

Q: Who is the nickel if Chris Johnson can’t play?

Cable: You know, we’ll have to decide that here in the next few days.

Q:How has Walter McFadden bounced back this week after the rough game against Miami?

Cable: Very good today. Very good. You know, he’s hungry to get going again, and that’s really, as I’ve said, we just really need to get back to being who we are.

Q: Some of the players have admitted that they came out flat — no intensity — against the Dolphins. Does that concern you?

Cable: Sure it does. I think that when you’re playing for something, the excitement of what you’re playing for, I think handles that. We started off the game in fine fashion, but I really felt like from the third series on we weren’t getting much done. We kind of traded with them a little bit, but that’s not good enough when you have a chance to take over a game and we didn’t. We got taken over.

Q: Have you addressed the team about that?

Cable: Absolutely.

Q: Chargers have great numbers in November and December — Besides talent, why?

Cable:: I really think it’s, you know, you’ve got a veteran team that really has been there and done it. I think they understand what it takes and how you have to be down the stretch, you know a coaching staff who’s been there and done it. So I think the combination of the two, a very mature team that knows how to handle themselves.

11-26-10 10:10 am pac

                                                                                   RB Darren McFadden
 

Fans were dissapointed last week when Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson dialed back the Raider O and took a far too conservative approach against Pitt.

Its hoped Jackson will "cut it loose" against Miami's 7th ranked defense.

The Phins are 4th against the pass with the help of Cameron Wake who leads the team with 9.5 sacks.

Miami is 19th against the run and have been showing signs of weakness in their last two games, giving up 117 yds to Titans phenom Chris Johnson and 97 to the Bears Matt Forte.

The Raiders uber conservative ground game ground to a halt last week against the Steelers but had success with the Wild Hog in their win over Kansas City and has broken nice looking reverses to Darrius Heyward Bey and other wides for big yards.

After their sudden production Jackson admitted afterward to asking his 1st round draft picks what plays they were comfortable running in College.

RB Darren McFadden torched the SEC with the Razor backs and a Wild Cat system knownas "The Wild Hog" designed to showcase his skills. Bey had a penchant for breaking reverses at Maryland with his blazing speed.

Jackson and the Raiders will need to use more of this magic to crack the Dolphin D.

Miami has some offensive fire power too and are responsible for bringing the Wild Cat offense to the NFL.

Look for Miami to get back to pounding the rock against the Raiders, something they've gotten away from due to injury and game circumstance.

The Dolphins Ricky Brown and Ricky Williams are good running backs but haven't seen the ball much in Miami's last two games.

Ricky Brown ran for 45 yds on 6 carries in the 1st quarter of their game against Baltimore, but since Dolphin RBs have only carried the ball 35 times for 101 yds.

That should change especially if QB Chad Henne is back from a knee injury.

Henne practiced today but with a brace on his knee.

He could be an immobile target, so limting his throws would be preferable for Miami.

Coach Tony Sporano refuses to say whether Henne will take the field against Oaklands withering pass rush.

If he does, the Raiders should bring the heat.

Henne may return but if not, 3rd string QB Tyler Thigpen could get the nod again after completing 17 of 29 for 187 yds and a pick against the Bears last week end.

Thigpen's a recent acquisition from KC brought on after both of Miami's starting QBs went down with injuries.

Whoever is under Center on Sunday hopes starting Left Tackle and former 1st round draft pick Jake Long is up to par.

He played against Chicago in a harness protecting his injured shoulder.

When and if they do get the ball off Miami's QBs will need to watch out for CB Nnamdi Asomugha who should be back from an ankle sprain for Sundays home game.

Fellow CB Chris Johnson is out with a groin injury but he's been struggling since pre season.

For the first time Oakland is hesitant to automatically plug in rookie Jeremey Ware like they've done earlier this year.

Ware was burned by Big Ben and the Steelers last Sunday.

The Raiders may use FS Michael Huff as a CB on some plays, something they did when Asomugha was out.

Defensive End Matt Shaughnessy will likely see more playing time with LB/DE Trevor Scott out with an ACL injury.

Shaughnessy has been tremendous this year setting the edge in the run game and rushing the passer.

The extra reps could do him good but who will spell him could be a cause for concern.

Oakland picked up DE Jarvis Moss off the waiver wire after the former 1st round draft pick was dumped by the Broncos but Coach Cable said Moss might not even be activated for the game.

If he's not LB Bruce Davis will see time on the field.

Davis bounced from team to team trying to make their practice squads before Oakland signed him from the 49ers on October 6th.

LB Quentin Groves could get reps back at DE too, a position he played unsuccessfully for the Jaguars.

This would be too bad since Groves is finally starting to show some signs of life at LB.

If Groves moves to DE on some plays that could mean rookie Travis Goethel will see more reps at Weak Side Line Backer.

Goethel was burned by Steeler Tight Ends last Sunday in limted action.

The Raiders will need to play solid, consistently disciplined defense against the Dolphin's offense especially in Wild Cat formations.

Even if Henne doesn't play and with Pro Bowl caliber WR Brandon Marshall looking like he'll be out, Miami's offense, with or without the Wild Cat, is still a threat.

On offense Oakland will have to shake off the shakles and "cut it loose" against Miami in order to eat up the clock and score touchdowns to help their D.

11-25-10 11:54 am pac      
                                                                               WR Darrius Heyward Bey

The following is a transcript of Coach Tom Cable's Wednesday post practice media session. 

Cable: OK, injury update, Heyward-Bey practiced limited. Schilens did not practice. Gallery practiced limited, he’s got a leg contusion, nothing serious. Zach Miller practiced limited. Trevor Scott was played on injured reserve today. We signed Jarvis Moss in his place. Nnamdi Asomugha practiced limited. Tyvon Branch practiced limited, he’s got a sore shoulder, nothing serious. Hiram Eugene has got a stinger in the game, nothing serious, practiced limited. And Chris Johnson did not practice.

Q: Last week good and bad with Chaz, what happened Friday?

Cable: The foot got sore again. So we’re kind of going back and forth between the two issues. One being the foot, originally, and then the knee, and now it’s back to the foot. It is a bit of a setback, we’ll just have to see how much and how long.

Q: How is he holding up?

Cable: It’s tough for him. He’s one of those guys he wears his emotions on his sleeve and it’s very important to him and all that and it’s very frustrating right now, obviously.

Q: What are the chances of Nnamdi being able to play this week?

Cable: Good. He’s good.

Q: Did you think he was going to go vs. Pittsburgh ?

Cable: Well, I was hoping he would, but he was not able to just cut it loose and go a hundred percent, and when we worked him out Sunday it was really the same thing. You can’t put a guy in a position like that, but he’s much better today and practiced well and I think he’s fine.

Q: Severity of Chris Johnson’s injury?

Cable: It’s a groin strain, so those are kind of touch and go, they tend not to linger too long but he was pretty sore this morning so it was better to not practice him.

Q: Was this kind of a day where you wouldn’t want to practice him, cold, etc.

Cable: Maybe not, with the temperatures and all that.

Q: What’s the word on Jarvis Moss?

Cable: He practiced today. Obviously he has some pass rush ability that’s pretty apparent. Kind of a tall, lanky kid, with some NFL background, so we’ll see how fast we can incorporate him if it’s possible, in terms of this week being short with him just getting here but we’ll see what happens down the road.

Q: A lot more work Shaughnessy if Moss isn’t ready?

Cable: I think we’re pretty fortunate that we’ve got some guys here in Bruce Davis that I think is a viable solution, as well as Jarvis, again, just got to find out what he’s capable of what he can bring to the table.

Q: How many snaps was Shaughnessy getting?

Cable: I would say he’s probably in that 40-plus range.

Q:Would he stay in that 40 play range or have to play more?

Cable: No, I think they’re all going to have to play a little more just because of the situation until we can settle on who we feel like can give us some help.

Q: Any thought of having Seymour play end?

Cable: No. I don’t think so.

Q: You mentioned Davis … would he play end or would he go to OLB and Groves to DE?

Cable: We’re going to look at both, yeah.

Q: Your thoughts on the Dolphins?

Cable: It’s a good team, a fine defense. I talked to the team today, you know, you have to work hard when you play them because they play extremely hard. You can see Mike Nolan’s signature all over it. Very physical, run to the ball, very sound, lot of pressure. Offensively they have some issues with their quarterback obviously but it looks like their offensive line is going to be healthy and back intact. They have the ability to run the football very well, and then they’ve got three receivers. You just don’t know the health of Brandon Marshall.

Q: How did Scott get hurt?

Cable: He just took a shot and the knee shifted covering a punt.

Q: How big of a loss is losing him?

Cable: I think it’s huge. We’ve been fortunate to not lose too many guys like this. I think this is a big loss but somebody’s going to have to step up. He does do a lot for our football team, playing in base defense as well as third down and (on) a number of special teams. He’s right up there making tackles on special teams with the leaders. Big loss but we’re going to have to rally.

Q: His sack numbers are down but is he applying a lot of pressure?

Cable: If you look, those other guys, they’ve enjoyed that luxury. His tempo, his effort to the quarterback has pushed that quarterback to a lot of sacks with the other guys. They’ve benefited from Trevor’s effort, no question.

Q: Your run game, was it just Pittsburgh, was it you . . .

Cable: The answer to all of that is a yes. We have to do a better job of doing what we do and being a little stubborn with it, not too much but a little more. And as I said, you have to give them credit, they played very well. But we’re better than that and we’re disappointed in that kind of effort.

Q: Any concern of overlooking Dolphins after Steelers?

Cable: It’s about us, not about anybody else. That’s our focus and today they showed me they got it. I feel good about where we’re going. Miami is a good team. They have too many good players on that team to doubt this or doubt that, or question anything. It’s about us.

Q: Where did Cameron Wake come from?

Cable: He played at Penn State and then went up to Canada and really made a name for himself. He’s not been a secret once he got to the NFL. He’s been here two years. He’s very much a dynamic guy.

Q: He will be over Veldheer?

Cable: Both. Both sides.

Q: How much will Veldheer benefit from having to go against Harrison and struggling a little bit?

Cable: A great deal. I think that part of, when you’re put in a situation like that, part of growth is failure. I obviously don’t want the quarterback sacked – that’s not kind of failure I am talking about, that’s the extreme end of it – but he’ll learn from it because that’s who he is. Those guys, it’s that old saying: Iron sharpens iron. Those guys definitely know how to bring it, definitely have been through the battles, definitely have been in and won the Super Bowl. So you get something great if you pay attention to it, a great lesson to take from it, and there’s no question he will He will.

