Last Chance for Back-to-Back Wins

by Sons-of-Blanda on Dec 22, 2009 1:20 PM PST Comment 51 comments

The perception continues (b/c it's based in fact) that Oakland cannot win two games in succession. Today, Las Vegas has Cleveland favored by 3 1/2 points. This seems excessive, especially with Browns QB Quinn out (foot) and Anderson starting with a sub-43% completion average. On the other hand, we may be scraping the barrel at QB too. Another possibility is the excitement generated from the shock-n-awe duo, Jerome Harrison (286 yds v. KC) & Joshua Cribbs (trans-field kick-returner).

If Cable is smart, he will give Bush 7-8 carries/quarter, he will limit the long ball and concentrate on short, swing passes and pitches to McFadden in space. He will use the screen to his TE and FB and the RB draw. On Defense we must fill gaps and stay at home. Hit Harrison, grab jersey and gang-tackle. Sebastian and Shane can keep the ball away from Cribbs and if that becomes challenging we supplement the kicking team with our best tacklers, e.g. Huff, Branch, Asomugha.

Poll

Will Oakland put back-to-back victories together by beating Cleveland?

YES. Raiders thrive on drama and this qualifies as drama

76 votes

NO. Raiders continue the win lose pattern

9 votes

85 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 51 comments

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Comments

at this point

i dont think Bush should even APPROACH 30 carries. its not like the raiders don’t have mcfadden and fargas either..

Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up!!

by naq92 on Dec 22, 2009 2:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I think

Fargas is injured

There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.

by Remix. on Dec 22, 2009 3:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And why shouldn't Bush

have more carries? You would rather butter fingers McFadden?

Win, Lose, or Tie, Raiders til I die!

by mikesd1981 on Dec 22, 2009 5:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Well

Bush did Fumble in the Bengals game

"The Silver and Black are Back" -Greg Papa 2002 AFC Championship game

by nishal26 on Dec 22, 2009 7:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He fumbled at Mile High too

but he/we/Henderson was lucky. The point is he fumbles about 1/3 as much as McFadden and runs between tackles about twice as well.

Son-of-Blanda

by Sons-of-Blanda on Dec 22, 2009 8:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

bush should have more carries

30 is ridiculous though.

it would be sooo wasteful to have mcfadden sit on the bench while Bush gets 30+ carries. Let’s start him with a healthy diet of 15-20, let mcfadden get in there to mix it up. and let’s be honest, mcfadden is just a much more dangerous player. He has a ton more speed and is a much more explosive receiver. While Bush is a much better “between the tackles” runner, its not enough to justify him being the only back the raiders use.

The fumbles are a problem, but Im willing to take the good with the bad when it comes to Mcfadden and not make Bush the only RB getting carries…

Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up!!

by naq92 on Dec 23, 2009 4:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I like their chances.

if gradkowski starts, i hope i see a fire in their play. i think they can pull it through.

by patriotguy on Dec 22, 2009 3:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Don't worry, it's in the bag

As far as I can tell, if we don’t give up the 3rd most rushing yards ever and let Cribbs run back two TD’s on us, we should blow them out.

by The Cupcakes on Dec 22, 2009 3:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Oh, so if we give up the 4th most rushing yards ever and let Cribbs run back a TD we're okay?

Nothings in the bag; especially when the Raiders are involved. Your attitude and sloppy thinking need adjustment.

Son-of-Blanda

by Sons-of-Blanda on Dec 22, 2009 4:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

???????

Dude, it’s sarcasm, chill out. Just referencing their win this week.

by The Cupcakes on Dec 22, 2009 9:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

For the first time this season, I sense some momentum.

Hard to say what it is, but it’s something in the confidence the team’s been chasing all season. Last week, the team pulled together, despite the odds turning against us and the team’s demeanor with it when circumstances found Jamarcus coming out to save the day.

No one thought he could get it done, not even Jamarcus himself, but they pulled it out regardless. I sense that competitive spirit they’ll need to play their best football regardless of the prior week being a win or a loss. I sense a team that knows, for a change that it can overcome three quarters of poor play, bad calls by coaches and refs, and mediocre play from the qb, to find a way to win.

Their situation at qb bolsters my confidence, and the circumstances that find Mike Bush getting more shots against a shoddy run defense also do not bode well for the Cleveland Browns. The defense gets a little better each week, in different ways too. They did a pretty solid job against the big play last week. Take away the Stokely reception and nothing more than a few 20-somethings.

