Has Tom Cable won Al and thereby his freedom?

but I have to say, you left me wanting more. When is part II coming?

I’m not asking questions. I said months before the draft, that this draft would be, “the most un-Al Davis like draft, in decades,” and it appears it has come to fruition. I’ve no doubt Al’s influence was in on decisions, but it does appear he’s relinquished enough control for his coaching staff to address the glaring needs of this team, with their consensus opinions on who will positively affect said positions the most. We’ve also made some necessary free agency moves that seem counter to Al’s motives in the past, and a willingness to cut your losses and admit mistakes by Al too—perhaps revolutionary for a coach and his disciples for Oakland, at least for the last couple of decades.

I love the change in demeanor, and believe it comes in part, from a comfort zone Tom and the team are establishing that comes with knowing you’re getting better every minute of every day—a necessary component for playoff and super bowl contending teams. Bravo.

We have all experienced the feeling of starting a new job.when you first start you do what the boss says,you set back and observe how things work around there.you start making some connections with people and soon you find your niche within that enviroment.Tom cable has found that niche and has taken control of his job.He’s the same guy,just more comfortable in his position.

Oliver Reed’s last role too…
But it was Maximus’ ability to surround himself with a talented band of brothers that led to final victory and success. Hopefully our Maximus has done that with the re-formed coaching staff, and he won’t need to hit of them this year, but bring out of them the best they can be as coaches in order for them to bring out the best in our players as well.

He’ll be doing his job. If the players buy into the program and play hard, we have enough talent to be very competitive. I don’t expect sterling strategy from the Raiders, but IF we can control the line of scrimmage through outworking our opponents, we can be a .500 team or better.

 I have watched every interview on Tom Cable this year and he seems confident and knowledgeable about what he is doing. He’s no longer a rookie head coach and it shows. I believe he is turning into the perfect Raiders head coach, hard noised, blue collar football guy. With the addition of OC coach Hue Jackson, Cable can spend more time with the offensive line and other areas that need attention. Last year he had to focus on running the offense, which is a lot for any coach to handle plus being head coach. Now he can focus on the team as a whole.

 Cable is growing just like the team is, and I believe finally Davis believes in him and trust him, and is starting to let him run the team as he sees fit. Not only that, but I also think all the coaches had a say in the draft and what they needed to make their squads better, like all good teams should do. Some people even went as far to say the Raiders had outside help in the draft, because they drafted so well, I say nonsense, because I think Davis did a hell of a job bringing in the right coaches over the last couple of years.

Some good coaches are on the staff this year.

Hue Jackson, Offensive Coordinator. I don’t care what you heard about this guy, what I understand, he is a very good motivator and can grab the attention of a full room real fast. He knows how to make players believe they are better than they really are. This guy is a born leader and will make a great head coach someday. Hopefully not to soon.

John Marshall, Defensive Coordinator. He is entering his 30th season as an NFL assistant coach. He had some very good years with Seattle as the DC in their super bowl run, and is a master when it comes to blitzing schemes. I can’t wait to see the Raiders huge linebackers Blitz’s. Yes, I think Davis will let Marshall turn the dog’s loose this year. I know McClain is Marshall’s pick in the draft.

Mike Waufle, Defensive Line coach. Waufle was the defensive line coach with the Raiders in their super bowl run years, and with the New york giants super bowl year as well. The Giants hired waufle because they liked what the saw from him when he was with the Raiders. It’s great to have Waufle back, because New York’s Super Bowl victory over New England featured dominating defensive line play. This guy was a drill sargent in the Marines. Players love him and so will the fans. He and Coach Cable spent six years together at the University of California where they enjoyed working together.

 Along with Paul Hackett quarterbacks coach and Ted Tollner Passing Game Coordinator, to work with Campbell, it will be great for Campbell. We didn’t see much from Russell with these coaches, but we saw huge improvements from Gradkowski and Frye from their Pryor years in the NFL.

 What I’m trying to say is, Al Davis has finally found a group of coaches that he can rely on and trust, not like that Wiesel Kiffin. Yep, the Raiders are on to something here, even with Al being the GM.

I’m glad your supporting Tom now, instead of calling him a baffoon or something. haha

I was on his case alot as well, but it seems he’s the man now in Oakland.

Hanson the Coward, Espn digging up dirt on him etc. He went though the fire last year and took some shots (some self inflicted) and came through it like it never happened. I have more respect for him everyday. Great post. But he doesn’t need to be Proximo. He needs to be Maximus, “…and I shall have my revenge, in this life or the next!”

Call him what you want, but I stop reading the posts if his name become Biggus Dickus (Think Life of Brian).

A career record of 11-35 as Idaho Vandals head coach…..“Cable became the first Vandal head football coach fired in 22 years.” And he wants to be a head coach in the NFL? Only in Oakland.

At first he did seem like a yes man considering his college record as well as the few other realistic offers given last year when they officially named him head coach. However since he coaxes Al instead of criticizing all of his moves he has gained a certain sense of trust from the old man. I think anyone would love to have Al is a friend than enemy. Also all the moves you mentioned starting with the QB switch at week 10 as well as the great decisions letting go of the dead weight and of course culminating with his handling of the draft are proof of this. I’m pleasantly surprised due to his pedigree that he seems to be making better strides in improving the culture than say a Norv Turner who is probably considered the more seasoned HC.

Also anything below 8-8 and he’s gone. Not me being negative but that’s just Al’s pattern of doing things in recent years.