Q: Is Wake a speed, high intensity type rusher?

Cable: Yeah, he can go speed to power on you. Very good run player. I think it’s a lot of what we just came from, but maybe more speed.

Q: Does it matter who plays QB for them, or is it all about stopping the run?

Cable: Yeah, I think you gotta get after the running game. They’ve got really good runners and their offensive line is getting healthy it looks like, with the center coming back, Incognito moving back to guard where he’s comfortable and Long kind of getting through the shoulder issue. That’s a good line. So, you gotta get after the run game. That’s what they do. And yet they have three outstanding receivers and also a good tight end.

Q: They’re not using Wildcat anymore. Do you still keep it in back of your mind?

Cable: You prepare for it, there’s no question. That would be a stone, that if you left it unturned, it would probably get you.

11-22-10 8:20 am pac

Photo Keith Srakocic / AP                                                                             DT Richard Seymour

Oakland suffered a set back at Heinz field looking more like the Raiders of old rather than the resurgent bunch that won 3 in row before the bye.

Even with the unexpectedly generous refs (Pittsburgh was flagged a record 14 times for 163 yds) the Raiders were unable to mount any kind of offense, producing just 68 yds on 18 carries running the ball.

Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson went ultra conservative against the Steelers which played to their strength, allowing them to simply line up, play smash mouth and dominate the Raiders.

Gone were the reverses, flea flickers and Wild Hog formations.

In Jackson's defense the Raiders had stated before the game field position would dictate wether some of these plays and or formations would  be called.

Thanks to poor play in the return game, combined with the offenses anemic play, the Raiders started too many of its limited drives deep in its own territory, starting 14 drives inside the 20 and none beyond the 28.

Raider WR's failed to make plays when they needed to.

Rookie WR Jacoby Ford was unable to haul in a long bomb that might've changed the tone before the game got out of control and WR Louis Murphy, back from a lung injury, looked unpolished and unaware dropping passes and forgetting drag his feet on a tight sideline route.

TE Zach Miller even got in on the act with uncharacteristic drops.

QB Jason Campbell was rushed and harrassed all day but thats not an excuse for how poorly he played. Despite terrible play agaisnt the Chiefs and the Steelers Cable says Campbell is the starter this Sunday against the Dolphins when they come to town.

Campbell had his bacon saved by Ford two weeks ago when the Raiders beat the Chiefs.

Ford snatched the ball away from defenders, made diving catches and found a way to reel in some pretty awful Campbell passes.

In the KC game prior to Ford's heroics, Campbell looked pretty much the same as he did against Pitt and finished 7 of 19 for 70 yds and a pick.

He had another pick that went for six called back on a BS flag by the refs for roughing that went in Oaklands favor.

One of the big headlines of course will be Richard Seymour exacting a pound of flesh on Steelers QB Ben Rothlisberger, whose ill advised taunting of Seymour got him a straight right to the jaw and an unexpected impact with the turf.

It got Seymour a $25,000 fine from the League, but no suspension.

As for a motive, Steeler Guard Chris Kemoeatu let slip this little quip post game.

“We had to give it everything we got, whether it was eye-gouging or spitting on each other. A lot of that was going on this game. It’s uncalled for, but in the heat of battle, it happens,”

Kemoeatu said he and Seymour had been going at it prior to the ejection "exchanging words and punches the whole game, but if he had something personal with me, he should have taken it out on me, not Ben.”

Seymour will be fined and maybe even face suspension but like the aptly named "Pop" says in Burt Reynold's awesome 1974 football movie "The Longest Yard" sometimes smashing someone in the teeth who richly deserves it, is worth it.

Still Seymour says he felt bad.

"Well, first of all, I thought I let my teammates down,” Seymour said.

“You never want to do anything to hurt the team. That’s first and foremost. It was a lot of ongoing (stuff) and you’re just out there to protect yourselv. It’s still no excuse. I’m not sure exactly what happened on the play. I just turned around, and he ran up on me quick. It was just a natural reaction."

Oakland lost its best defender on the infraction when Seymour was ejected from the game but it didn't seem to matter much.

Oaklands defense couldn't even muster enough to beat the Steelers patch work and banged up O line.

Through out the game the Steelers scrambled to replace linemen from their already depleted stock.

60% of their O line was out and injured before the game even started and they lost two more players during the game including starting Center Maurkice Pouncey, Kemoeatu and back up left tackle Jonathan Scott who was already filling for Max Stark who is on IR.

The Raiders should've dominated over the scrubs on the field with or without Seymour and simply did not.

Oakland lost DE/LB Trevor Scott to a possible ACL injury. It could be season ending and while we feel bad for Scott, he hasn't exactly been lighting things up of late.

Rookie Travis Goethel filled in for him and Oakland paid for it especially in the passing game.

The Raiders were high on Goethel in pre season even keeping back surgery a secret until recently.

He'll need to step up considerably.

CB Chris Johnson was pulled from the game with a groin injury and rookie 7th round draft pick Jeremy Ware tried to fill for him but also cost the Raiders.

The good news if Johnson is out, Nnamdi Asomugha should be back in time for a Miami team missing both of its starting QBs.

Oakland got beat by the Steelers but its conservative, smash motuh game plan played a part.

They'll need to return to mixing it up against Miami. 

11-20-10 2:22 pm pac               
Photo Jose Marcio Sanchez / AP                                                                          TD Khalif Barnes 

Passes to tackle eligible lineman Khalif Barnes, reverses, the half back pass, the Wild Hog, Hue Jackson's brought the kitchen sink to the Raiders offensive package but we may see a more conversative game plan against Pittsburgh's vaunted D.

Oakland may line up and try to run the Steelers over and theres a good chance they can do it but odds are we'll see a mix of power and finesse, just the way Al Davis likes it.

Either way, we believe Oaklands offensive line will be able to control the line of scrimmage against the Steelers 3-4 D.

Granted, Raider Center Samsons Satele struggles against 3-4 Nose Tackles like Pittsburgh's Casey Hampton in the zero technique but really, who doesn't?

Its Pittsburgh's myriad blitz packages that cause trouble for most offenses and Oakland has struggled against these.

They had the added benefit of a bye week to study up and several Raiders took home work with them on their break up to and including Oakland offensive linemen.

They have gotten much better of late and part of that is the play of rookie Left Tackle Jared Veldheer.

What an amazing find by the Raider scouting department and Mr. Davis.

Pretty sure they're are some NFL scouts who didn't even know where Division II Hillsdale college was.

As well as Veldheer is playing he'll need help from QB Jason Campbell who will need to find his rythym quickly and get rid of the ball at the top of his 3 step drop. If he doesn't, we may see Bruce Gradkowski and he'll need to execute a quicker release.

Thats part of the way Tom Brady and the Patriots beat them last week end and thats the way Oakland beat them in them before.

Rich Gannon had a record setting night against Pittsburgh on September 15th 2002 by completing 43 of 64 passes for 403 yds in a 30-17 win.

Even though it was years ago its still relevant because Pittsburgh is still playing basically the same defensive scheme.

What most people don't remember from that game is that the Raiders defense forced 5 turn overs including 4 fumble recoveries.

Oaklands defense will need to play like they have been of late. Disciplined, stout at the point of attack and to the whistle.

If they can play heads up aggressive defense and strip the ball, they can give their offense and special teams a shot to win the game.

11-18-10 8:18 pm pac              

Photo / Getty Images                                                                                           WR Louis Murphy
 

The following is a transcription of Raider Head Coach Tom Cable's post practice media session for 11-18-10. 

Cable: All right, Heyward-Bey, he’s limited today. Schilens did not practice, again. Zach Miller did more, still limited. Henderson did more, still limited. And Asomugha did more, but still limited. But all three of those guys, I think, are on track.

Q: Is it conceivable that Henderson, after missing all that time, could play?

Cable: Yes.

Q: What would his return do not only for confidence, but for stopping the run?

Cable: Well, you know, it does elevate our confidence that way because he’s a good run player, always has been, and it certainly would give us an opportunity to give Tommy and Richard a little bit of a spell in there once in a while.

Q: Would he have more to give and be more fresh, having missed seven games?

Cable: I actually look at it that way. I think you’re getting a fresh body that has conditioned quite a bit now for a couple of weeks. Hasn’t been in a game in a while, obviously, but seems to be able to go in there and through a couple plays in a row in practice and looks very good. So, excited. And definitely a fresh body, not beat up.

Q: Nnamdi and Zach’s progress, are you encouraged?

Cable: Yes.

Cable: Think they’ll play?

Cable: I’m very encouraged right now. Tomorrow I think we’ll probably have a pretty good idea.

Q: How much did Heyward-Bey do?

Cable: Probably about a third of the practice.

Q: His bounce-back tomorrow determine if he could play?

Cable: Definitely. We’ll see what it feels like in the morning when he comes in for treatment and everything. He seemed to get through it all right, but we’ll see in the morning.

Q: Why are the Steelers so hard to run against?

Cable: They’ve got a scheme that they all understand. They’ve been playing it for a lot of years, and then you’ve got really good players. I think you’ve got a defensive coordinator that’s seen every run system under the sun and has a plan about how you stop people from running the football. But there are some things I think we understand about them that hopefully will help us.

Q: Does their reputation and the fact they’ve been fined for helmet-to-helmet hits even enter into the equation when you’re game-planning or thinking about them?

Cable: Not at all.

Q: How has Bruce handled everything, especially this week now that he’s fully healthy?

Cable: I’ve been impressed by how he has handled it. He’s truly been a pro about the whole thing. I’ve talked to both of them individually, and he understands this is where we’re at as a football team and he understands he has a role now on that team, and he’s ready to go.

Q: Now that Bruce is healthy, does Jason have a shorter rope? Do you look at it that way?

Cable: No, I really don’t. To make the decision like I did with the fact that we’ve had the success that we’ve had lately, he’s earned that. And I think when someone earns something, they deserve to go out there and give it everything they’ve got. And if things don’t go right or whatever happens, we have an answer to go to.

Q: Have you looked at the weather report for Pittsburgh?

Cable: It’s going to be nice.