I don’t see our run D folding like a lawn chair in the way KC did, but you are correct about nothing being given where the Raiders are concerned.

I want nothing less than winning out, but will be pleased if we continue to compete, play to our strengths, and stay physical. It’s difficult to know what to expect from our qb at this point. I’m not sure want Bruce to go if he’s not 100%.

by brhynno on Dec 22, 2009 5:21 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

You didnt feel it

After a win agaisnt Pittsburgh and going into a “easy” win agaisnt Washington, I sure as hell was..I even talked a little trash..When Bruce left the game, I ate my words.

There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.

by Remix. on Dec 22, 2009 5:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Raiders don't know what momentum is and never have

They always had attention deficit and have always been pure existentialists – living in the moment. They are best when thinking one play, or at most, one quarter at a time. The length of a game is far too much time for them to stay focused and within a single game plan or mood. I love and accept them as they are. But when I hear anyone talk about ‘momentum’ in regard to the Raiders, well … don’t even start.

Son-of-Blanda

by Sons-of-Blanda on Dec 22, 2009 5:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We have Great Losing Momentum

"The Silver and Black are Back" -Greg Papa 2002 AFC Championship game

by nishal26 on Dec 22, 2009 7:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I know what you mean, but the attitude I'm referring to is something I haven't seen yet

and I didn’t feel it following the big wins. I had the usual sinking feeling in the gut. It doesn’t mean this one turns out any different than the others, but I’m seeing guys who are not giving up despite knowing they’ll get no support from the qb. Despite being down. The defense has kept us in a lot of games with zero help from the offense. We’re due for some turnovers too.

I guess what I’m saying is that I feel they’re finally living in the moment in the sense that they’re not going off what happened last week, last game, last play… They’re just playing for sixty minutes.

That being said, I don’t feel terribly confident about a win. I do, however, feel this team will compete the whole game for the remainder of the season. It’ll be interesting given the odds are Jamarcus will play some of those minutes.

And then there’s how we beat good teams, and stoop to the occasion for the lowliest of the league. The momentum to which I refer is the commitment by the core players to keep getting better every game.

by brhynno on Dec 22, 2009 8:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

There is positive consistency then, if not momentum

and we do have some serious football players whose standards are as high as any in the league – you know who they are. So with the fire that Gradkowski lit 5 weeks ago, the attitude has been consistent about playing the full 60 minutes.
As for our being due some turnovers, Cleveland has 17 more turnovers than their competition while Oakland has 9 more than theirs. So by patterns the Raiders should prevail in that category (but by random probability, Cleveland will even things to our disadvantage).
For a football player to live/play in the moment is the best attitude to have – not to say clock awareness and what is necessary at the moment doesn’t apply – on the contrary, that’s all part of being 100% present in the moment.

Son-of-Blanda

by Sons-of-Blanda on Dec 22, 2009 8:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That reference MacDonald made to Gradkowski pulling Henderson's attention back in his 10 things following Bruce's big 4th quarter

That’s what it’s all about. It seems some guys figured some things out that day, and it has been ,apparently, contageous.

by brhynno on Dec 22, 2009 8:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Cheer up dude, it IS getting better

I know the last six years can get you down, but it is getting better, no doubt. The raiders DO NOT have a history of losing in the grand scheme, don’t let what all the haters have been piling on define this team’s history. We can’t forget going into this slump we were the winningest team in history! This year has been painful, ugh. This year, and remembering 2006, some of the worst NFL football I’ve ever seen, unfortunately. But, it’s week 15 and I feel better about this team than I have in a long time. Let’s look at what we got:
+ Despite some of the worst QB play ever for the majority of the season, we’ve got 5 wins. That’s as many as we’ve ever had during the slump. We’ll probably get another one, maybe even two.
+We’re beating quality teams on the road. Not just one fluke win a year, we have as many good wins as anybody….. not enough easy wins, but this team is showing talent and determination late in the season against good teams and winning.
+We’re 3-2 since QB change. And it’s not like we plugged Payton Manning in there. If this team gets half way decent QB play, they’ve shown they can compete.
+Running game is looking pretty tight and should get better game by game, year by year. I’ve got to say I’m a fan of our running game for the long haul.

