THE OFFICIAL OAKLAND RAIDERS 2009 SEASON THREAD
- Thread starter Meta4iCAL
- Start date
Yes he's playing like shit obviously and I dont doubt anybodies opinions this wasnt directed at the siccness but just everyone in general seems like there giving up on this team way to early imo. I mean on sunday they were just booin JR, they were booin DMC, I heard cable sucks, and fuck AL chants goin on. Im fed up too but that shit aint gonna help them get it in gear. JR sucks right now but its not like there doing anything else positive whatsoever. I guess thats what he gets for that position but IMO the blame is the team not just JR. Everyone thinks replacing him or Chaz comming back is gonna resurect the offense, I still think were a ways a way. When I was loaded on Sunday I kept sayin "if this is the team, I would have rather them layed down against SD" So we all didnt think we had potential. But at the same time there is potential, we just need direction and to learn how to win, and your right alot of that falls on the QB. But all this giving up has been wearing on me its the exact opposite of what the players need to do and us as the fans cant even have faith. Sunday was pathetic all around, from the players to the attendence, to the coaching/play calling and the fans. Ive really felt sick ever since. We get enough bad mouthing from the Niners, this is the one place I would like to get away from that, but nope.
I read on one of Jerry Macs articles today an expert of Andre Johnsons interview. He said something along the lines of "look at the team the raiders have, those players are like an all star team, just waiting to have a breakout game. All the need is to be pointed in the right direction."
I tell you what we could sure use a guy like that on our squad cuz are recievers have to be the worst in the league. Im done ranting. LOL.. Its all Raiders here til death.
I read on one of Jerry Macs articles today an expert of Andre Johnsons interview. He said something along the lines of "look at the team the raiders have, those players are like an all star team, just waiting to have a breakout game. All the need is to be pointed in the right direction."
I tell you what we could sure use a guy like that on our squad cuz are recievers have to be the worst in the league. Im done ranting. LOL.. Its all Raiders here til death.
I feel you, I really want Russell to succeed... maybe sitting him on the bench will let him know he needs to get better
when you see his demeanor on anf off the field, he acts like he doesn't give a fuck... you know a reporter interviewed him after the game Sunday... asked him how he felt about his play and his progression as a QB... he said he felt he was doing fine, and blamed his bad play on calls by the refs... and other things that were out of his hands??? he's not even acting like he wants to get better... and his play on the field... his weight... everything proves he isn't trying to get better
I don't see why people think it's so horrible to bench him... Arizona benched Leinhart, Cleveland benched Brady Quinn, Tennessee benched Vince Young... other teams do it... we need the best players on the field. point, blank, period.
now with that being said... regarding the booing... maybe the fans showing their displeasure for Russell will help make Al and Cable realize that he needs to be benched... will benching Russell improve the whole team? No... but it will help A LOT, in my opinion. Quarterback is the most important position on a football team. When defenses know Russell can't complete passes, they can focus all their energy on the running game... our young WRs will not get better if they don't even have a chance to catch a ball. If Russell can't complete passes to convert 3rd downs out defense is gonna be on the field all fucking day... and teams are gonna run and pass all over us
see... everything ties together... I respect your opinion Jack Tracks... and when it comes down to it we're all Raiders fans and all want the team to succeed... but I'm sticking with my opinion that Russell should be on the bench, at least for right now. I'd rather have Russell play good than Gradkowski, Frye, or someone else... I've been giving him chances throughout his career, and defended him when people talked shit. But he's regressed... when he should have progressed...and I can't support him anymore... it seems like fans care how he does more than he cares himself...
ok... I'm done...
when you see his demeanor on anf off the field, he acts like he doesn't give a fuck... you know a reporter interviewed him after the game Sunday... asked him how he felt about his play and his progression as a QB... he said he felt he was doing fine, and blamed his bad play on calls by the refs... and other things that were out of his hands??? he's not even acting like he wants to get better... and his play on the field... his weight... everything proves he isn't trying to get better
I don't see why people think it's so horrible to bench him... Arizona benched Leinhart, Cleveland benched Brady Quinn, Tennessee benched Vince Young... other teams do it... we need the best players on the field. point, blank, period.