Q: You guys seem to handle the weather well …

Cable: We talked about it before but it’s going to be somewhere in the 50s and sunny. So it’s going to be a pretty nice day. The weather doesn’t matter. We don’t live in the cold like that. We were actually talking about it today when we went through our walkthrough. Last year we got snowed on on Saturday. It was like, no big deal. And then the game was cool, or chilly. It doesn’t matter. We’ve got to play in it anyway.”

Q: How is condition of that field, looks pretty beat up?

Cable: I think just with the amount of work that’s on it with the two teams playing on it like they do it’s just going to be that way, and we’re OK with it.

Q: End of walkthrough had meeting with 12 players is that a leadership council, do you have a message for them to carry to rest of the team?

Cable: It’s both. It’s a group I communicate with, and they communicate with me. It is a team council and that’s their purpose and they’ve been chosen and given that responsibility.

Q: Chosen by teammates or chosen by coaches?

Cable: By me.

Q: How nice is it as a coach to have Shane and Seabass in a game like this . . .

Cable: I think there’s confidence for sure. I think this game is going to be about field position. I don’t think there’s any question about that. But it’s a nice luxury, I’ve said this before, to have two guys, who have proven themselves time and time again. They’re just as excited as anyone else on this team to go play in a big game and go have an effect on it.

Q: Never know how game will play out, lots of yards, TDs late last year, can you see a scenario playing the Steelers where some offensive possessions a punt is a good possession?

Cable: Sure. That was kind of the thought last year, even. And as the game got to a point where you really kind of had to go that route of having to throw it around and all that. But prior to that if you really remember the game and look at it it was about kind of play it to the vest and take care of the ball in terms of the field position and how aggressive you can or can’t be.

Q: Kind of cool having the Raiders-Steelers game mean something once again?

Cable: This is awesome. This is awesome. This is what we’ve earned the right to be in games like this now, so that’s the way we approach it. It’s exciting to go play them, and they’re very good. They had a year where they came down a little bit after the Super Bowl, but they’re a very good team again. And we feel like we’re getting better, so it’s another great test for us.

Q: What do you recall about the old-time Raiders-Steelers games in the 70s?

Cable: Just how physical they were. The thing that you remember about those teams playing is, they just beat the tar out of each other. There’s no other way to look at it. Both teams were really good on the line of scrimmage, both teams had good receivers and good running backs. You just remember somebody would make a play, but the rest of the game just seemed like an old-fashioned street fight, and that’s what you remember.”

Q: Any significance to your team being more physical at the point of attack and the last three teams you beat losing their next game?

Cable: We’re becoming that, and that’s what kind of our mantra is, to work hard, get better every week and try to become as physical a football team as we can. You only do that by growing each week. We have imposed our will a little bit on some people, and we’re continuing to try to learn how to do that and get better at it.

Q: Is this the ultimate challenge in that regard, facing a Steelers team that has the same qualities?

Cable:There’s no question. When we talked about it, what we think the keys are to succeeding on Sunday, it would take a great physical effort by our team?

Q: How do you develop physicality, is it teaching or getting physical guys?

Cable : I think it’s a little bit of both. It’s something that we’ve worked on a lot. When I got here in ‘07 it was trying to change the mentality of how to run the football. I think we’ve grown that way. This year we’re having some success and had big games doing it. As you get down the stretch here it will be about who can do it consistently, who can get the ugly three and four yard runs consistently. That will be what it takes to succeed.

Q: What did you mean by change mentality of running the ball?

Cable: I think when I got here they were last in rushing or 31st and that first year we went to sixth. So I think just an identity about running the ball and how hard it is and what it takes to work at running the football. That was achieved right away. To understand it. Running the ball doesn’t happen by accident. You have to block people and you have to run hard. We’ve been able to take that and take it to another level.

11-18-10 3:59 pm pac               
Photo Greg Shamus / AP                                                                                  QB Bruce Gradkowski 

Nnamdi. Zach Miller and Big John Henderson were all in attendance as was WR Darrius Heyward Bey who sat yesterday with a hamstring issue.

How much each of them worked after the meida window is unknown but Defensive Coordinator John Marshall said this about Nnamdi.

“He worked yesterday. Limited, but he worked. And he is going to work today, That’s a as-the-week-goes-on kind of decision.”

Injured QB Bruce Gradkowski will likely be listed as the #2 QB going into Pittsburgh, the site of his greatest professional triumph.

Last year Gradkowski was 20 of 33 for 308 yds and led an 88 yd TD drive with under 2 minutes to play and no time outs.

It was Gradkowski's third touchdown of the 4th quarter.

Bruce Almighty's AC strain looks to be for the most part, healed yet he seems to understand the decision to stay with Campbell as the #1 QB though he'd like to be the one starting on Sunday.

“It’s tough because you always want to play, especially in the big games, and this is a big game for us,” Gradkowski said Thursday. “We’re playing a good football team and you want to be a part of that. But it fell at the wrong time. But the thing I think about is it will be even sweeter and we’re playing for the AFC championship and I’m starting going into that. I’ll be prepared to play.”

Gradkowski may be looking ahead but he hasn't forgotten what really matters.

In fact, 2 days before his triumphant Pittsburgh win Gradkowski took his offensive linemen to his parents' house on Peermont Avenue in Dormont for a home-cooked meal. At some point in the evening, Gradkowski broke away from the fun and fabulous food to visit one of his parents' neighbors. Dominic D'Eramo, then 38 and a father of two young children, had been diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer in August. Doctors gave him a year or two to live.

11-17-10 7:10 pm pac        
                                                                                                                 TE Zach Miller

The following is a transcript of Coach Tom Cable's post practice press conference after Wednesdays practice. 

 Cable: Heyward-Bey did not practice, he strained a hamstring last Tuesday at practice Schilens did not practice Zach Miller practiced limited, John Henderson practiced limited, as did Nnamdi Asomugha

Q: How much work did those three do?

Cable: It was a decent amount; hopefully it will be more Thursday, We want to kind of put them so through some things today and see how they feel Thursday. If they feel like they did at the end of practice, we’re probably going to get more and more out of them

Q: That sounds encouraging …

Cable: Very.

Q: Could you rank those three, who is the farthest from coming back?

Cable: Not really. I think they’re all about the same. They’re doing well

Q: How serious is Heyward-Bey’s injury?

Cable: It’s just sore. It’s a real slight strain, not real serious, but it’s one of those things where if you push it too much too quick, it could become serious.

Q: Did Schilens have a setback?

Cable: It’s not so much a setback, it’s responded really well when we’re on the field running straight ahead; it’s just a matter of being able to cut and coming in and out of cuts. Still not very smooth yet.

Q: What has been the impact of Hue Jackson?

Cable: He has been a big lift for us in that we’ve taken some stuff he brought from Baltimore and his past at Cincinnati and put it with what was here and he’s done a nice job meshing the whole thing together.Some of the specific things, a little more gap scheme in terms of running the football and I think his idea of throwing the ball down the field bodes well for what we’re trying to do. A lot of it is play-action. It’s been a real good fit that way.

Q: Roethlisberger very good when flushed out of the pocket, what’s the best way to defend him?

Cable: I think you have to keep him in the pocket. We’re very aware that one, escapeability, he may be as good as there is. Outside the pocket, he’s dramatically, to another level, dramatically better than most. So you want to squeeze him from all angles, whether it’s with pressure or with a four-man rush. The biggest thing is if you get your hands on him is to wrap him up. I think that’s the biggest thing. That’s the biggest thing. Very good at getting out of sacks and potential traffic. And then you stay in coverage on the back end, because that’s where he does a really good job is escaping and throwing the ball down the field.

Q: How much more difficult in that you play man, whereas on zone team might be looking at him, but in man guys can’t see him or what he’s doing?

Cable: I think as long as you plaster and stay on your man, you’re in good shape. I think it plays to our hands a little bit better because we are a man team. If you’re in zone and looking to him and he escapes and moves out you start losing people in coverage.

Q: You watched last year’s game and comeback with your team what point did that serve?

Cable: I watched it last year on Monday, but we used it as part of the breakdown to some extent. I think the importance is we were just there almost 12 months ago, that we went in there, hung in there, hung in there, and found a way to win the game. I think, when you talk about when you’re going to Pittsburgh , people want to talk about their style of play, talk about their crowd, a very football savvy group of people. Just the fact that we’ve been there, found a way to have success there and just to kind of reiterate the fact that this is another team.

Q: Players have been talking about how you connect with them. Who have been your coaching influences?

Cable: I think I’ve had a lot of good influences. My college coach was Dennis Erickson. My high school coach, Dick Armstrong. Guys who have mentored me in this league, Alex Gibbs, Steve Mariucci, Keith Gilbertson. I’ve had very good fortune in terms of who I’ve been around, and I think all those guys had one thing in common and that was they connected with the players.

Q: A lot of energy today as practice opened . . .

Cable: I think that comes with success. We’ve won a few games now and you come back from the bye, we’re healthier, we’re excited for the second half of the season. You look out there, and you all do a good job of kind of telling them where they’re at and what’s ahead of them and all that. So there is a lot of excitement, a lot of energy. We’re excited about going to Pittsburgh and the opportunity that’s ahead of it. And it just comes from finding some success.

Q: How do you address the danger of being overconfident?

Cable: I won’t let that happen. We haven’t done a damn thing, and that’s been our motto. We have got to keep grinding and fighting and going to work and cutting it loose and doing what we do. I think if I ever feel like we lose sight of that, I’ll reel them back in, but that’s not us, at least not yet.

Q: Do you feel as if you still have something to prove to people about your being a contender?

Cable: You do because we have to have that feeling. For one, we haven’t done anything yet. We have won three games in a row, we’re 5-4, we missed a kick in Arizona , we didn’t score a touchdown at San Francisco . And those two things kind of, from a coach’s standpoint, really gnaw at you because you kind of know what you’re team should be. But we’re not. So, in order to accomplish anything, we have got to keep doing our job, which is getting better.

Q:Do you sense a boost in Ford’s confidence after big game vs. KC?

Cable: Not really. I’ve kind of thought from the very beginning that Jacoby had that air about him. It was just a matter of getting him acclimated, teaching him the system and then finding out where he fits. And what coaches do is, find out where can you use a guy and what kind of role can he have. But he’s always been a confident guy in who he is.\

Q: Can you emulate the Patriots and other teams that spread out the Steelers and beat them with the pass, or are you not built that way?

