Raiders - Steelers Week...

[Angry Pope]

Nov 30 3:47 ET Raiders RB Gary Russell, a former Steeler, will return kicks for the second straight week Sunday against Pittsburgh. Russell replaced the struggling Johnathan Holland last week at Dallas but returned just one kick for 15 yards. Russell earned a Super Bowl ring with the Steelers last season.

Nov 30 3:45 ET Trevor Scott made his first career start last week, replacing Thomas at weak-side linebacker. Raiders coach Tom Cable said he hasn't decided whether Scott, a defensive end until last week, will start again against Pittsburgh, but he praised Scott's performance against Dallas. "He did a lot of good things, both rushing the passer and playing the WILL linebacker spot standing up. He'll just get better and better."

Nov 30 3:44 ET DE Greg Ellis (knee) and RB Justin Fargas (stinger) are questionable for Sunday’s game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh. Fargas was injured last week against Dallas. Ellis, meanwhile, re-aggravated his surgically repaired knee against the Cowboys.

Nov 30 2:31 ET Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski on facing the Steelers this week in his home town: "My whole family’s from Pittsburgh and grew up watching the Steelers. There’s going to be a lot of fans, a lot of family. I can’t even name how many family and friends will be there; too many to get tickets for."

Nov 30 2:06 ET Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski is preparing for his third career NFL homecoming game in his native Pittsburgh. He started against the Steelers as a rookie with Tampa Bay and last year with Cleveland. So far, so bad. He lost 20-3 as a rookie and 31**-0 last year. He’s a combined 28 of 50 for 193 yards and zero touchdowns with five interceptions and eight sacks. He had passer ratings against the Steelers of 35.8 as a rookie and 1.0 last year.

[Angry Pope]

Cable expects Roethlisberger

By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 4:04 pm in Oakland Raiders.

News, notes and quotes from the Raiders open locker room and Tom Cable’s post-walkthrough press briefing:

– On a weekly television appearance on a local Sunday night postgame show, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha talked about having to prepare for two quarterbacks for this week’s game in Pittsburgh against the Steelers.

Raiders coach Tom Cable seemed to have little doubt as to which one will be the starter.

“All indications are Ben (Roethlisberger) will be back,” Cable said.

The Steelers, who lost overtime games to Kansas City and Balitmore over the past two weeks, turned to San Leandro High School and Oregon product Dennis Dixon against Baltimore. Dixon started the season as the No. 3 quarterback and was elevated to No. 2 when Charlie Batch was lost fo rthe season to a wrist injury.

When it was determined Roethlisberger had not sufficiently recovered from concussion symptoms sustained against the Chiefs, Dixon played against Balitmore and his 24-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter had the Steelers in position to win.

However, the Pittsburgh defense allowed the Ravens to drive for the tie at regulation, and Dixon’s overtime interception to rookie Paul Kruger against a zone blitz set up Baltimore’s winning field goal.

– Quarterback Bruce Gradkowski talked glowingly about returning to Pittsburgh, noting it was the third time he had started in his home town. Gradkowski was a star quarterback at Seton-La Salle High School in the city and his father is a longtime employee in the business department of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

“It’s always exciting getting back to Pittsburgh,” Gradkowski said. “My whole family’s from Pittsburgh and grew up watching the Steelers.”

Gradkowski remembers going to games at Three Rivers Stadium and said his family and friends could number 100, although fortunately he’s not entrusted with the ticket details.

“They already told me, `Hey, don’t worry about it, we’ll find our own tickets,’ ” Gradkowski said. “That’s good they know I am thinking about a lot of things, that I’ve got a lot on my plate right now.”

Foremost among them is having some success in Pittsburgh beyond the glory days of high school.

Gradkowski started the season finale for Cleveland last season in Pittsburgh, and had a start as a rookie in 2007 with Tampa Bay. In the two games, Gradkowski was 25-for-50 for 193 yards, no touchdowns, five interceptions and was sacked eight times. His Heinz Field quarterback rating is 20.3 and his teams lost by a combined 51-3.

– If finally getting into the end zone is a relief for Darrius Heyward-Bey, he wasn’t showing it.

“Tell you the truth, I really haven’t looked at it that way,” Heyward-Bey said. “It’s like, a touchdown was what we needed at the time, and now if I can help out the team more, it’ll be great.”

Cable said Monday the Raiders were very close to connecting on plays which could have gone for big yardage and sustained drives. Toward that end, following a walkthrough, quarterbacks, receivers and running backs were still on the field, working on their timing.