now with that being said... regarding the booing... maybe the fans showing their displeasure for Russell will help make Al and Cable realize that he needs to be benched... will benching Russell improve the whole team? No... but it will help A LOT, in my opinion. Quarterback is the most important position on a football team. When defenses know Russell can't complete passes, they can focus all their energy on the running game... our young WRs will not get better if they don't even have a chance to catch a ball. If Russell can't complete passes to convert 3rd downs out defense is gonna be on the field all fucking day... and teams are gonna run and pass all over us
see... everything ties together... I respect your opinion Jack Tracks... and when it comes down to it we're all Raiders fans and all want the team to succeed... but I'm sticking with my opinion that Russell should be on the bench, at least for right now. I'd rather have Russell play good than Gradkowski, Frye, or someone else... I've been giving him chances throughout his career, and defended him when people talked shit. But he's regressed... when he should have progressed...and I can't support him anymore... it seems like fans care how he does more than he cares himself...
ok... I'm done...
peep the Avatar that's for life. for better or worse! but right now jamarcus can't hit the broadside of a barn. his accuracy is atrosious. and b4 arm strength , speed, and toughness. I want a leader as my quarterback that knows how to throw a fuckin pass.
right now I don't care about nothing else. we do have a good team of players with tons of potential. but the qb is the head of the offensive body and if the head isn't working nothing else will
edit: meta hit the nail on the head. I didn't see that post when I replied
right now I don't care about nothing else. we do have a good team of players with tons of potential. but the qb is the head of the offensive body and if the head isn't working nothing else will
edit: meta hit the nail on the head. I didn't see that post when I replied
I'd take a qb with average physical ability that is smart and wants to win. one that does whatever it takes to make the people around him better. i said before i was worried about jr's overall habits and demeanor. he has the ability, but does he have that gritty mentality to get it done?
he may, but as of right now he is playing like a fucking clown. him and al davis need this. if this shit continues the coliseum will be empty come the end of the year. i am a raider fan regardless, but dont know how much longer i can support the overall dysfunction we represent.
he may, but as of right now he is playing like a fucking clown. him and al davis need this. if this shit continues the coliseum will be empty come the end of the year. i am a raider fan regardless, but dont know how much longer i can support the overall dysfunction we represent.
................ WE STINK UNTIL JR IS REPLACED OR FINALLY TURNS THE CORNER PERIOD!!!! HAND THE BALL OFF ALL GAME LET DMC AND BUSH WORK OUT OF THE WILDCAT TEXANS RUN D IS WORSE THAN OURS IN PAST YEARS LIMIT JRS TOUCHES AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND WIN RUNNING THE FOOTBALL IT SHOULD BE 75-25 RUN DAMN I HATE MY LIFE DURING FOOTBALL SEASON.
this upcoming game vs Houston is gonna be interesting, if Russell dosen't show that hes committed 2 being a pro QB this week they better can him because it seems like he don't even practice and everybody on sports radio is sayin he's the worst QB in the NFL and everybody is clownin him & the Raiders but I know they got more potential but JR is holding the offense back
We all Raider fans here and i like what most of yall bring to the convo.........
with that said, I never cared for JR since the begining!!! He propelled to the top of the draft after LSU murked ND in that bowl game. Its his third year now (i know, the 1st one doesnt really count) but he hasnt improved. I guess its just really hard for me to believe that a pro QB has a hard time completing short passes. He doesnt really sense pressure when it comes and he always seems to turn the ball over when he's hit like no other QB in the NFL right now. His leadership skills dont show on or off the field and he cant run "simple" plays from the playbook. If he doesnt improve this year im hoping the team dumps him and we trade 4 vick or draft another QB in the later rounds.....we gotta go o-line or d-line with our first pick AL!!
I havent given up on the season but im frustrated that theres no sense of urgency for JR. We need to WIN NOW. Not three years down the road.....the rebuilding has already gone on for years......