Cable: We’re really not. You hit it on the head. We have to be who we are. At the same time, you look at some of the issues that they had on Sunday night was about spreading them out and mixing them up. Where do you have that fine line between what we are and what our strengths are into trying to be something maybe a little more that way, meaning spread? At the end of the day, be who you are and you might mix in a few things.

11-17-10 1:44 pm pac              

Photo Paul Sakuma / AP                                                                           WR Darrius Heyward Bey
 

The biggest surprise at todays practice, is who wasn't there.

WR Darrius Heyward Bey's hamstring issue is serious enough that he was not in attendance for todays padded practice.

No word on how or when Bey was injured.

Could've been during the KC game, at one of the practices before break or during a private work out.

The good news is, as we reported yesterday, WR Louis Murphy is back after sitting 2 weeks with a bruised lung.

The 2nd year wide is having trouble staying healthy this season but rookie WR Jacboy Ford seems ready to step up and thats a good thing with Bey still on the skids and under producing.

Lest we write him off as another Al Davis draft bust let us remember Darren McFadden apparently took a while to develop too.

Then again there is always the spectre of Jawhatshisface.

Bey's far from that kind of monumental bust status, but the moniker is more and more likely to stick until he starts producing 5 catch, 100 yd plus games like he did against Seattle on a regular basis.

WR Chaz Schilens was a no show again after many speculated he might be back in time for the match up with Pittsburgh, but as we said before, after such an unusually long down time with surgeries on both legs his cardio has to be in question.

Oakland did get good news on the injury front with Pro Bowl CB Nnamdi Asomugha and TE Zach Miller taking the field in full pads.

Aso went through some light drills and rope work with his fellow DBs during the media window.

Neither he or Miller seemed to be limping.

Oaklands defense got another body for its front line rotation in the form of Big John Henderson who's been M.I.A. for 2 months with a stress fracture in his foot.

Henderson broke his foot in the Sept. 19th win against the Rams.

Trainers at first thought it was a sprain but an MRI later revealed the fracture after Henderson complained of worsening pain.

The former Jags defensive tackle was instrumental in holding the Rams excellent RB Stephen Jackson to 75 yds on 19 carries.

Oakland has done well on defense without him but adding him to the rotation should help keep fellow DTs Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly fresher for the long haul.

The Raiders can use Henderson's veteran savvy to stop the run game against the Steelers beat up and patch work O line.

11-16-10 1:17 am pac                         
Photo Getty Images                                                                                         WR Louis Murphy
 

The following is a transcript of Oakland Raider head Coach Tom Cable's Monday meeting with Bay Area reporters.

Through out his tenure Cable has been everything Raider including Al Davis's philosophy of being everything at once so your enemy can't pin you down.

Being multi-dimensional.

Cable has been that in his press conferences.

One moment candid and forth right, another guarded and deceptive. Which ever may hold the most strategic advantage.

He's getting pretty good at it.

Cable: Heyward-Bey has got a sore hamstring, some tightness from last week. He’ll be questionable come Wednesday. Schilens will not practice on Wednesday. Murphy is cleared ready to go. Zach Miller is much, much better and should be ready to go on Wednesday. Gradkowski is now cleared and ready to go. John Henderson, questionable, but on course or on pace to be where we need him. Same with Asomugha. He’s much better. Is doing some jogging now and running, but seemed to be improving now dramatically with every minute. So we’ll see how it goes.

Q: Is John Henderson is on pace for this week?

Cable: Yes. What I just commented, I’m talking about practice for Wednesday.

Q: What are the odds of Nnamdi practicing on Wednesday?

Cable: I just spoke with him. He’s much improved. It was kind of the old-school ankle sprain, so pretty severe, but doing fine. So we’ll see when we get to Wednesday.

Q: How do you weigh the dilemma of wanting Asomugha to play but not wanting to bring him back too soon?

Cable: I would take the same approach I had with Bruce. Let’s do it if it’s right, and if it’s not right there’s no real reason to do it.

Q: What type of homework did you give these guys to keep them on point?

Cable: We did so much self-scout last week on ourselves and then introducing Pittsburgh to them on Wednesday before we left. Kind of gave them a couple things to chew on, just where we’re at and what we’ve done to this point as a team, the big negatives – the penalty issues, the third-down offense, the red-zone offense and continuing to stay focused on defense and not allow the big play. Those were kind of the approaches to the whole thing. Today we’ll kind of follow up, this afternoon follow up what we did Wednesday in terms of introducing Pittsburgh . We’ll get a day ahead hear. Really, just getting them thinking about what we’ve done, what we’ve accomplished to date but what we can accomplish ahead as we move forward. And I think that’s the most important thing I want them focused on.

Q: What did you send home with the guys, DVDs, playbooks, what?

Cable: Some information. Some guys asked for it, some guys didn’t, some guys (got) stuff on Wednesday as group, different groups, really just to keep their minds in what we’re doing, more than anything. But the thing we wanted to accomplish, which we did, was to get them refreshed, kind of get them away from football a little bit, too.

Q: How much of a head start did you get on the Steelers game?

Cable: “We’re in good shape that way. We introduced kind of their favorite things, what they are offensively, as well as defensively, Wednesday. And then we got to see them play again last night against a very good New England team. So, that was kind of the talk this morning, just being around the guys, was pretty much everybody watched that game last night. Then, today you have it on film. We spent a good amount of time in meetings today with film.

Q: Lot of excitement over being tied for first place?

Cable: Yeah, it is. And it’s exciting. As we talked about it, whatever we’re going to accomplish, it’s in our hands, and we control it. We don’t have to have someone’s help or any of that. We just need to go back to work, cut it loose and go to work. That’s the biggest thing. We’re getting where we understand what that is. Just stay the course and do that.

Q: Do you have to caution team about getting too caught up in its success?

Cable: You never can answer that until you go through it. We’re handling it fine because we’re staying grounded to what our principles are, what’s brought us some success and making that our focus rather than all the other stuff.

Q: Has changing the culture been easier because you’ve turned over so many players who weren’t a part of all the losing?

Cable: I think it’s a lot of things. Some of it is personnel change, some of it is staying the course, the same message – being consistent about it, not wavering.

Q: Does the game last night give you a blueprint for what you want to do against the Steelers?

Cable: It’s two different styles in many ways, but certainly New England was playing at a really high level last night. But it does show you some things that are interesting. You’re playing a physical opponent, a team that likes to throw the ball and has the ability to run it. A team that prides itself on stopping the run and likes to rush the passer.

New England just happened to do a better job of it.

Q: Different players stepped up in last 3 games, how much does that boost the team’s confidence?

Cable: I think that’s huge. We’ve talked all along about if someone’s down, someone’s gotta step in and do it. But we’re living it. It’s actually happened. What’s been really interesting is it’s also been young people who have stepped in a few times and really brought it up for us when we needed it most. What that’s doing to this team is there’s a bigger trust going on, a bigger belief that you know, we’re OK, if we lose one there’s enough guys here to step in and we can trust that it will get done. So in terms of confidence I do think it’s a big lift for us that way.

Q: Can you pinpoint a turning point?

Cable: Really when they started to buy into communicating with each other, whenever that was in camp. I think it started maybe in the very beginning but it seemed to permeate and go all through camp. I felt like from the day we went to work to the last day when we left we had become closer, we had learned to appreciate each other and respect each other’s opinion. That’s hard to do sometimes at this level. But when you get them willing to talk to each other and learn about each other, it kind of makes you understand where a guy’s coming from sometimes. Once we started communicating then we gave ourselves a chance.

Q: Who starts at QB?

Cable: Quarterback will be Jason. He will start at quarterback. He’s earned the right to do that. Four out of the last five games are wins. And Bruce will back him up and we’ll move forward from there.

Q: Any carryover from the Pittsburgh win there last year?

Cable: What winning last year in Pittsburgh does for us is there’s less unknowns right now. We’re a year away from that, having gone back there and done that. It was cold and all that. We handled it. We were behind, fought back in the fourth then made some plays at the end to win it. So I feel like we’re not going into unknown territories much as you normally do sometimes, particularly when you don’t play someone all the time. So I think that helps us. Yet we know how good they are this year and they’re playing very well. It will be a great matchup but I think the fact that we just did it a year ago will help us. Less unknowns.

Q: Does it make it more difficult to establish offensive leadership when you don’t have a set starting QB?

Cable: I don’t think so. I think this team probably looks at both those guys in the right frame of mind when it comes to leadership. I think both have proven to this team what they’re capable of and what they bring to the table, and I think guys respect that.’’

Q: Can you talk about the motivational bits of movies you splice into game film?

Cable: It’s just something we’re doing this year. It kind of came out of camp, really. It was part of that communication I spoke of, listening to them. We all had dinner together in camp. At one point in time during camp, I had dinner together with every player on this team, so I got a little more insight into them other than just on the practice field. I think you learn more about each other and what we’re all about. One of the questions was, What’s your favorite movie and why? So you learn things about people when you ask questions. The videos kind of come from that and they’re just a thought for the week and that’s how we take it.

Q: What is your favorite movie and why?

Cable: I have a lot of them. ‘Miracle’ is my favorite. It’s a sports movie about the U.S. hockey team in ’80.

Q: How’s your comfort level as a head coach now?

Cable: I’m very comfortable now. You have to kind of find your way through it a little bit, it think that’s true, having done it. But I’m comfortable with it, understand what it takes to succeed. The opportunity has been given me to try and get this thing going, so we just stay the course and keep working towards what we believe in. But it’s definitely something you gotta go through and learn. Every day is learning.

 11-15-10 10:30 am pac                     

Photo / Image of Sport                                                                                           DT Desmond Bryant

Our prediction for the Kansas City Chiefs was the same as it was for the Denver Broncos last year and both came true.

Well, so far anyway.

Last year the Broncos began with an amazing streak of 6 wins in row.

Only RNS saw the chinks in their armor and boldly predicted the Orange Crush would fall off a cliff in the back half of the 2009 season which they did, finishing 8-8 including a loss to the Raiders 20-19 on Dec. 20th.

As with Denver last year, we saw Kansas City in the same light this year and while there are still games to be played, it looks like KC may have indeed hit the proverbial wall as well and, at the hands of last years victim, the Denver Broncos who beat them yesterday 49-29.

Denver's aerial assault on KC gave them a 5-4 record for the year, so far tying them with the Raiders who now lead the division based on inter-divisional play which Oakland leads 3-0.