“We’re an inch away from being a good passing offense,” Heyward-Bey said. “We understand that. We wish we weren’t an inch away. We wish we were hitting those. It’s positive. It’s a good thing to look at. Going into these last five games, we hope we just hit those big plays and go into the offseason with a good feeling.”

– With Trevor Scott starting at weak side linebacker, it meant fewer snaps for Thomas Howard, although Howard did get some work on the strong side and on the weak side when Scott was rushing the passer.

Cable, however, did not dispel the notion that Howard’s game could use some work.

“I think you always try to do what gives you a good chance to succeed, so if you want to improve an area you make a move like we did, and certainly Trevor was able to go in and back it up,” Cable said.

In 2007, Howard had a breakout year with six interceptions, including touchdown returns of 44 and 66 yards. In his last 29 games, Howard has one interception and both he and Kirk Morrison have occasionally had problems disengaging from blockers against the run.

– Gary Russell, the fullback who returned one kickoff 17 yards against Dallas and appeared to almost go down voluntarily when he hit a wall, will get another crack at it against his former team, Cable said. Russell scored the first touchdown of the Steelers Super Bowl win over Arizona on a 1-yard run.

– Cable said defensive end Greg Ellis, who left the Dallas game with knee swelling, and running back Justin Fargas, who has a stinger, are questionable to face Pittsburgh.

Cable said the short week, combined with playing on artificial surface probably took its toll on Ellis.

– JaMarcus Russell has not been available to the media since losing his job to Gradkowski. As for how Russell is faring in his new role, Cable said, “I don’t really see any change whatsoever. He’s working, doing what he’s asked to do. He’s preparing like normal. So I wouldn’t say there was any change or anything I’ve noticed.”

– Nick Miller update _ getting out of a protective boot this week, Raiders will attempt to determine if it’s realistic to get him rehabbed fast enough so he can be of some service this season.

[Angry Pope]

From Monday's Globe and Mail

Published on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009 12:00AM EST

Last updated on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009 3:29AM EST


.HE SAID IT

'You goto to get your point across. There's nothing soft-spoken on the sideline. When you have a talented team, sometimes you need to brigh the nasty attitude out of them.'

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb after thier come from behind 27-24 victory over the Redskins yesterday

*****

BY THE NUMBERS

5

Consecutive wins by the Tennessee Titans after yesterday's last second 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The Titans became the first team to win five in a row after starting the season 0-6.

Dec. 30, 2007

The last time Atlanta Falcons quarterback Chris Redman threw a pass in an NFL game before being pressed into action yesterday. Atlanta starter Matt Ryan injured his toe in the first quarter and Redman, who had only appeared in one game since Ryan became the starter, took over and led the Falcons to a win over Tampa Bay.

20

Per cent of NFL players in a Sports Illustrated poll who chose the Oakland Raiders as the team they would least like to play for. The Buffalo Bills were second in the survey at 14 per cent.

12,257

Career rushing yards by LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson had 39 yards on 13 carries yesterday, moving him past Marcus Allen and Edgerrin James into 10th place on the all-time list. Up next is Marshall Faulk in ninth with 12,279 yards.

[raiderfreak7]

So Russell getting benched hasn't made him work harder? Awesome.

[jatfly]

I know I am a little excited for this particular game......I already been offered tickets 3 times today....

[BigTron]

I don't go overboard bashing JaMarcus because I really have no clue how much he works. I have to say he does not seem to be winning over many players or coaches...

"– JaMarcus Russell has not been available to the media since losing his job to Gradkowski. As for how Russell is faring in his new role, Cable said, “I don’t really see any change whatsoever. He’s working, doing what he’s asked to do. He’s preparing like normal. So I wouldn’t say there was any change or anything I’ve noticed.”

He seemed into the game on the sidelines. He was def at least pretending to be interested. If this kid is really immature and refuses to work, Al Davis needs to finally realize he isnt a GM anymore.

[Angry Pope]

JaMarcus Russell has not been available to the media since losing his job to Gradkowski. As for how Russell is faring in his new role, Cable said, “I don’t really see any change whatsoever. He’s working, doing what he’s asked to do. He’s preparing like normal. So I wouldn’t say there was any change or anything I’ve noticed.”

What he is saying is that he hasn't seen any change as far as pouting or things of this nature.

[Xplosive]

Its not russell.. smh... Charile weis got fired.. can we pick him up as a offensive coordinator. the season was over when russell was benched and chaz was down for the first half of the season.