Let's hope that the team and JR man up against Houston this week.........we def have the talent to win, it just needs to come together......Houston will be gunnin 4 the raiders for that loss they had last year......Run the ball........run the ball..........run the ball.....
Fuck it, i got the Raiders winning this week on the road 20-16 with my blind bias!!!
RAIDER NATION.....cabrones
with that said, I never cared for JR since the begining!!! He propelled to the top of the draft after LSU murked ND in that bowl game. Its his third year now (i know, the 1st one doesnt really count) but he hasnt improved. I guess its just really hard for me to believe that a pro QB has a hard time completing short passes. He doesnt really sense pressure when it comes and he always seems to turn the ball over when he's hit like no other QB in the NFL right now. His leadership skills dont show on or off the field and he cant run "simple" plays from the playbook. If he doesnt improve this year im hoping the team dumps him and we trade 4 vick or draft another QB in the later rounds.....we gotta go o-line or d-line with our first pick AL!!
I havent given up on the season but im frustrated that theres no sense of urgency for JR. We need to WIN NOW. Not three years down the road.....the rebuilding has already gone on for years......
Let's hope that the team and JR man up against Houston this week.........we def have the talent to win, it just needs to come together......Houston will be gunnin 4 the raiders for that loss they had last year......Run the ball........run the ball..........run the ball.....
Fuck it, i got the Raiders winning this week on the road 20-16 with my blind bias!!!
RAIDER NATION.....cabrones
Peterson: Garcia returning to Raiders not such an outlandish idea
By Gary Peterson
Oakland Tribune columnist
Posted: 10/01/2009 06:01:41 PM PDT
Updated: 10/02/2009 08:46:35 AM PDT
Having been waived by the Philadelphia Eagles, Jeff Garcia needs a team. Having watched JaMarcus Russell struggle mightily in the season's first three games, the Raiders could use an experienced alternative at quarterback.
The question wasn't who would connect these Gerard Warren-sized dots, but who would be first. All hail ESPN.com's Bill Williamson, who blogged Tuesday that the Raiders "could decide to call" Garcia, and that Garcia might be interested "if it meant he'd be the starter."
As exhibit A, that wouldn't be admissible in a court of law. (Though it should be noted that on Wednesday, Raiders coach Tom Cable lukewarmly denied the team was pursuing Garcia, which isn't exactly on the order of "That clown? No way.") But as straight-up speculation the notion is beyond intriguing. In fact when you think it through, it's tough to find a downside.
But first, this 30-second reset:
The Raiders signed Garcia as a free agent last offseason. Though their intent was to provide a solid backup, perhaps an on-site mentor, maybe even a motivational fire for Russell as he embarked on his third NFL season, Garcia clearly had other designs. He wished openly for a chance to compete for the starting job. When he saw that wasn't going to happen, he asked for his release.
You'd have to believe he's a bit humbled at this point. Signed by the Eagles as insurance after Donovan McNabb suffered a broken rib in the season opener, Garcia was cut after just two games and three kneel-downs.
He might regard a chance to play for the Raiders differently now. And, we might add, vice versa. Russell has been nothing short of brutal. His passer rating of 39.8 is last in the NFL (14.5 points behind the next ranked quarterback, Carolina's Jake Delhomme, who has thrown seven interceptions).
The downside of re-signing Garcia and starting him ahead of Russell? Well, no one likes to be benched. And there's the possibility it might affect Russell's confidence. But you could say the same about allowing him to continue to play when the game is clearly moving too fast for him.
It's an ugly scene. Russell is being booed hard by Raiders fans looking for any opportunity to vent their frustration over the past six years. It may not be fair, and it's definitely not all his fault. But he's making a splendid target.
He's missing open receivers, which is never a good thing. Some of his off-target throws might be attributable to poorly run routes. Others are flat-out misfires. Does he feel rushed? Is he simply off the mark? It's tough to tell, though what we do know is anytime he puts air under the ball on a long throw, it's time to shudder.