The Raiders next opponent after the bye, the Pittsburgh Steelers, suffered more than a loss to the Patriots last night 39-26, they may have lost WR Hines Ward for a period of time.

Ward suffered an awkward helmet to facemask hit in last nights game and its claimed he has a "neck injury".

Based on the all too familiar glassy eyed look he had on the sidelines it looks more like a concussion to us.

We don't wish harm on any player trying to earn a living but Ward is by far one of the dirtiest players in the game and his grab the defenders face mask to pull himself past for an easy TD tactic cost us a TD against CB Chris Johnson last year.

The Steelers struggled in the red zone without Ward but in the 2nd half QB Ben Rothlisberger tried to make it respectable.

He finished 30 of 49 for 387 yds and 3 TDs but some of it was New England throttling back a bit with a win already secured.

“They just flat out beat us,’’ Roethlisberger said. “Truth be told, I think we got a good, old-fashion butt whipping and you never like it when it’s at home.’’

Thanks in part to an injury riddled, patch work O line Rothlisberger was harrassed most of the night and sacked 5 times.

The Steelers lost starting left tackle Max Starks last Monday to a season ending neck injury in a win against the Cincinnati Bengals and have struggled to fill in the gaps.

Oakland is facing some key injuries of its own and through the grape vine we've learned Pro Bowl CB Nnamdi Asomugha's ankle injury may sideline him another week.

Pro Bowl caliber TE Zach Miller may sit against Pitt as well with an arch injury to his foot.

Its hoped they both will be back in time and we'll have to see on Wednesday how they're doing, but it doesn't look entirely promising right now even though Asomugha was spotted walking along the sidelines with out crutches during the KC game. 

New England laid the ground work on how to beat the Steelers vaunted pass rush with quick passes to the likes of WR Wes Welker and 7 other team mates,

11-10-10 7:32 pm pac   

                                                                                            HC Tom Cable

Today was the last practice before the Raider bye week.

A bye week unlike any the Raiders have experienced in 7 years.

Instead of using it to forget about how the seasons gone wrong Raider players will use it to recoup, heal up and focus on the season ahead.

“There’s obviously a lot more excitement,” left guard Robert Gallery said. “It’s just a different feeling and I can’t put it on any one thing. We’re winning games, it’s fun and we’re in position to make this last half of the season count.”

Head Coach Tom Cable told his team to enjoy and relax but warned about complacency reminding players to stay in shape and keep their mind on their business.

"We concluded our practice today with a little work on Pittsburgh, kind of wanted to get an early start on them, just wanted to give them something to think about with their time off and just introducing them to some fronts, formations, coverages, things like that so they’ve got something to have in their brain as they go away and relax a little bit."

He even handed out home work.

 “We’ve given guys different things,” Cable said. “Could be on paper, could be on a disk. But anyone who wanted it, or who we think needed it, we made sure they had material they could work on.”

Not everyone got home work, just those who needed it or wanted it.

Pretty sure Richard Seymour doesn't have any extra game film or paper work to hand in.

He was allowed to leave yesterday to spend extra time with his family.

Thats what stellar play and four Super Bowl rings will get you.

A little unresented special treatment.

A few reporters noted Safeties Michael Huff and Mike Mitchell running for the locker room as practice ended, wondering if they had a plane to catch or just couldn't wait to get out.

Huff had to use the restroom and Mitchell had a plane to catch.

Huff's an avid gamer and no doubt he and fellow Safety Tyvon Branch will spend some down time playing COD Black Ops.

No, we won't tell you their gamer tags.

Die hard Raider fans will be interested to know WR Chaz Schilens was seen working out on a side field running routes and cutting hard.

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                     WR Chaz Schilens

 Have to wonder about his cardio after being off his feet for so long but he could still see time against Pittsburgh barring any set backs.

We know, "We'll believe it when we see it."

If they can aactually get him back, Schilens is by far the best natural pass catcher on the Raiders roster.

He just ends up in the end zone.

Yes, that was Nnamdi walking along the sidelines in the black beanie last Sunday.

That and the bye week bodes well for his sprained ankle and him returning against the Steelers.

Not so sure about Big John Henderson's fractured foot.

Oakland hinted he might be back for last Sundays game and the Raiders could use him in rotation but some who've been around the game a long time are of the opinion Henderson may never come back and could be done with football.

Hard to tell.

Raider like Asomugha and TE Zach Miller won't stray far from the facility during Oaklands time off. 

Of the walking wounded Cable said:

"If they have an injury, had one or got one in the last game, they’ll remain around here and rehab and they’ll have responsibilities until Monday."

Cable also said Pro Bowl caliber Zach Miller is "improving" and that they are being cautious and expect him back for Mondays team practice.

WR Louis Murphy should be back from a bruised lung by Monday as well suddenly giving the Raiders some much needed depth at the WR postion.

That doesn't mean KR/WR Jacoby Ford won't see time.

Cable spoke about Jacoby's role after the bye.

"I think it has to continue to grow. This is a prove-it league, and certainly he’s proving it. One of the issues that’s coming for us is we’re going to get some depth and some quality players at the same time at receiver. I think that’s going to do nothing but help us. We’ve had, really I think some nice things happen to us in our three-receiver set, and I think it may allow us to be a little more confident in that personnel group."

He also touched on Ford's take away grab in the waning seconds of regulation to set up the game tying field goal.

"I think the elite players in this league at that position, that’s what they do. Cable said.

"They go get the ball. You hear coaches say it all the time. He goes and gets the ball or he goes and takes the ball out of the air. "

Hopefully thats something Oakland will stress to its other receivers.

Cable also commented on something we'd mentioned in an earlier article called "Raider Youth Movement" and Oaklands successful use of so many rookies like Ford and lineman Jared Veldheer.

"We’re thrilled that it’s turned out this way, there’s no question. I don’t think anybody can expect this number of guys to contribute this amount on any one team."

Specifically questioned about Veldheer Cable had this to say:

"He’s a brilliant young guy who just has loads of talent but he strives to be great. That’s a gift. You can’t teach that one."

Cable was asked by a member of the press corps what the Raiders Coach would be doing during the bye week.

R: "Going to the beach?"

Cable: (laughs) "No. We're going to get to work on Pittsburgh."  

11-08-10 7:40 pm pac              
                                                                                            HC Tom Cable

The following is s transcript of Raider Head Coach Tom Cable's press conference with Bay Area media earlier today.

He answers (kind of) questions about who'll probably start against Pitt, what happened to Rolando McClain and among other things, Oaklands stunning, never say die win over the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Cable: OK, let’s get an injury update here. McClain with a hip pointer. Didn’t finish yesterday but was much, much better today. Asomugha, with the ankle, he’s improving. Tyvon Branch felt pretty good today. John Henderson with the foot, we’ll probably get him back to work next week at some point. Murphy should start to work here tomorrow. Schilens, potential for him to work next week. Zach Miller is better, and I think we’ll be smart with that this week. And then Gradkowski is improving, continuing to do that. So really, the two guys from the game yesterday, McClain is fine today and Branch is much improved.

Q: Regarding Asomugha, Zach Miller, John Henderson, do you expect to see these three in Pittsburgh after the bye?

Cable: I think that there’ a chance. But I think we’ll have to really talk about that more next week. But as of today, there’s a very good chance.

Q: Any chance that you’ll have everyone back . . . Schilens, Gradkowski, Asomugha, Zach, John Henderson . . .

Cable: Yeah, we have a shot. We don’t know that yet because some of those things, they’re at the end of the injury or the end of the rehab, so now we’ve got to get them back playing football. And in the terms of Chaz’s case, he’s missed everything thus far. So, to say that he’d be ready to go and all that might be a little premature. But, if we can get him back on the field, then that would put his window at maybe the next game afer that. So we’ll just see. We’ll see what we can get done come Monday.

Q: Did Tyvon Branch have a concussion?

Cable: Yes.

Note: For what it’s worth, and players almost always downplay injuries, Branch seemed fine, said he didn’t have a concussion and that he could have re-entered the game.

Q: How did you come up with, `Just cut loose’ as your catchphrase?

Cable: Just cut it loose means stop worrying about things that are bad or things that can go bad or whatever that is and just have fun with it. That’s really become what this team is best at. That’s kind of their thing. When they really just kind of cut it loose and don’t worry about it and don’t think about whatever’ gone on the past, they’re at their best. And I think that’s what we’re becoming.

Q: How did you come up with the phrase, though, why not just tell them to relax?

Cable: I tried that (laughter). Really, that’s just kind of the way I am and that’s the way I like things and it just kind of fits them, really.

Q: A month ago Tom Cable was going to be fired, now everything is going well and Wade Phillips gets fired. What does it say about this business as a whole?

Cable: I don’t look at all that because you can’t. You have to have your focus on what your team’s doing. I love what I do and I think I do good at it so it’s just a matter of staying the course. There’s going to be a lot of bumps in the road especially to get it turned around, for us to reach our goals there is still going to be more adversity like yesterday that we’re going to have to overcome. There’s going to be more tough times. We found a way to overcome that one. All that other stuff really doesn’t matter to me because things work out the way they’re supposed to. That’s the way I look at it.

Q: Are you getting a better understanding of Jason, getting him out of rough starts. Threw late over the middle twice, bad first half, then came out of it. Is he a prime example of someone who needs to `cut it loose?’

                                                                                    QB Jason Campbell

Cable: He for sure is. One thing I remind him, probably all of our conversations now are, `cut it loose, OK?’ I got you, I’m with you, just cut it loose. Best example you can talk about Jason is high and low and all over the place as we talked about after the game yesterday, but when we got to that two minute drive to start the last drive to overtime, from there to the end, even though the catch Jacoby made, kind of took an interception away from a guy, wasn’t a great throw, but, the management and being on time and all that, from the rest of the way was the best he was all day. So when his best was needed he was very, very good. But prior to that, there’s a lot of highs and a lot of lows, and you’ve just got to, he’s a perfect example of just kind of stay flat line and just keep cutting it loose, really. Just stop worrying about things.

Q: How basic and fundamentally sound was Ford as a receiver out of college? Did he go to the ball and use his hands in college?

Cable: Yeah, he did. I think you have to remember he was probably overshadowed a little bit by C.J. Spiller. They were a run, run, run, run first team, so his opportunities were probably not as many as the other receivers. But at the same time, there’s a post route there in the first half he should have caught and he’d be the first to tell you that. But in terms of getting him to this level and being able to handle the game at this level and being able to release at this level and go get the football at this level and all those things, I think he’s what we thought he was. The finishing speed, no question, I mean you all saw that on the kickoff return, it was pretty special.