X

[DarthRaidor]

Its not russell.. smh... Charile weis got fired.. can we pick him up as a offensive coordinator. the season was over when russell was benched and chaz was down for the first half of the season.


X

Season was over well before Russell's benching.

[SilvernBlack]

Its not russell.. smh... Charile weis got fired.. can we pick him up as a offensive coordinator. the season was over when russell was benched and chaz was down for the first half of the season.


X

It's a good thing you are typing on here it would be really hard for you to talk with Russell's nuts in your mouth. I have read this same quote from you about 3 times all ready how the season was over when we benched Russell. Give me a break this guy has big work ethic problems and is very immature. I have not yet given up on him but sitting him is the best thing right now.

[Madturk]

Season was over well before Russell's benching.


Season was over when Ja Dummy couldn't hit the side of the barn in 7 on 7's. That was definitely a harbinger of bad things to come.

[Angry Pope]

Raiders hoping for a passing grade on passing

David White, Chronicle Staff Writer

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

(11-30) 19:45 PST -- Never mind perfect. The Raiders will be better if passing-game practice just makes mediocre at this point.

After taking a three-day weekend, the forward-pass portion of the Raiders' squad stayed late after practice, throwing and catching under the watchful eye of the coaching staff.

Quarterbacks Bruce Gradkowski and JaMarcus Russell worked on the timing of their throws. Receivers Chaz Schilens and Louis Murphy worked on the cut of their routes. Darrius Heyward-Bey focused on catching the ball and getting two feet down near the sideline.

"It's just throwing some routes," Raiders coach Tom Cable said.

Just? If only it came that easy during the games.

After 11 games, the Raiders remain last as ever in the NFL passing rankings at 130.1 yards per game, a 48.7 percent completion rate and five touchdowns. The latter explains why they rank last in scoring with 10.5 points per game.

Thus, the double-time workout while the rest of the team called it a Monday. Virtually no one runs the ball against the Steelers' Iron Curtain defense. If there's a chance to be had Sunday in Pittsburgh, it will be by air.

"We're an inch away from being a good passing offense," Heyward-Bey said. "We wish we weren't an inch away. We wish we were hitting those.

"Going into these last five games, we hope we just hit those big plays and go into the offseason with a good feeling."

It's coming, Gradkowski said. Double-time workouts like Monday's will pay off eventually.

"We've got a lot of young receivers and they're continuing to progress," Gradkowski said. "That's all you can ask of them. If we continue to work hard, our time will come. I feel it, I see it.

"Things will work out."

Fargas hurt: Starting running back Justin Fargas is questionable after suffering a "stinger" in Thursday's 24-7 loss at Dallas.

Fargas leads the team with 102 carries for 399 yards and two touchdowns.

Briefly: Defensive end Greg Ellis (knee) is questionable after missing half of the Cowboys game. ... Players were given Friday and Saturday off before returning to watch film Sunday. ... Undrafted rookie wide receiver Nick Miller (shin) will be out for a 13th week.

[Angry Pope]

Videos of Cable, Mitchell, DHB, and Gradkowski....

Hit it here... (http://player.theplatform.com/ps/player/pds/4W6pghHzhl?pid=UCtWSr2adGnjHZGQ6eIwhjlL_3mmbVSy)

[Angry Pope]

Raiders at Steelers: Game Notes

December 1st, 2009 Victor Cotto

Nnamdi Asomugha returning an INT for a score versus Pittsburgh in 2006
Pittsburgh native Bruce Gradkowski starred at Seton-La Salle Catholic High School from 1997-to-2000 in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL); the same league that produced Dan Marino, Joe Namath and Johnny Unitas. On Sunday, he goes back home as the starting quarterback of the Oakland Raiders. “It’s always exciting getting back to Pittsburgh,” Gradkowski commented. “My whole family’s from Pittsburgh and grew up watching the Steelers.”

Gradkowski hopes to have a better showing this weekend than his first two starts as a member of the Buccaneers and Browns. He has a 50% completion percentage no touchdowns, five interceptions and a rating of 20.3 against the Steelers.

Steelers’ coach Mike Tomlin said today that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is expected to start against the Raiders. “We’re not anticipating him having headaches this week,” Tomlin said. “But if he does, of course, we’ll act quickly.”

Second year back-up Dennis Dixon started last weekend against the Baltimore Ravens after Roethlisberger suffered post-concussion symptoms. “I think the entire week Ben was prepared to and expecting to play,” Tomlin said. ”He realized he was experiencing some discomfort, he realized that was a part of the process. He had been through that before. But based on [the doctor's] suggestion, we did what we felt was appropriate. Whether he agreed with it or not was really irrelevant at that point. We had a game to play.”