Browns ready for a letdown. Even if JR plays, he’s going against the one guy with worse numbers than him, Derek Anderson. We get a win here, things are really looking up. Only a couple teams have ever gone from terrible to great in a year.

by The Cupcakes on Dec 22, 2009 8:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

On the contrary, I'm anything but down

just drew the distinction between momentum and consistency. Consistency is apparent: fewer huge plays against the defense, receivers catching more balls, sustaining drives, fewer broken tackles, better pocket protection (couldn’t have been worse), specialty teams more focused, players moved to positions they excel at, intensity throughout the game, and enthusiasm on the offensive side of the ball.
Whereas, momentum is a term taken from physics, i.e. mass x velocity, so its usage in the context of winning is as a metaphor for the psychological state, or attitude, of a team collectively rushing towards the next goal. I am more comfortable with the ‘one game at a time’ approach (and Raiders’ history too). Win, party wildly, then refocus intensely for what’s immediately in front of you.

Son-of-Blanda

by Sons-of-Blanda on Dec 22, 2009 9:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

bush also fumbled in the denver game, it just ended up in olinemans lap

while on his ass! i like bush but he cant handle 30 carries, he is always waving to the sidelines for a sub, and i heard besides a few fumbles that was cables down on him, but whatever he has patience and earned his role and deserves as many carries as he can handle. clevelands 3 1/2 points is a home field advantage number, but i think we win. we had our first back to back wins since 05( road wins that is) in denver and now we get that dreaded back to back win in consecutive weeks. start russell against anderson for the shootout of the leagues 2 worst qbs! LOL wouldnt that be a gem

by rodeosnake12 on Dec 22, 2009 8:20 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I say

Give JP Losman a chance..And run the hell out of the ball..Bush should get somewhere between 20-30 carries..ANd McFadden should get somewhere between 10-15 carries..I wanna see 300 Rushing Yds between all 3 backs

There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.

by Remix. on Dec 22, 2009 8:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Can't just plug him in a week off the streets

It’s QB, no way he can play so soon. If Frye or Grad can’t go, JR’s got to play…. Or McFadden/“wildhog”. Whoever, run,run,run,run.

by The Cupcakes on Dec 22, 2009 9:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We know tomorrow who starts

This being the year of the concussion – Frye will probably be watching the game with a clipboard. I would like to see Losman and it wouldn’t be too hard for him to learn a handful of plays by Sunday. If Grad is really ready then I’m all for him to go. But, if we must use the other guy then, with Justin hurt, we really need Bush and McFadden to go crazy on the Browns.
My main concern is Tom Cable. This team executes plays but, because it has a few weaknesses, needs the leverage of sound coaching and astute play calling and I am still unimpressed with the Oaf.

Son-of-Blanda

by Sons-of-Blanda on Dec 22, 2009 9:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Bruce

He looked healthy on the sidelines…But, I hear no updates on him at all..If he plays, I feel bad for clevland

There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.

by Remix. on Dec 22, 2009 9:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Bruce is out; DNP all week

Son-of-Blanda

by Sons-of-Blanda on Dec 23, 2009 2:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Damn.

Well, Im bankin on JP Losman then

There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.

by Remix. on Dec 23, 2009 2:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Frye starts Sunday per Cable today

Son-of-Blanda

by Sons-of-Blanda on Dec 23, 2009 9:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I've liked Cable down the stretch

Everything but sitting Bush that is. The russell thing you’ve got to give him a pass on, Al’s got the power there. He’s been solid. I like watching all the coach’s post game reports, and cable seems surer than most in his situation. He might look frumpy, but I respect his intelligence when he speaks, and I believe he has the support of his team. They play hard for him, we’re going to throw that away? We can keep firing every coach every year, buy looking back, isn’t having a new coach every year a big part of us not being able to establish anything year in, year out? we can’t keep giving our young guys new systems every year and expect real progress.

by The Cupcakes on Dec 22, 2009 10:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The system doesn't have to change when the coach does

You said it yourself, Mr. cupcake, that Al got the power. Cable has, however, shown some improvement ‘down the stretch’ and so he is on a very short probation. I’m on record for predicting his need to win 3 of the last 4 to keep his job – so if he wins out, I’ll be quiet. But, it may take a lot of will power b/c some of his play calling is bad and keeping Bush out for 3 games was ignorant, and not blitzing Romo was dumb.