And while we wouldn't pretend to know what his current or optimum playing weight is, it's obviously time to retire any thoughts about Russell being a semi-mobile quarterback. He won't outrun anyone, and he doesn't even maneuver around the pocket a la Ben Roethlisberger, another plus-sized QB. That's not a felony, but until Russell can make quicker decisions, it's a liability.
The downside of throwing Garcia into the lineup? Well, he is 39. There doesn't seem to be a bull market for his services, so that tells you what player personnel experts around the league think of his skills at this point.
But for what the Raiders need, he could be a fit. He knows how to make plays with his feet. That would be a boon for an offense with young receivers, young backs and a line that has its moments. Maybe he helps prime the team's offensive pump. Any offense he generates would give us a better feel for how good the Raiders can be — mostly because it would have a domino effect on the defense, which has been taxed by the offense's inability to stay on the field.
And by "taxed" we mean: Since they opened the season with three strong drives against the San Diego Chargers, the Raiders have gone three-and-out (or worse) on 16 of 28 possessions. During that time, opponents have run 209 offensive plays to Oakland's 136.
In that sense this is bigger than Russell's development as a quarterback. It's about the Raiders' development as a fully functional team.
And as of the moment, it's an exercise in thinking out loud. Hey, it gives us all something to do between Shane Lechler punts.
Contact Gary Peterson at [email protected].
By Gary Peterson
Oakland Tribune columnist
Posted: 10/01/2009 06:01:41 PM PDT
Updated: 10/02/2009 08:46:35 AM PDT
Having been waived by the Philadelphia Eagles, Jeff Garcia needs a team. Having watched JaMarcus Russell struggle mightily in the season's first three games, the Raiders could use an experienced alternative at quarterback.
The question wasn't who would connect these Gerard Warren-sized dots, but who would be first. All hail ESPN.com's Bill Williamson, who blogged Tuesday that the Raiders "could decide to call" Garcia, and that Garcia might be interested "if it meant he'd be the starter."
As exhibit A, that wouldn't be admissible in a court of law. (Though it should be noted that on Wednesday, Raiders coach Tom Cable lukewarmly denied the team was pursuing Garcia, which isn't exactly on the order of "That clown? No way.") But as straight-up speculation the notion is beyond intriguing. In fact when you think it through, it's tough to find a downside.
But first, this 30-second reset:
The Raiders signed Garcia as a free agent last offseason. Though their intent was to provide a solid backup, perhaps an on-site mentor, maybe even a motivational fire for Russell as he embarked on his third NFL season, Garcia clearly had other designs. He wished openly for a chance to compete for the starting job. When he saw that wasn't going to happen, he asked for his release.
You'd have to believe he's a bit humbled at this point. Signed by the Eagles as insurance after Donovan McNabb suffered a broken rib in the season opener, Garcia was cut after just two games and three kneel-downs.
He might regard a chance to play for the Raiders differently now. And, we might add, vice versa. Russell has been nothing short of brutal. His passer rating of 39.8 is last in the NFL (14.5 points behind the next ranked quarterback, Carolina's Jake Delhomme, who has thrown seven interceptions).
The downside of re-signing Garcia and starting him ahead of Russell? Well, no one likes to be benched. And there's the possibility it might affect Russell's confidence. But you could say the same about allowing him to continue to play when the game is clearly moving too fast for him.
It's an ugly scene. Russell is being booed hard by Raiders fans looking for any opportunity to vent their frustration over the past six years. It may not be fair, and it's definitely not all his fault. But he's making a splendid target.
He's missing open receivers, which is never a good thing. Some of his off-target throws might be attributable to poorly run routes. Others are flat-out misfires. Does he feel rushed? Is he simply off the mark? It's tough to tell, though what we do know is anytime he puts air under the ball on a long throw, it's time to shudder.
And while we wouldn't pretend to know what his current or optimum playing weight is, it's obviously time to retire any thoughts about Russell being a semi-mobile quarterback. He won't outrun anyone, and he doesn't even maneuver around the pocket a la Ben Roethlisberger, another plus-sized QB. That's not a felony, but until Russell can make quicker decisions, it's a liability.