Safety Troy Polamalu will be out and is not expected to play for at least a week or two.

Defensive end Greg Ellis (knee swelling) will be questionable, as well as running back Justin Fargas (stinger).

Darrius Heyward-Bey finally recorded his first touchdown of his career. Tom Cable hopes that his young receiver hitting paydirt will lead to better things as the season unwinds. “Every time those young guys do something like that, score a touchdown, hit a couple of big plays, go through a game without a drop, those are breakthroughs,” Cable stated. “You just want to keep piling them up, and pretty soon that confidence factor will kick in, and you got what you wanted.”

The rookie commented “Going into these last five games, we hope we just hit those big plays and go into the off-season with a good feeling.”

At 6-5, the Steelers are starting to feel the pressure of trying to get on a roll in order to defend their title in January. Tomlin stated, “We will unleash hell here in December because we have to. We won’t go in a shell. We’ll go into attack mode, because that’s what’s required.”

Pittsburgh will point to their maddening losses to Kansas City, Chicago and two at the hands of the Bengals as vital performances that could cost them a chance at a playoff spot. “We have to win out,” defensive end Brett Keisel stated. “There’s no other ifs, ands or buts. We have to win out in order for us to be playing in January.”

FOX Sports reported that Al Davis is selling a chunk of ownership of the Oakland Raiders. “The Raiders are trying to sell 10 percent of the franchise in an effort to raise capital,” detailed Jay Glazer. “The team has been seeking potential buyers recently and it’s unclear whether anyone is close to becoming a new partner.”

Forbes valued the Silver & Black at nearly $797 million, the lowest net worth of any franchise in the league.

On October 29, 2006, the Raiders defeated the Steelers 20-13 in front of the ‘Black Hole.’

The Raiders got a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown by defensive back Chris Carr to seal the victory, after the Silver & Black opened the game with an Nnamdi Asomugha’s 23-yard interception return for a score.

At that point, the Steelers were 2-5 – like the Raiders – and the reining Super Bowl MVP stated: “Two wins for the year — that’s not the way you imagined the Super Bowl champs would start the year off,” Hines Ward said. “When you turn the ball over as much as we did, it’s hard to beat anybody.”

Similarly, Roethlisberger went into that contest in 2006 suffering from concussion symptoms after being knocked around by the Falcons a week earlier.

[Madturk]

20

Per cent of NFL players in a Sports Illustrated poll who chose the Oakland Raiders as the team they would least like to play for. The Buffalo Bills were second in the survey at 14 per cent.

Pretty sad but not surprising:shakehead:

[Diceq]

Its not russell.. smh... Charile weis got fired.. can we pick him up as a offensive coordinator. the season was over when russell was benched and chaz was down for the first half of the season.


X

Weiss and Crennell should have been interviewed the 2003 SB....but we had to have Norv after Peyton talks broke down

[Crow]

Jerrymcd

Thomas Howard will start at strongside linebacker, Trevor Scott on the weak side with Morrison in middle . . .

[Crow]

Season was over when Ja Dummy couldn't hit the side of the barn in 7 on 7's. That was definitely a harbinger of bad things to come.

He needed better blocking...

[Crow]

What he is saying is that he hasn't seen any change as far as pouting or things of this nature.

...if one chooses to read it that way.

[Crow]

20

Per cent of NFL players in a Sports Illustrated poll who chose the Oakland Raiders as the team they would least like to play for. The Buffalo Bills were second in the survey at 14 per cent.

Pretty sad but not surprising:shakehead:

Billboard material?

[Angry Pope]

...if one chooses to read it that way.

Yea, can always assume the worst I guess. There is no way this guy will, even remotely show anything good even if he chooses to cheer the team and take his benching as a man.

[Raider Bill]

Weiss and Crennell should have been interviewed the 2003 SB....but we had to have Norv after Peyton talks broke down

I remember going off on a tirade at one of the old boards..... what the fuck was the rush to hire Turner? Noone else wanted him then.

[RF34]

QB covers home cooking, looking for road win (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/05/SPRC1AV3MJ.DTL&feed=rss.raiders)

I found the last sentence very interesting...

Debbie Gradkowski is an apron-wearing coordinator. Her game plan is clear: Stuff the Raiders good before they try to stuff the Steelers bad in Pittsburgh on Sunday.