Q: What does Jason need to do to wholeheartedly win your trust?

Cable: He has my trust. I wouldn’t play him. There’s no way, if I didn’t trust Jason I would have played Kyle. It’s a non-issue. I’m not going to put him out there unless I believe in him. Your all getting with where am I going with the quarterback thing, Jason’s our quarterback right now and Bruce isn’t healthy yet, enough to have this conversation, that’s where this is at.

Q: So when you play Pittsburgh, are you wavering at all on who would start?

Cable: I really haven’t wavered, but I do have a belief in me about, you know, when you’re dealing it and you got the hot hand, and things are going in the right direction for your football team, you know, why would you make a change? And that’s where I think right now, but in the back of my mind I also say, ‘It’s not really making a change. He was a starter before I made the change with Bruce and he’s kinda’ come back and done a lot of good things for our team.’ What’s the negative of this? Well I have another problem. I got two good quarterbacks healthy again. That’s the only negative I see about it. I’m probably leaning towards staying with the hot hand. That’s just where I’m at.

Q: So if they’re both healthy, your starter would be Campbell?

Cable: On Monday if you ask me that, I’ll probably give you an answer, but today with Bruce not being healthy enough to do everything that we need him to do, it’s really not a fair question. But Monday, hopefully it will be and I’ll tell you then exactly what we’re going to do.

Q: Want to give us a hint?

Cable: Yeah. [laughter] I just did. You know?

Q: Do you continually update the team on the standings and talk about playoffs, or do you avoid it?

Cable: Nah, because that’s been our goal. That has, and it’s not very realistic yet. It wasn’t very realistic four weeks ago and any of that, but it was our goal and it is our goal. So, what we have done and what’s working for us is–you all make ‘em aware of it, what’s going on and where they’re at. So I don’t have to do that. What I need to do is get this team better fundamentally. To be honest with you, our defense kept us in the game for a half yesterday and we didn’t play very good: offensively or special teams. And so there’s a lot this team can do to get better and that’s what we’ll spend the next couple of days focusing on is getting ourselves fundamentally better.

Q: Has your team turned a corner?

Cable: Well I think we’ve turned the corner on a couple of things. I think that we go after it now and I think that we believe we can win. And I think those are two really big things to accomplish. Now, it’s up to us to continue to do those things that got us to this point.

Q: Is this a good time for a bye week?

Cable: You know, it’s funny because we were walking down the hall and Mike and I were talking about it. This is the perfect time for this team to have a bye week, because of how we opened this conversation. We have a chance to be as healthy or get as healthy as we’ve been all year, since we went to camp. So, I think it does come at a good time and I think that we didn’t get much break from preseason to the regular season. So I think this gives us a chance to really kind of recharge our batteries, menatally more than anything, but it’ll be a good break for our team.

Q: What’s this week’s schedule and how do you keep the momentum without them getting rusty when they come back?

Cable: We talked about that. We laid it out to them, exactly what we need to accomplish this week. We’ll work tomorrow and we’ll work Wednesday. We’ll come back in Monday and we’ll get back to work. But we have a goal for tomorrow and Wednesday and we want to accomplish it. We talked about what needs to be done in their time away, and if they’ve got injuries or issues like that, how to take care of them and the responsibility that comes with that and challenged them all. If you’re going to take a break somewhere, I want you to work out, I want you to lift a little bit, to run a little bit, and I want you to keep your brain right here where we’re at, because that’s the important thing. I think that’s the difference, how you handle it really is the difference whether you have a good bye or not and if you’re rusty or not, as you said.

Photo Matt York / AP                                                                                      WR Louis Murphy

Q: Is it easier to handle the bye when you’re going well?

Cable: There’s no question. The psychology of the whole thing is the most important thing. Winning some games like we have, they can at least take a step back now, and they’re excited about it and they’re hungry for it, so their mind won’t be too far from it.

Q: Health issues aside, are you worried about the bye interrupting your team’s momentum?

Cable: I don’t because I think it’s part of the NFL season. Everyone’s going to have one, and when we looked at the schedule before we knew that it would be this nine-week run and then there’d be a break and seven weeks to try to make your deal. So we’ve already kind of talked about it, that this was part of the plan and this is where it’s at. We’re just fortunate that we won the last three. I don’t know that it comes at a bad time that way. I don’t. I think our team is on track mentally where it needs to be.

Q: You know your Raider tradition, and one of them is that good Raiders teams commit penalties and win anyway. You’ve committed 36 penalties in three games and won them all. How do you compartmentalize what’s important and what’s not in terms of penalties?

Cable: That’s one I don’t like. Let’s get real about one thing, there are a number of things on film that we will turn in again. For example, when you get it back that Stevie Brown last week should have been a touchdown. Those things are unacceptable.

Q: The Brown play came back verified as incorrect?

Cable: Yes it did. Those things are unacceptable to me. We go out there to play hard and to play right. There are things from this film that we’ll turn in again. Are we offsides too much? Yes. Do we have to take responsibility for illegal motion or being lined up in the neutral zone defensively? Absolutely. Holding? Absolutely. If your hands are outside, it’s illegal. They’re going to call it. And I’ve got no issue with it. But when someone’s on the ground and the ball’s still in his hands, he’s down. That’s what it is. We have work to do to clean it up. There’s no question. But it’s too many.

Q: Is this the biggest file you’ve turned in to the league for review?

Cable: Yes.

Q: Were all those penalties warranted?

Cable: I don’t know how much I can speak on that.

Q: Give me a number …

Cable: No.

Q: How good can this team be when it gets injured players back?

Cable: Well, I think we can get better. I think, again, that we have to stay on the plan we’re on and what’s working for us. But it is exciting as a coach to know that you’re going to get a tight end back and a cornerback back and defensive tackle that is going to help us where we’re already improving in the run defense area. But I think it will help Tommy and Richard in terms of taking a few snaps off. They’re both playing very well but they’re both playing a lot. John Henderson is a proven run defender. Then it’s exciting to know that you have a possibility of getting Louis Murphy back and perhaps Chaz Schilens. So, yeah, it’s very exciting. But until they’re out there going full-time, we can’t really get too high yet. It’s nice to know that’s just around the corner.

Q: What’s been the difference in Tommy Kelly’s play this year?

Cable: A couple of things. One, he’s in an environment in his room where his coach is real demanding of him, has a great plan for him every week. He’s challenged by the guy playing next to him to be at your best all the time. I think that he got himself in great shape. I think that he’s taken the extra weight off. He’s playing like the Tommy Kelly I met when I first got here in ’07. I thought he was tough to block, and he’s the same guy now. And then, to me, he’s finishing plays. If I could put my hand on one thing, it’s that Tommy Kelly is finishing to the ball all the time. He’s trying to get the quarterback, he’s trying to get the ball carrier when it’s over there, on the boundary, or downfield. I just a tremendous effort by him. He got the defensive game ball, by the way.

Q: When did you see a change in the team’s resiliency?

Cable: You all thought I was crazy when we were struggling early in the year, and I just knew that we were that close. Make a kick here, score a touchdown across the Bay, do just a couple of things and it’s a whole different world for us. But we didn’t. And until we were able to do some of those things and get through that and prove to ourselves that we could … Talking about it doesn’t do it, Laying it out there doesn’t do it. You have to do it, and it’s like I said yesterday after the game, it’s another building block. We’ve now put that one to rest. However long it takes, and whatever the circumstances are, we’re going try and fight and grind until the end and try to win. By doing it, we’ve become that.

Q: What’s your anticipation of fans returning to Coliseum in Nov. 28?

Cable: Obviously, it’s high. It was great yesterday. They came out and supported our football team. We played not very good in the first half, but played good for them in the second half and found a way to win the football game. I think the most important thing is the connection is coming back together, and we’ve got to continue to get better and win football games. If we do that, they’ll show up and that’s really how it works.

Q: Who is your backup punter if Lechler can’t go?

Cable: I don’t really know that. Shane will be just fine. It probably would be Sebastian, something like that, because Shane would also be the backup kicker?

Q: What does it do for you when you have all your receivers healthy?

Cable: The most important thing is, what it’s going to do is give us some more packages. It’s going to give us a little bit more speed and size, with Louis and Chaz, assuming they both get back and all that. In terms of a rotation and all that, it’s way premature to go there.

Q: What are some things that jumped out on you from watching the tape?

Cable: Probably just how hard we were playing. You could feel it but you turn on the film and you see offensive linemen really getting after guys, trying to finish blocks. You see Brandon Myers really didn’t miss too much. I love Zach, and he’s a heck of a player, but Brandon really showed himself well. I don’t know that you feel that from the sideline until you get a chance to look at it on tape. The play of our corners. We’re without Nnamdi, and Chris, Jeremy Ware and Stanford Routt probably played as a group as well as they have all year long. So, that’s a great job of stepping up. Things like that, when you to sit back, look at the film, study it, you say, ‘Wow, those guys really came through for us when we needed them to.’ So, it’s things like that.

Q: Nick Miller didn’t think he fumbled the punt, yet took responsibility for not securing it on the kick and then to the ground. Do you like that accountability?

                                                                                PR/WR Nick Miller       

Cable: Yeah, Nick’s right. I don’t think he fumbled the ball, either, but he shouldn’t have muffed it in the first place. When he did, you’ve got to secure it with two hands, get a yard or two back toward their direction, and get down. Period. Don’t make a bad thing worse. He’s exactly right. His accountability, like a lot of guys on this team, is where it needs to be. He’s taking responsibility.

Q: How big of a factor has Cartwright been on special teams?

Cable: He’s been exceptional all year. He’s running the punt team. He’s gone out there and made plays on kickoff coverage team. He’s blocking people on punt return. He made a key block on the kickoff return yesterday. He was the guy who knocked the fumble out. Michael Huff wrapped him up, and he came in and stripped the ball out. So, he’s been very important for us. He’s done it in all four teams and done very well.

Q: Seems like he’s very active with younger players on the sideline, is he almost like an extra coach for John Fassel?

Cable: I mentioned this last week, I can’t remember which one of you asked me about the leadership of our team. Rock’s an example of it. It’s a very prideful thing for him. He takes it as his responsibility on those special teams and goes after it. He’s very good on the sideline and he’s that way in practice too. It’s something we’re all used to and expect that out of him.