The downside of throwing Garcia into the lineup? Well, he is 39. There doesn't seem to be a bull market for his services, so that tells you what player personnel experts around the league think of his skills at this point.
But for what the Raiders need, he could be a fit. He knows how to make plays with his feet. That would be a boon for an offense with young receivers, young backs and a line that has its moments. Maybe he helps prime the team's offensive pump. Any offense he generates would give us a better feel for how good the Raiders can be — mostly because it would have a domino effect on the defense, which has been taxed by the offense's inability to stay on the field.
And by "taxed" we mean: Since they opened the season with three strong drives against the San Diego Chargers, the Raiders have gone three-and-out (or worse) on 16 of 28 possessions. During that time, opponents have run 209 offensive plays to Oakland's 136.
In that sense this is bigger than Russell's development as a quarterback. It's about the Raiders' development as a fully functional team.
And as of the moment, it's an exercise in thinking out loud. Hey, it gives us all something to do between Shane Lechler punts.
Contact Gary Peterson at [email protected].
Raiders notebook: Team waives Bowie, who came to Raiders as part of the Moss trade
By Steve Corkran
Oakland Tribune
Posted: 10/01/2009 07:34:22 PM PDT
Updated: 10/01/2009 09:55:42 PM PDT
The Raiders waived cornerback John Bowie, one day after he was placed on injured reserve as a result of a knee injury he sustained against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
The move effectively closes the door on the 2007 draft-day trade that sent disgruntled wide receiver Randy Moss to the New England Patriots for a fourth-round pick that the Raiders used to select Bowie out of the University of Cincinnati.
Bowie appeared in five games in his two-plus seasons with the Raiders and collected two tackles.
Moss has started all 35 regular-season games since the trade — he also played three postseason games — and recorded 193 receptions for 2,782 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Raiders managing general partner Al Davis was reluctant to trade Moss, but he agreed once it became apparent that Moss no longer wanted to play for the Raiders after two seasons.
"Randy Moss was great here for us," Davis said Sept. 12. "We couldn't satisfy Randy. That was our fault. He's a truly great player. The idea when you get a great player is to make him happy and satisfy him."
# Wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins (shoulder) returned to practice Thursday and said he is ready to play Sunday against the Houston Texans. He will return punts and attempt to record his first reception of the season. He led all Raiders wide receivers last season in receptions (22), yards (366) and touchdowns (4).
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Receiver Chaz Schilens missed practice and remains a "long shot" for Sunday's game, coach Tom Cable said. He still is recovering from the broken bone he sustained in his left foot Aug. 18. He worked with a team trainer on his movement while his teammates practiced on an adjacent field.
# The Texans are one of only five teams that own an edge over the Raiders in the all-time series. The Texans are 3-1 against the Raiders, with the lone loss coming at the Coliseum last season.
# Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha needed fluids replaced intravenously late in the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 20. Several other Raiders suffered from dehydration that day, as well.
It figures to be at least as hot Sunday and probably with more humidity.
"We talk about the hydration," Cable said. "It's just something you have to deal with. I don't think it'll be a whole lot different than Kansas City."
By Steve Corkran
Oakland Tribune
Posted: 10/01/2009 07:34:22 PM PDT
Updated: 10/01/2009 09:55:42 PM PDT
The Raiders waived cornerback John Bowie, one day after he was placed on injured reserve as a result of a knee injury he sustained against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
The move effectively closes the door on the 2007 draft-day trade that sent disgruntled wide receiver Randy Moss to the New England Patriots for a fourth-round pick that the Raiders used to select Bowie out of the University of Cincinnati.
Bowie appeared in five games in his two-plus seasons with the Raiders and collected two tackles.
Moss has started all 35 regular-season games since the trade — he also played three postseason games — and recorded 193 receptions for 2,782 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Raiders managing general partner Al Davis was reluctant to trade Moss, but he agreed once it became apparent that Moss no longer wanted to play for the Raiders after two seasons.
"Randy Moss was great here for us," Davis said Sept. 12. "We couldn't satisfy Randy. That was our fault. He's a truly great player. The idea when you get a great player is to make him happy and satisfy him."
# Wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins (shoulder) returned to practice Thursday and said he is ready to play Sunday against the Houston Texans. He will return punts and attempt to record his first reception of the season. He led all Raiders wide receivers last season in receptions (22), yards (366) and touchdowns (4).
#
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Receiver Chaz Schilens missed practice and remains a "long shot" for Sunday's game, coach Tom Cable said. He still is recovering from the broken bone he sustained in his left foot Aug. 18. He worked with a team trainer on his movement while his teammates practiced on an adjacent field.
# The Texans are one of only five teams that own an edge over the Raiders in the all-time series. The Texans are 3-1 against the Raiders, with the lone loss coming at the Coliseum last season.
# Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha needed fluids replaced intravenously late in the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 20. Several other Raiders suffered from dehydration that day, as well.
It figures to be at least as hot Sunday and probably with more humidity.
"We talk about the hydration," Cable said. "It's just something you have to deal with. I don't think it'll be a whole lot different than Kansas City."
Asomugha vs. Johnson
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, October 1st, 2009 at 8:09 am in Oakland Raiders.
Two of the NFL’s most understated superstars square off Sunday when Nnamdi Asomugha attempts to lock down Houston wide receiver Andre Johnson. Johnson caught just two passes for 19 yards in last season’s 27-16 win in Oakland, although coach Tom Cable noted weather conditions (wet and sloppy) had a lot to do with it.
Johnson didn’t catch a pass until Asomugha left the game due to injury. Johnson was available to Bay Area reporters Wednesday by conference call, and Asomugha talked with Texans beat writers. Some observations from each player on playing the other:
Johnson: “He’s a great player, probably the best cornerback in the league. I didn’t really get many opportunities in that game. He’s a tough person to go against.”
Asomugha: “You’re talking about one of if not the top receiver in the league. Any time you get a guy with his size and his strength and his speed, you’re going to have some matchup problems, and there’s a lot of ways that he can hurt you whether it’s running the ball, whether it’s deep, whether it’s short. He’s got all the intangibles. So he always presents a problem for any corner around the league.”
Johnson: “Most of the time they’re in man-to-man, and they do a good job of mixing it up. They’ll make it look like man, and it’s really not man. They do a lot of man coverage, though, and it’s just something you have to go out and beat. Against a guy like Nnamdi, it’s a big challenge.”
Asomugha:“ Whether I’ve had success on him or not, he’s still been a challenge. He’s been one of my greatest challenges that I face each week. Each year, it’s one of those things where you look at the schedule and you see who the top guys are that you’re going to face, and you see Houston on the schedule, you know you’re going to have a battle any time you’re going to have to play against that type of a receiver. So I don’t know; I just play my game and try my best and see how successful how I can be. But he’s a great player.”
Johnson: “I think it depends on the defensive call. Sometimes he’s on me, sometimes he’s not. It really depends on their defense.”
Asomugha: “I think every year that we play him, there’s a plan together where I’ll be on him the majority of the time. Not all the time, but there’ll be a lot of situations where he goes to the left or the right or wherever he goes where I’ll end up on him. But it won’t be every single snap. Just as far as game plans in the past, it’s never been every snap, but we’ve always had some sort of plan together.”
Johnson: ``He doesn’t talk at all (on the field). He’s a cool guy. I asked him for a loan when he signed his new contract, asked him if he could loan me a million dollars. I love going against him because when go up against a guy of that caliber it’s always a challenge and you get a chance to see where your game’s at.”
Asomugha: “I’m sure we’ll talk more after the game as opposed to before the game, but yeah, definitely. I’ve known the type of talent he was since high school. I’ve met him since college and in the Pro Bowl and all that stuff. We have each other’s number. We talk in the offseason every now and then. He’s a really good guy.”