Son-of-Blanda

by Sons-of-Blanda on Dec 23, 2009 9:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

But if we destroy Clevland and lose closley too Baltimore..All why blitzing and playing Bush..I would love him back

There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.

by Remix. on Dec 24, 2009 12:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

it's all about the next 2

If we put it together he’ll probably stay, if we stink it up, well……….. I’ll be rooting for him to keep the job though, just keep going forward, no more earthquakes…… unless we could somehow get Gruden back….. Or Cower. Both huge long shots, otherwise I’d stay the course.

by The Cupcakes on Dec 25, 2009 8:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Russell Vs Anderson @ Cleveland in December

Might be the lowest pass attempts for a game in 50 years

by The Cupcakes on Dec 22, 2009 9:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't Fyre Starting

"The Silver and Black are Back" -Greg Papa 2002 AFC Championship game

by nishal26 on Dec 22, 2009 9:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

still up in the air

Frye got a concussion and looked real spacey on the sidelines. Bad year for concussions, I bet he sits.

by The Cupcakes on Dec 22, 2009 10:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I really hope that

Grad Will be able to Start.

"The Silver and Black are Back" -Greg Papa 2002 AFC Championship game

by nishal26 on Dec 23, 2009 12:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

we're better off as a running team

The game just opens up running the ball. 2 qb’s have made careers out of the playaction pass Mannning and Favre. The fumble situation, is a league wide problem. The game has changed in that regard. You can basically expect a fumble regardless whos running or whos playing, watch any NFL game on every play the ball is getting hit by a hand or a helmet, by several players on a single play. You just hopes it held to a minimum.
Back to the subject,,, when Bush gets a 30 carry game, 2 things I’ll gaurantee is some Big stats and more importantly a Raiders win!!! go Raiders lets get 2 in a row!!!!

by DvS on Dec 22, 2009 8:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

id watch what i guarantee

like i said i like bush, and he might get 0 caries against balt. and i dont know if those stats will be that huge, but i would lke to see what he could do as a primary back, i still think hes a little overweight. but the chance of the raiders getting the luxury of a 30 carry game by a single back is stretching it. not big enough leads first of all, and cable, well ,sometimes i scratch my head as to when and why he wants to throw on certain downs in certain situations, but im not the raiders coach.

by rodeosnake12 on Dec 22, 2009 9:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

30 carries, typo

by rodeosnake12 on Dec 22, 2009 9:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Hey is anyone going to this game?

I live an Ohio and I have bled silver and black since i was 4 years old. I’m 20 now and this will be my first Raider game and was wondering if any of the other Raider Nation would be attending? I’m probably going to wear my McFadden jersey but I might wear my Russell jersey just in case an angry Browns fan decides to throw beer on me ahahaha. But seriously I hope to see some fellow Raiders at the game.

By the way, good luck in the Silver and Black Pride fantasy championship Mr. nationofblack. You beat out Saint by half a point heh heh.

Win, Lose, or Tie, Raiders til' I die.

by thepunisher00187 on Dec 22, 2009 9:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Have Fun

I live in California so I only attend the Home games..I went to the Clevland@Oakland game though a few years ago..You need to come out here next time..The home games are something to remebere, win or loss

There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.

by Remix. on Dec 22, 2009 9:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Man

If I could fly you to Oakland to watch a Game I would it is way different to be at a home game I went to 3 in my life my 1st last year and 2 this year we lost all three but the fans are amazing don’t know how away games are but good luck and hope you are good luck because apparently all the games I been to have been losses.

Oh and just found out that Brady is out and Derrick Anderson is gonna be starting IDK if this is good or bad.

"The Silver and Black are Back" -Greg Papa 2002 AFC Championship game

by nishal26 on Dec 22, 2009 10:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Derek Anderson

He’s downright terrible. In six games, he has completed less than 43 percent of his passes with a disastrous 36.2 quarterback rating.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Dec 22, 2009 10:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Then it is Guuud

"The Silver and Black are Back" -Greg Papa 2002 AFC Championship game

by nishal26 on Dec 23, 2009 12:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

with anderson starting

the shoe is on our foot for once! as a defense we can treat anderson like others treat russell and stack the line, stop the run(hopefully lol) and say “oh derek we dare you to complete a pass to your own team” it would be nice for this D get atleast 4 turnovers and really dominate a team this year heading into the balt. game!

by rodeosnake12 on Dec 23, 2009 9:30 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

but if russell starts

there will be a lot of shoes on a lot of foots!

by rodeosnake12 on Dec 23, 2009 9:33 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Is this Al Bundy?

You were a great quarterback for Polk High. My best to Peg, Kelly and Bud.

Son-of-Blanda

by Sons-of-Blanda on Dec 23, 2009 11:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Christina Applegate

Yummy… lol

There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.

by Remix. on Dec 23, 2009 2:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs