Morrison (52) needs to prove the Raiders get it.
(AP PHOTO/ Paul Sakuma)
The Oakland Raiders veterans have been in this situation before. They have seen their team show promise only to implode in a frenzy of self-destruction. After the team failed to show up against the Denver Broncos, all indications point to the potential for a repeat of the last six years.
Coach Cable says that is not going to be the case and that the veterans see the difference between the previous years and the 2009 incarnation of the Silver and Black, "It’s one thing to say it and then it’s not really there. We had another good day so they can see it because they have seen so much and been here enough. They’re really the catalysts for a lot of this, getting it going, because when they’re approached by someone, ‘Yeah, we’re a lot better than we used to be.’ You have to have your breakthrough. You have to have the proof here at some point."
Perhaps this is taking a look at the Raiders through rose-colored glasses, as teams that are 'better than expected' still don't go out and lay two consecutive eggs against division opponents. Those veterans who see the difference are the same ones who were not motivating themselves to be better in the practices leading up to the Denver Bronco game.
These veteran Raiders have to step up their leadership if the team is going to weather the storm and find their winning ways. However, these are the same players who have been in the organization though the annual meltdowns.
They were already indirectly called out by Greg Ellis, "What you do is you realize you have to go out there today, tomorrow and Friday and the walkthrough on Saturday and just say it's got to take place in practice. It's not anything we can correct five minutes before a football game by jumping around and slapping each other high-fives, yelling and screaming. You need that energy but you have to have a foundation with that energy. You start establishing that foundation for the week starting on Wednesday usually."
These two statements seem to contrast one another. If the leadership sees that the team is getting better as Cable asserted, then why were they not motivated in practice before their games against their division rivals?
NOTES: There are conflicting reports as to whether or not the Raiders released defensive back John Bowie. ESPN has reported that the Raiders released the defensive back selected with the pick acquired for Randy Moss, but Tom Cable and Raiders.com has him listed as on the injured reserve.
You can also find Patrick Patterson on Thoughts from the Dark Side.
Comments
Tom Cable....it's time to take charge of the team. You might get fired for it but bench Russell and put the players on the field you want to get the job done. You might get fired for it but the last guy who did it was the last time the Raiders had success. Jon Gruden got fired for it but at least he did it his way and was successful. He was back as head coach in the NFL for years of course, with Tampa. Better this than being fired as the scapegoat for Als poor judgment and being known throughout the league as his doormat. Who else will hire you then? Be your own man and you will have no regrets! Go (change the)Raiders!
The Raiders need to bench Russell and DHB, Bring back Garcia and start Javon Walker. I am glad Ellis is telling it like it is, Cable needs to get some Huevos and play the best players that will win games.
John Bowie, whatever. That guy is a waste of roster spot. Justin Miller is not a very good DB, but he returns kicks good, so at least he does something. I've only seen Bowie on the field like twice ever, and he is not good. Be done with him. Garcia wanted out so I don't see him comming back. We need Schilens and Nick Miller back. DHB is aweful and there is something seriously wrong with Walker mentally. Plus nobody seems to think he is fully healthy except him. I am thinking that he is pretty much finished.
Patrick - you can't see the problem. You have no idea what you're talking about. The problem is Leadership. I'm not talking about the players or the coach either. Leadership comes from the owner. This owner drafts poorly and then his ego won't allow him to cut and or admit the player is a bust. The coach is left with average or below average talent and to make matters worse the coach has to play who the owner wants him to play - s ome underacheiving track star trying to play in the NFL. John Bowie for example is now cut or whatever. He was who the raiders got in return for Randy Moss. The poin is, it is hard to make chicken soup out of chicken sh_t. Until Davis is gone, expect more of the same.
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