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, October 1st, 2009 at 8:09 am in Oakland Raiders.
Two of the NFL’s most understated superstars square off Sunday when Nnamdi Asomugha attempts to lock down Houston wide receiver Andre Johnson. Johnson caught just two passes for 19 yards in last season’s 27-16 win in Oakland, although coach Tom Cable noted weather conditions (wet and sloppy) had a lot to do with it.
Johnson didn’t catch a pass until Asomugha left the game due to injury. Johnson was available to Bay Area reporters Wednesday by conference call, and Asomugha talked with Texans beat writers. Some observations from each player on playing the other:
Johnson: “He’s a great player, probably the best cornerback in the league. I didn’t really get many opportunities in that game. He’s a tough person to go against.”
Asomugha: “You’re talking about one of if not the top receiver in the league. Any time you get a guy with his size and his strength and his speed, you’re going to have some matchup problems, and there’s a lot of ways that he can hurt you whether it’s running the ball, whether it’s deep, whether it’s short. He’s got all the intangibles. So he always presents a problem for any corner around the league.”
Johnson: “Most of the time they’re in man-to-man, and they do a good job of mixing it up. They’ll make it look like man, and it’s really not man. They do a lot of man coverage, though, and it’s just something you have to go out and beat. Against a guy like Nnamdi, it’s a big challenge.”
Asomugha:“ Whether I’ve had success on him or not, he’s still been a challenge. He’s been one of my greatest challenges that I face each week. Each year, it’s one of those things where you look at the schedule and you see who the top guys are that you’re going to face, and you see Houston on the schedule, you know you’re going to have a battle any time you’re going to have to play against that type of a receiver. So I don’t know; I just play my game and try my best and see how successful how I can be. But he’s a great player.”
Johnson: “I think it depends on the defensive call. Sometimes he’s on me, sometimes he’s not. It really depends on their defense.”
Asomugha: “I think every year that we play him, there’s a plan together where I’ll be on him the majority of the time. Not all the time, but there’ll be a lot of situations where he goes to the left or the right or wherever he goes where I’ll end up on him. But it won’t be every single snap. Just as far as game plans in the past, it’s never been every snap, but we’ve always had some sort of plan together.”
Johnson: ``He doesn’t talk at all (on the field). He’s a cool guy. I asked him for a loan when he signed his new contract, asked him if he could loan me a million dollars. I love going against him because when go up against a guy of that caliber it’s always a challenge and you get a chance to see where your game’s at.”
Asomugha: “I’m sure we’ll talk more after the game as opposed to before the game, but yeah, definitely. I’ve known the type of talent he was since high school. I’ve met him since college and in the Pro Bowl and all that stuff. We have each other’s number. We talk in the offseason every now and then. He’s a really good guy.”
Russell says he cares
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, October 1st, 2009 at 12:31 pm in Oakland Raiders.
JaMarcus Russell is a bottom feeder among NFL starting quarterbacks in the following statitical categories _ completion percentage (41.3 percent), yards (378), touchdown passes (1), average gain per pass (5.04) and passer rating (39.8).
While there’s no statistical measurement for it, fans at the stadium, as well as on call-in radio and blogs like this would would add he’s also dead last in emotion and body language.
Russell said Thursday to assume he doesn’t care because of the way he looks would be a mistake.
“If you look at it all the time, even though we score a touchdown or two, I clap, go give the guys praise, but you never see me (getting too excited),” Russell said. “My coach in high school always told me to stay on an even keel, that way, nobody will ever read you, they will never know what you’re thinking about, how high you are, how low you are. I think that’s their opinion about how things go on but they really don’t know what’s going on in my mind.”
Russell insists he hasn’t lost confidence.
“Not at all. When things don’t go the way you want them to go, you dig down and go to the fundamentals,” Russell said. “From that (point), you pick yourself up because that’s mostly all it is when things happen like that, you kind of get out of whack and forget your fundamentals.”
Russell said playing fundamental football will bring the offense back on track and eliminate the “pressing” that coach Tom Cable talked about Wednesday.