Q: Does Huff ask to be on kick coverage?

Cable: Since I’ve been here that’s always been something he’s gotten better at. I remember like two years ago, three years ago in 08 we sat him down. He was our starting safety and sat him down and told him you’re going to go over and learn how to tackle in special teams. He did it and since then he’s never really looked back. I think special teams has helped him become the defensive player he is.

Q: Did you like what saw from the Wildcat and will it become a regular part of the offense?

Cable: I don’t know. It worked yesterday. It was nice.

Q: Will it?

Cable: Not going to tell you that

Q: How big a role has McFadden played in team’s success?

Cable: It’s been really key. Because for one as I mentioned when he’s been healthy he’s makes things happen. He’s been very productive. He’s taken it to another level. You’ve all seen it. He’s on the field a lot, which we need him to be. He’s certainly playing as good as anybody on our football team right now. Without question.

Q: How important was it for you to out-rush Kansas City?

Cable: It wasn’t by enough. That’s the one issue to be real clear how I feel about it. If you take the quarterback scrambles away from them, they would have rushed for 80 yards. So that’s a heck of a day when you hand it off to those running backs. They’re good. I think we’re improving in that area and hopefully we can get John Henderson healthy here and I think that can help us a little bit more even. We’re proud of that fact but the chance was there for us to rush for more yards than we did so not quite good enough.

Q: Did you sense that defense was confident could stop KC run game?

Cable: I think this team is growing in that way. Like we always remind them, there’s a process to doing what we’re doing and we go to work. As long as you go to work you can let your confidence grow and flourish all you want. But if you stop working your confidence just becomes talk and that ain’t working.

Q: Will you be looking for another center as a backup this week or are you comfortable with Veldheer being the backup?

Cable: I think this. (Samson) you know I think is getting over the knee thing. He played pretty good yesterday. I’m not so concerned about that at this point. We’ll kind of get through the week and see where we’re at.

11-07-10 10:00 am pac      
                                                                                     QB Jason Campbell

The Raiders have the statisically worse run defense but they've held opposing rushers to less than 100 yds the last two games.

KC, under new D coordinator Romeo Crennel, are playing solid, disciplined defense in their new 3-4 alignment.

Both teams may try to slug it out on the ground but this one could come down to which ever QB has the best day and that of course is largely predicated on who is catching the ball.

The Chiefs have 6-3, 252 lb rookie TE Tony Moeaki who is leading the team with 24 catches for 281 yds and 2 TDs and WR Dwayne Bowe who has 21 catches for 357 yds and 6 TDs.

The Chiefs are one of the Leagues best red zone offenses and both are a part of that.

Unlike KC, Oakland will be without its two leading weapons in the passing game TE Zach MIller (arch) and WR Louis Murphy (bruised lung)

Miller leads the Raiders with 34 catches for 461 yds and 4 TDs.

You can see right there from the stats how valuable he's been to Oaklands offense out put.

He will sorely be missed not only for his timely and productive catches but in the Raiders blocking schemes too.

Louis Murphy leads the receivers with 21 grabs for 337 yds and 1 TD.

His contributions will likely be missed the most in the second half where he's known for moving the chains in critical situations and breaking big plays.

Unlike the Chiefs the Raiders don't have their best TE and best WR.

They do however have secret weapons in the passing game.

So called FB Marcel Reece used to be a wide receiver for the Washington Huskies and his contributions on screens and slants can't be denied.

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                                                FB Marcel Reece

His 30 yd TD on a slant between 2 defenders broke open the Seahwaks game and started an avalance of production.

RB Michael Bush has excellent hands and can throw too.

Same with RB Darren McFadden.

McFadden's been under utilized in the passing game and today may see a break from that.

He needs be split out, run some seams, slants, screens, reverese and even bubble screens.

Oh yeah, and he can throw the ball too.

Oakland has untapped potential in Jacoby Ford, Johnnie Lee Higgins and Darrius Heyward Bey.

Today would be a good day to start realizing some of that talent.

Look for TE Brandon Myers who is replacing Zach Miller.

Myers can be erratic and likely won't be called upon to do all that Miller does, but he could be a factor especially in sticky situations like his 4th and 1 reception against San Diego to keep a crucial drive alive.

Can Oakland win this game?

Yes.

Yes they can.

When they are playing disciplined, aggressive football and finishing every play, they can beat anyone.

Hopefully the Raiders ground game can get the job done making this article a moot point.

Ground, air, special teams or D.

Whatever gets the "W" for the Oakland Raiders today.

11-04-10 1:50 am pac                     

Photo Franklin D. Roos / AP                                                                                              Gradkowski and Cable

Oakland has been surprisingly well prepared the last two games and it has shown on the field and on the scoreboard.

After several tepid outings earlier in the year Raider coaches clearly did their homework on Denver and Seattle and exploited them to the fullest.

One of the things both of those teams have in common is a smaller, faster defense.

The Raiders hybrid mix of zone blocking plus power, pull and trap schemes sent both teams reeling and set a record for back to back 500 yd + games.

Kansas City's defense is a different animal.

The Chiefs bring more beef to the table and a 3-4 scheme that D coordinator Romeo Crennel has playing at a high level.

On their D line the Chiefs have a 5^th overall draft pick and a 3^rd overall pick in DE Glenn Dorsey who is in his 3^rd season and 2^nd year DE Tyson Jackson.

Dorsey is settling into his role as a the 3-4 where the former DT was shifted after a change of coaching staffs.

The 6-1, 297 lb former LSU stand out has 28 tackles so far this season and is one reason the Chiefs rank 5^th overall in run defense.

Jackson is another.

Many were shocked when KC took Tyson Jackson 3^rd overall but understood KC was trying switch defensive schemes from a 4-3 to a 3-4.

Stout as their run defense has been so far this year their pass defense tends to struggle.

KC is ranked 23^rd in the League and Oakland should try to take advantage of that especially if the run game stalls out.

Coach Tom Cable states emphatically that Bruce Campbell will be the Raiders starting QB "when healthy" and has alluded that Gradkowski may be the starter when KC comes to town.

This is most likely smoke and mirrors so the Chiefs have to prepare for both Gradkowski and Campbell but truthfully, they were going to anyway.

Gradkowski always wants to compete but his shoulder might not quite be there.

He’ll most likely see time after the bye week.

Given the connection 2^nd yr wide out Darrius Heyward Bey and QB Jason Campbell finally made last week, it would seem like a shame to mess with that chemistry by bringing in another QB and honestly, Gradkowski wasn’t playing that well before he was hurt anyway.

The whole reason for Gradkowski’s appearance under center in the first place was to give the offense the energy and guidance Jason Campbell was lacking.

He’s not really lacking in that department anymore.

Campbell’s stats aside RB Darren McFadden said the former Redskisn QB has changed after coming off the bench, leading the huddle and challenging team mates to make plays.

If Campbell throws for another 310 yds and 2 TDs in a win against the Chiefs Cable may seriously have to reconsider anointing Gradkowski as starter after the bye.

Rumor had it WR Chaz Schilens might be activated for Sundays game against KC but, like Gradkowski, his activation could be after the bye, if at all.

In his brief professional career Schilens has spent more time on the bench than a judge.

He’s great when he plays but can’t get healthy.

Speaking of receivers health, TE Zach Miller did not practice yesterday and despite Cable’s assertion Miller was on crutches as a precautionary measure, we may see 2^nd yr TE Brandon Myers get the start.

Cable said Myers has improved since a pretty horrible start to the season and missing the Broncos game with a concussion.

Myers blew several special teams assignments early on, has gotten destroyed in blocking assignments and dropped a pass but Coach Cable has confidence Myers has improved and can do the job if need be against the Chiefs.

Of course it won’t be the same job Zach Miller would have done.

O coordinator Hue Jackson has lined up Miller in the back field in shotgun formations to swing out as a receiver, to stay in blocking on max protect and even lined him up at right tackle in an special over load left formation.

Myers will in all likelihood have to share duty with tackle Khalif Barnes who caught a six yard pass against Seattle and has pretty good hands for such a big man.

At 6-5, 325 lbs opposing DBs could have a nightmare on their hands if Barnes catches one in space and turns up field.

Don’t look for him to become a primary target but it would be interesting to see his TD celebration dance.

The Raiders face a true test against KC.

Oakland will look to win 3 in a row for the first time since 2002 and announce in no uncertain terms to the League that are indeed back in black.

Game time is 1:15 pacific on Sunday at the Oakland Alameda Coliseum.

11-03-10 1:40 am pac                    

Photo Greg Trott / Getty Images                                                                                FS Michael Huff

The 2010 Kansas City Chiefs are pretty tough at Arrowhead stadium but they are less than perfect playing in someone elses back yard.

Thats could be a serious a problem for them on into December.

Currently leading the rocky AFC West, the Chiefs will play five of their next seven games away, starting this week with a trip to Oakland who is 2nd in the Division.

One of Kansas City's biggest problems on the road is scoring.

In two of their first three road games this season, against the Browns and the Colts, they failed to score a touchdown. They still managed to eke out a win, beating the Browns 16-14 for their only road victory to date.

The Chiefs offense sprang to life on a trip to Houston but the defense chose that day to fall off a cliff for the first time this year.

The Texans scored 4 touchdowns on their last 4 possessions.

The Chiefs divisional matchup with the Raiders has added importance because the Raiders second place status, just 1 1/2 games behind in the AFC West. If the Chiefs can win at the Black Hole, they’ll own a 2 1/2 -game lead and be the only team in the division that does not have a losing record.

They'll face he slumping Denver Broncos at Mile High the next week and a pretty cushy schedule after that.

The other road games in Kansas City's stretch are against Seattle, San Diego and St. Louis. Last year, in Todd Haley’s first season as the head coach, the Chiefs lost to the Raiders and the Bolts, but won the season finale at Denver, knocking the Broncos out of the playoffs.

The Chiefs won in overtime against the hapless Bills last Sunday and avenged one of its home losses from last season when K Ryan Succop, who missed earlier in overtime, kicked a 35-yard field goal with 3 seconds left in OT to improve the Chiefs home record to 4-0

The Raiders’ biggest challenge will be stopping the Chiefs’ running game. After rushing for 274 yards, the Chiefs lead the NFL in rushing for the third week in a row with an average of almost 191 yards a game. The Raiders are second at 168.5.