"It's not just me, I've got everybody helping," she said in team-effort coachspeak.

She has one sister in charge of the hot sausages, a sister-in-law who has the potatoes and veggies covered, and yet another relative who is picking up the chicken and wings.

As for Debbie Gradkowski, she has the main course schemed to order: stuffed pasta shells, bursting with cheese. Don't forget lots and lots of bread, the better for pregame carbs.

"Oh yes, I've done this before, many times," said Debbie Gradkowski, whose son Bruce comes home this weekend as the starting quarterback for the Raiders. "In high school, the senior moms would take turns cooking for the team on Thursdays.

"I cooked for the team when he was in Tampa Bay and again when he came with Cleveland."

Bruce Gradkowski knows the food will be great. He's more concerned about the game after the meal.

He has started twice in Pittsburgh, the city in which he grew up. Twice, he has lost to his family's favorite team. No homecoming was more spoiled than last season's finale, when Gradkowski put up a 1.0 passer rating as an emergency starter for the Browns.

This is his chance to wash down that terrible taste with a better showing, now that he has more of a fighting chance.

"Going up against a good defense and not even really knowing your own offense, it was a tough situation," Gradkowski said. "It was quite an experience against a team that was on fire and headed to the Super Bowl."

The city of Pittsburgh has known better of Gradkowski than that miserable showing. West Pennsylvania is dubbed the "Cradle of Quarterbacks," home to passers such as Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath, George Blanda, Joe Montana and Dan Marino.

This is where kids grow up wanting to play quarterback above all else, and Gradkowski was no different. He idolized Marino and wore his No. 13 as a child. At Seton-La Salle High, he set a league record with 2,978 passing yards as a senior.

Let that sink in. He played in the WPIAL, the hallowed stamping grounds of Blanda, Montana and Marino in the 87 years before him. Gradkowski isn't a household name in America, but he is known in Pittsburgh and its suburbs.

"I think a lot of people recognize the name," Gradkowski said, "but I don't look at myself in the league of Dan Marino or Joe Montana. It's just neat to go home because they always show you love."

That's something else, considering Gradkowski is a visiting player in a Steelers city. He grew up a Steelers fan, going to games at Three Rivers Stadium. All his family dies hard by the home team.

With more than 100 family and friends, Gradkowski can't get enough tickets for everyone for Sunday's game. Those who do come are expected to keep it neutral, if not cheer for the Raiders.

"I've got a couple of nephews who are thinking, 'Oh my God,' " Debbie Gradkowski said. "Me, I'm Oakland Raiders all the way now. I think they're hungry for a win over the Steelers."

First, they'll be hungry for dinner.

Dinner will be served in Dormont, a suburb 10 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. This is the home where Gradkowski's mother was raised, and where his grandmother still lives.

The dining room and living room are separated by an arching doorway, so tables will be set across both rooms. Family can't eat until after the players.

Tons of food, little space and few leftovers. Just like his childhood days.

"I don't know if there's enough room for everybody, but it'll hold up," Gradkowski said. "Good home cooking. Hopefully, it won't slow the boys down too much."

Briefly: Darrius Heyward-Bey is listed as questionable for Sunday's game with an unspecified foot injury.

[RF34]

DHB hurts foot (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/raiders/detail?&entry_id=52936)

Raiders rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey is a late addition to the injury report Friday with an unspecified foot injury, the team announced this evening.

No word on how DHB hurt his foot but he is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh. Raiders coach Tom Cable did not mention the injury after the team practiced Friday.

Heyward-Hey has started all 11 games this season, catching nine passes. If he is not able to play, rookie Louis Murphy likely will return to the starting lineup. :D

Also, defensive end Greg Ellis is doubtful with ongoing knee trouble.

[Madturk]

Good fucking riddance

[RaiderNorth]

DHB hurts foot (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/raiders/detail?&entry_id=52936)

No word on how DHB hurt his foot but he is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh. Raiders coach Tom Cable did not mention the injury after the team practiced Friday.



Maybe Seymour stepped on it in the locker room. Always willing to do something for the team.

[JohnQ]

Got me some cough syrup chillin' in the fridge for the early game.

[doug7dust]

heyward bey inactive today guys

[london raider 2]

heyward bey inactive today guys

Whats new - hes been inactive in every game this year

[Crow]

Got me some cough syrup chillin' in the fridge for the early game.

That you, JaMarcus? Leave that Lean alone.

[JohnQ]

::bottles rattling::
"what's this bottle next to my cough syrup ? the label says 'clear' ?"