He appreciates Cable’s public stance that he hasn’t considered changing quarterbacks, but feels he’s earned it.
“I worked to be that guy. If you look at it closely on film, things aren’t as bad as people make ’em out to be. The Denver Broncos are an NFL team. They have some defense to cover some things up, and that’s when you come up with throw away balls . . . I practiced to be that guy, from beginning to end.”
When the Raiders faced Houston last season in Week 16, they came in having lost three straight games and were playing out the string with a 3-11 record.
Seemingly out of nowhere, put together one of their best efforts of the season and beat the Texans 27-16.
The Raiders drove 64 yards in eight plays the first time they had the ball, with Russell hitting Chaz Schilens for a 20-yard touchdown. He was 3-for-3 for 41 yards on the drive. It was the first time in 55 games, dating back to 2005 when Kerry Collins was quarterback, that the Raiders had scored a touchdown on their first possession.
Oakland immediately did one of its patented give-backs, with the Texans marching 71 yards to tie the score, but the first touchdown established a level of confidence that carried throughout the game. By game’s end, Russell was 18 of 25 for 236 yards and two touchdowns and Justin Fargas had 93 yards on 22 carries on a rainy day.
“When you look at it on film, it’s like, everybody’s out there, joyful, going out, there, moving around, flying around to the ball, making things happen,” Russell said.
More to come later . . .
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, October 1st, 2009 at 12:31 pm in Oakland Raiders.
JaMarcus Russell is a bottom feeder among NFL starting quarterbacks in the following statitical categories _ completion percentage (41.3 percent), yards (378), touchdown passes (1), average gain per pass (5.04) and passer rating (39.8).
While there’s no statistical measurement for it, fans at the stadium, as well as on call-in radio and blogs like this would would add he’s also dead last in emotion and body language.
Russell said Thursday to assume he doesn’t care because of the way he looks would be a mistake.
“If you look at it all the time, even though we score a touchdown or two, I clap, go give the guys praise, but you never see me (getting too excited),” Russell said. “My coach in high school always told me to stay on an even keel, that way, nobody will ever read you, they will never know what you’re thinking about, how high you are, how low you are. I think that’s their opinion about how things go on but they really don’t know what’s going on in my mind.”
Russell insists he hasn’t lost confidence.
“Not at all. When things don’t go the way you want them to go, you dig down and go to the fundamentals,” Russell said. “From that (point), you pick yourself up because that’s mostly all it is when things happen like that, you kind of get out of whack and forget your fundamentals.”
Russell said playing fundamental football will bring the offense back on track and eliminate the “pressing” that coach Tom Cable talked about Wednesday.
He appreciates Cable’s public stance that he hasn’t considered changing quarterbacks, but feels he’s earned it.
“I worked to be that guy. If you look at it closely on film, things aren’t as bad as people make ’em out to be. The Denver Broncos are an NFL team. They have some defense to cover some things up, and that’s when you come up with throw away balls . . . I practiced to be that guy, from beginning to end.”
When the Raiders faced Houston last season in Week 16, they came in having lost three straight games and were playing out the string with a 3-11 record.
Seemingly out of nowhere, put together one of their best efforts of the season and beat the Texans 27-16.
The Raiders drove 64 yards in eight plays the first time they had the ball, with Russell hitting Chaz Schilens for a 20-yard touchdown. He was 3-for-3 for 41 yards on the drive. It was the first time in 55 games, dating back to 2005 when Kerry Collins was quarterback, that the Raiders had scored a touchdown on their first possession.
Oakland immediately did one of its patented give-backs, with the Texans marching 71 yards to tie the score, but the first touchdown established a level of confidence that carried throughout the game. By game’s end, Russell was 18 of 25 for 236 yards and two touchdowns and Justin Fargas had 93 yards on 22 carries on a rainy day.
“When you look at it on film, it’s like, everybody’s out there, joyful, going out, there, moving around, flying around to the ball, making things happen,” Russell said.
More to come later . . .