Coach Tom Cable is keeping his cards close to the vest and many of the Raiders who are injured are doing the same.

Pro Bowl caliber players on both sides of the ball will almost certainly be out for Sundays match up and that includes CB Nnamdi Asomugha and in all likelihood TE Zach Miller who was on crutches yesterday.

Cable said the crutches were "precautionary", but its more likely Miller could sit and return after the bye week.

As for verification of this from the Raiders, don't expect it.

Strategically they'll probably string everyone along and list them both as "questionable" before declaring them officially out pre game.

Same for the ghost in residence WR Chaz Schilens who is rumored to be a possibility against KC. Oakland could use the help with Louis Murphy sidelined at least one more game with a bruised lung but one has to wonder if Schilens cardio might be worse than Donovan McNabbs after such a protracted and drawn out set of injuries.

No matter who they field Oakland hopes KC continues to struggle on the road so they can extend their win streak and make up ground in the shaky AFC West.

Oaklands hybrid, rotational O line will face a defense with more oomph than the last two teams in decline but if they can move the ball for big yards on the ground, score TDs and come away with a victory it will announce to the rest of the world that the Raiders have awakened and are indeed for real.

11-01-10 11:11 am pac                       

Photo Paul Sakuma / AP

                                                                                                                       TE Zach Miller
 

Raider Tight End Zach Miller was spotted on crutches today at the Raiders facility.

The Pro Bowl caliber TE suffered a foot injury during Oaklands win over Denver but played yesterday against Seattle.

Miller made one catch early on and uncharacteristcally dropped another soon after, then dissappeared for the remainder of the game.

Miller was observed hopping noticiably after one play in the 2nd quarter and was clearly not the same athlete he has been.

Offical word is Miller has an arch injury.

He's a professional and a gamer but likely shouldn't have played yesterday.

No word on how severe his injury is but since he's on crutches there is a good chance he may not be ready to play against Division leading Kansas City when they come to town this week.

When it came to roster cut downs Oakland opted for linemen rather than a 3rd TE.

Their only other TE is 2nd year man Brandon Myers.

Myers is back from a concussion he suffered earlier in the year but has been less than productive and certainly, he's no Zach Miller.

Interestingly enough, back up lineman Khalif Barnes has seen field time as an eligible tackle in jumbo formations and actually caught a pass for 6 yds yesterday.

We may see more of him if Miller's injury is bad enough for him to miss a game or games.

Speaking of missing games...

Yesterday All Pro CB Nnamdi Asomugha went down like he stepped on a land mine.

No official word on Asomugha's ankle injury but he flexed it outward as opposed to the usual inward roll.

Oakland could be tight lipped about his status. We'll know more Wednesday, but judging from how it looked, in all likelihood he will miss at least the Kansas City game.

UPDATE: A semi reliable source states Nnamdi has a high ankle sprain and could be out 4-6 weeks, at least till after the week 10 bye.

He tried today but was able to put no pressure on the ankle.

10-29-10 1:11 pm pac                        
                                                                                      WR/PR Nick Miller

Fan favorite Nick Miller "the DB killer" has injured his ankle and is questionable against Seattle this Sunday.

Miller limped off the practice field on Friday and Coach Cable said he's not sure how severe the injury is.

Miller's likely to be a game time decision.

If he's unable to go Johnnie Lee Higgins will resume the punt return role.

Something he's been feast or famine at the last 2 years.

Mostly famine.

If not for the injury of WR Louis Murphy rookie Jacoby Ford might've taken the duty but he'll likely be in the line up thanks to Murphy's down time.

Miller came to Oakland as a walk on free agent and has impressed enough to stick with the team despite sitting the entire 2009 season with a shin injury.

Fans have caught glimpses of what Miller can do with circus catches in pre season and on a 32 yd acrobatic grab on the sideline last week.

Miller has heart and its hoped the 5-9, 180 lb dynamo can become Oaklands answer to Wes Welker.

He'll have to stay healthy first.

Coach Cable says Bruce Gradkowski has improved and could possibly play if he had to.

Wether Cable will pull the trigger and make him 2nd QB for tomorrows game remains to be seen but he shouldn't.

Behind Oaklands erratic O line the Raiders 2nd string QB could see time and Gradkowski, gamer that he is, simply may not be healed enough to cut it.

Further injury could mean his loss for the season.

Kyle Boller should be back up at least for tomorrow.

Cornerback Chris Johnson was limited at practice Friday but has not yet passed all the mandated tests following a concussion.

They'll test him again on Saturday but if Johnson can’t play, Cable said rookie seventh-round pick Jeremy Ware would take over at nickel back.

S Michael Huff could see time as a corner in some packages like he did last week when Johnson was injured.

10-28=10 2:10 pm pac                     

                                                                                                      DE Matt Shaughnessy 

QBs Jason Campbell and Kyle Boller took reps with the first team while Bruce Gradkowski played catch on the sideline.

Center Samson Satele, defensive end Matt Shaughnessy and cornerback Chris Johnson were all at practice which is a good sign.

All of them suffered concussions and were questionable for Sundays Seahawk game.

Left Guard Robert Gallery, was on the field despite missing yesterdays actual practice with a sore, strained calf.

LB Thomas Howard was back after dealing with a knee injury the last few weeks.

TE Zach Miller has an arch injury. Nothing too serious. He was working in team drills, as was fellow TE Brandon Myers.

Myers missed the Broncos game with a concussion.

The 2nd yr TE has struggled on special teams and blocking.

The Raiders were better off without him last Sunday.

The usual suspects, John Henderson and Chaz Schilens were not present today.

Oakland Defensive coordinator John Marshall worked for the Seahawks from 2006 through 2008 as a D coord and as a Seattle linebackers coach from 2003 through 2005.

So much has changed with the Pete Carrol regime theres not much advantage to be had though.

“There’s none, scheme-wise, other than Matt Hasselbeck and being a West Coast quarteback,” Marshall said. “That part of it is still intact. The routes have changed, the philosophy, that kind of thing. Not many of the players are still there from when I was there.”

Marshall and the Raiders will have their hands full with Seattles mobile LBs who are helping the Seahwaks maintain the Leagues 2nd best run D.

Marshall believes Oakland (read, Al Davis's) tradition of taking H/W/S specimens who look good “coming off the bus” makes more sense than ever given the direction of modern offenses.

“They spread you out and get a lot more one-on-one type situations, a lot more area for linebackers and safeties to cover, “It sounds stupid, but `bigger, faster, stronger.’ The more speed you have on the field, the better flexibility you have in your defense to cover people and to run down plays.”

Special teams coordinator John Fassel sees the benefit too.

“Fast guys usually means success on special teams,” Fassel said. “What I try not to do is overcoach the guys, especially the athletes, the fast guys, the kind of guys that are a little crazy. They are perfect for special teams. I don’t want them to think too much out there. That’s kind of the way we’ve been going about it.”

As we thought and as Coach Cable said Rookie WR Jacoby Ford, will be the starter opposite Darrius Heyward-Bey in place of Louis Murphy.

Murphy has a bruised clavical or a bruised lung depending on who you talk to.

Either way he's out against Seatown.

WR/PR Nick Miller has been getting extra work at different positions and should get more snaps, although coach Tom Cable made it sound like the 2nd year man will be fourth in the rotation behind DHB, Ford and Johnnie Lee Higgins.

Miller's value seems to be returning kicks. Something Oakland has struggled at.

The Raiders will have to be on point against Seattle who has had some very good play out of their special teams this year.

“I’m getting to know all the positions just in case they need me,” Miller said.

10-27-10 2:44 pm pac                            
                                                                         CB Chris Johnson: "Psst! I'm Batman..."   

As the Raiders prepare to host the Seahawks this Sunday, they could be without CB Chris Johnson.

Johnson suffered a concussion against the Broncos and while he appeared fine yesterday was not at todays practice.

DE Matt Shaughnessy and C Samson Satele, who also suffered concussions during the game were in attendance and likely will make the game.

Thats good news because Shaughnessy has been very solid at setting the edge and helping to stuff the run.

Seattle's RB Justin Forsett has a 4.6 yd average on 70 carries for 323 yds but only one TD.

With Johnson a possible M.I.A. the Raiders will need to find someone who can cover the resurging Mike Williams.

The 6-5, 235 WR has 32 catches for 348 yds and a TD after crapping out with several other teams earlier in his career including the Oakland Raiders.

Williams always had the potential, he just liked stuffing his face with fast food more than working on his craft.

The former 1st round draft pick and one time Raider appears to have his head on straight now and is having a career year.

In pre season when the Raiders faced off with Seattle Chris Johnson struggled against him.

The Raiders have a statisical edge over the Hawks in the running game thanks in part to a 328 yd performance against Denver but could struggle against a Seattle team with solid linebackers.

The Seahawks defense has been pretty stingy against the run allowing opponents on average 77.5 yds per game on the ground, meaning the Raiders earth shredding ground game last week end may or may not be able to gain traction this Sunday.

If it can't, QB Jason Campbell may be called upon to carry the day.

He and Kyle Boller were taking 1st team reps today while Bruce Gradkowski watched and nursed the sore AC in his shoulder.

Grads may be ready to go next week.

Campbell will probably have to face the Hawks without Oaklands leading receiver Louis Murphy who's out with either his 2nd clavical injury or a bruised lung according to one unsubstatiated source.

If Murphy's a no go WRs Nick Miller and or rookie Jacoby Ford could see more reps in his place.

WR Darrius Heyward Bey spent most of the Denver game in the locker room with an undisclosed illness.

He's been fine this week and may be called on to take up slack against the Hawks.

Going back to Sepember of 2001 the Raiders have lost 3 of the last 4 meetings with Seattle but this Sunday could be different if the O line performs well again and Oaklands defense can destroy the passing game.

Helping in that effort Seattle's 6th overall draft pick Russell Okung rolled an ankle on the opening drive of last weeks game against Arizona.

The big left tackle has been hampered by injuries so far in his young career and his absence was partly responsible for the Seahawks 4 field goals instead of TDs against the Cardinals.

Okung suffered a high ankle sprain like the one he suffered in pre season, only this time to his left ankle.

Hopefully Oakland can take advantage and apply heat to Seattle's veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck.

All eyes will be on Oakland after their epic blow out of Denver last week end, watching and waiting to see if it was a fluke or if a monster in Silver and Black has awakened just in time for Halloween.