A Change Of Heart

Well, someone woke me up. I just had a dream that my Raiders won 2 of their last 3 games. Opps, it was not a dram. It is true! They changed QB's and won 2 of their last 3 games. Even defeating the Superbowl Champion Steelers. But, wait!

I have been quiet for the last 4 weeks, for a number of reasons. The main one being that I wanted to watch this team and it's Head Coach closely to see if I was truly seeing and hearing what was being reported in Vegas. After listening to JaMarcus Russell's interview after last weeks game, I have come to beleive the reports...to a point. (you know I do not like reporters)

As I have stated numerous times this season, the Raiders WR's need to learn what it takes to catch an NFL QB's passes. The Coach needs to learn that you never let up on defensive pressure, when you have been applying said pressure the 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarters of the game. They did that againist the Chiefs and against the Cowboys. The Head Coach needs to rely on someone else to call the plays on offense and defense. He does not know how to handle that duty. Yes, the Raiders defeated the Bengals and the Steelers, but look at what they faced. They were up against teams that took them lightly and were banged up, heavily. The Raiders still had to fight tooth and nail to win by 3 points.

I give all the credit to Bruce Gradkowski. He has stepped up to the task and taken this team on his shoulders. Not being afraid to get in the WR's faces when they drop wide open passes. Challenging the OL to do better at protecting him. Setting a positive example for JaMarcus Russell to learn from. But wait! I am not sold on Gradkowski. It is just a matter of time before the good DB's study enough game film to understand how easy it is to stop a side-arm passer. Every pass Bruce throws is side-arm and experts will tell you, side-arm does not last in the NFL. That is why he has been a career backup QB. However, it is working at the moment and that is what matters.

The Raiders defense is spent. They have had a tough season fighting to keep the games close as long as they could. If the offense does not step up, it will all fall down.

I have aleways been high on JaMarcus. I still think he is a good QB. So does Al Davis. It has already been reported that, no matter what happens the rest of this season, JaMarcus will be the stating QB, next season. Those are the words of Tom Cable, Head Coach. But, I saw an interview, this week, with JaMarcus. You would think that, after the last 3 games, he would begin to understand how to be a team player. How to be a true leader of the offense. It was pointed out that he has 1 year left on his contract and when asked if he "would be willing to renegoiate it (the contract) to lower the salary in an effort to help the Raiders sign free agent veteran WR's", he said "I am not renegoiating anything. The difference is the recievers are catching the ball, now." That shows me he is not willing to take the heat of the team on his back. He is not willing to help the team improve. He is not ready to lead. He is the last one in the office each day and the first one out. The only reason the rookie WR's are catching the ball for Gradkowski is he works with them and pushes them to do better. He is the first one in each morning, often before the coaches. He is the last one out at night. He studies harder. He wants it more. JaMarcus needs to wake up and smell the 30 million dollar coffee.

The reason Al Davis told Tom Cable "Do what you think is best" is because Tom Cable will be fired at the end of the season. Al has re-hired Randy Hanson, the man behind the scandle of the season and who wanted the Head Coaching job before Lane Kiffen was fired. He was even suspended by Kiffen whe Lane was Head Coach of the Raiders. The writtings on the wall. Tom Cables decision to bench JaMarcus has produced two more wins, but I am still not convinced. As stated before, I will not be convinced the team chemistry is there until the Raiders win 3 games in a row. The time has come. They defeated the Steelers last week (Congrats to Gradkowski for being named AFC Player of the Week) on 3 4th quarter touchdowns. Very impressive touchdowns. He took command of the sinking ship and keep it afloat. The Redskins come to the Black Hole this week. They are wounded and torn. The Raiders should be able to strike and strike hard making it two in a row. Next week they play the Broncos in Denver. The Broncos are banged up as well. We will see how things go at that time.

According to all I have stated above, I see the Raiders defeating the Redskins, who will be without Clinton Portis, by a score of 27-17. I see the Raiders defense stepping up and making it an easy game for the Raider offense. I see more trouble for JaMarcus as he simple does not understand the importance of hard work.

The Raiders are on the raise, they just have to see it for themselves.

As always, that is my opinion. You do not have to agree with it. Just respect it.

Remember, don't hate the player, hate the game.

Raider-Man out.