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| Height: 6-6 Weight: 263 Born: , Mobile, AL |
| Profile | Player Notes | Articles | Game Log | Splits | Player Comparison |
| 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
| Player Notes |
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November 18, 2009 JaMarcus Russell will ride the pine in Week 11 against Cincinnati, according to David White's (San Francisco Chronicle) twitter page. Our View:Bruce Gradkowski will start at quarterback in his place. Russell is a favorite of owner Al Davis, but is not getting the job done with an anemic 47.7 efficiency rating. |
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November 17, 2009 The Sacramento Bee is reporting that Oakland Raiders' head coach Tom Cable will announce his starting quarterback decision on Wednesday. Cable said he will talk to his quarterbacks before announcing the final decision. Our View:As crazy as it sounds, Russell looks like the favorite to start this week. Bruce Gradkowski is dealing with a strained hamstring, so the team would likely have to go with Charlie Frye as the starter if they want to sit Russell. We will update the status tomorrow, but this shouldn't affect anyone's fantasy squad. |
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November 16, 2009 JaMarcus Russell could ride the pine in Week 11, as head coach Tom Cable is yet to decide on the starting quarterback, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Our View:Either JaMarcus Russell or Bruce Gradkowski will get the nod, and Cable noted that he will talk to both before making up his mind. Russell is a favorite of owner Al Davis, but is not getting the job done for Oakland with an anemic 47.9 efficiency rating. |
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November 15, 2009 Head coach Tom Cable benched JaMarcus Russell late in the third quarter of the Week 10 game against the Chiefs. Russell completed 8-of-23 passes for 64 yards. Bruce Gradkowski took his place. Our View:We don't have a ton of faith in Gradkowski, but it can't get any worse than we've seen out of Russell this season. |
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November 2, 2009 After claiming he was working harder during the week last week, JaMarcus Russell patted himself on the back after another dud performance on Sunday, according to the Contra Costa Times. Our View:Despite completing 14-of-22 passes for just 109 yards, fumbling and throwing an interception, Russell wasn't very critical of himself in defeat. "I did a pretty good job," were his exact words. He must not have himself on his fantasy team. |
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October 30, 2009 According to the Contra Costa Times, JaMarcus Russell has supposedly begun to work harder during the week. Our View:It only took two and a half seasons and what seems like a million humiliating losses. Maybe getting benched and then publicly dressed down by head coach Tom Cable finally flipped a switch. No matter how much extra preparation he does going forward this season, however, he will remain one of the worst possible fantasy quarterbacks. |
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October 26, 2009 SI.com is reporting that Raiders' quarterback JaMarcus Russell will start Sunday against the Chargers. Russell was benched in the first half of last week's loss to the Jets. Our View:Head Coach Tom Cable said today that Russell knows why he was benched yesterday. We know why too. It is because he isn't very good. Russell can't last as the starter much longer, but Raider fans will have to put up with him for at least another week. |
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October 26, 2009 JaMarcus Russell deflected blame on Sunday for the Raiders' humiliating 38-0 loss to the Jets, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Our View:"I don't think it's me personally, I really don't," he said. Uhh, ok JaMarcus. Those words came from a player that completed just 6-of-11 passes for 61 yards and two interceptions before getting benched. It's one thing to not blame the whole loss on yourself, but it's another to accept no responsibility when everyone else in the locker room was. Hoping for Russell's eventual improvement is growing more far-fetched by the day. |
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October 25, 2009 During his postgame press conference, head coach Tom Cable said that JaMarcus Russell will remain Oakland's starting quarterback despite his benching against the Jets on Sunday, according to NFL.com. Our View:Russell has been awful all season long and was even worse on Sunday, throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble while gaining 61 yards off 6-of-11 passing before getting benched. Still, the decision makes sense for the Raiders, who aren't going anywhere this season and might as well see if their former No. 1 pick can show any signs of improvement, and Bruce Gradkowski didn't do too great in Russell's place. Regardless, Russell should not be owned in any but the deepest of two-quarterback leagues. |
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October 25, 2009 JaMarcus Russell has been benched in favor of Bruce Gradkowski in today's home game against the Jets. Our View:Russell only completed 6-of-11 passes for 61 yards with two interceptions, and failed to lead the Raiders to any points prior to getting the hook. |
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October 18, 2009 JaMarcus Russell completed 17-of-28 passes for 224 yards, a touchdown and two picks in Sunday's 13-9 win over the Eagles. Our View:Russell had nice chemistry with TE Zach Miller, but still looked uncomfortable throwing to his wideouts. They caught just two balls all game and Russell was targeting them when both interceptions occurred. He had one of his better days overall, but still isn't a worthy fantasy option, especially facing the Jets next week. |
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October 17, 2009 Raiders owner Al Davis said on Friday that he still has faith in embattled quarterback JaMarcus Russell, according to USA Today. Our View:In surprisingly more sensical than usual statements, Davis pointed out many notable quarterbacks who struggled early in their careers, like Troy Aikman and Warren Moon, but also admitted Russell has to play better. It's nice to see Al making some sense for a change, but unfortunately, his huge investment in Russell isn't likely to pay off the way the Cowboys' in Aikman did. He hasn't gotten better since coming to Oakland - he's gotten worse - something Aikamn and Moon did not do. |
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October 11, 2009 JaMarcus Russell admitted that has been fined for his weight, USA Today reports. The quarterback says he is at 275 pounds. Russell previously shot down the rumors that he has been fined for missing meetings. Our View:Those fines can't make up for the fact that Russell has failed to turn into even a league-average quarterback. His inability to make plays has severely limited the Raiders offense this season. |
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October 11, 2009 JaMarcus Russell managed to complete most of his passes in Week 5 against the Giants, but he finished 8-of-13 for 100 yards, no scores, and no picks. He was sacked six times and fumbled three times. Our View:The Raiders offense continues to be a disaster, and there is no relief is sight. Russell has done nothing to suggest he should keep his job in the near future or that he is the long-term answer. |
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October 6, 2009 Updating a previous item, Pro Football Talk says the JaMarcus Russell "situation" in Oakland is "worse than described," referring to a Boomer Esiason report, via the Oakland Tribune, that Russell was out of shape and constantly tardy for or missing from meetings. Our View:"His behavior has been described to us as a pattern, not an aberration," the website says. This is pretty much the only way the news could have gotten worse on Russell, who statistically is the worst rated passer in the NFL. The Raiders' back-up is Bruce Gradkowski, and it seems likely that he could be starting sooner rather than later. |
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October 6, 2009 CBS analyst Boomer Esiason insinuated on Sunday that JaMarcus Russell's teammates have lost faith in him, according to the Oakland Tribune. Our View:He said Russell is still playing out of shape, and that he has been late to multiple meetings this season. He then advocated for the team to make a change at quarterback. This was even before Russell went just 12-of-33 for 128 yards on Sunday. Boomer may be right, but the team's alternative to Russell, Bruce Gradkowski, isn't any better, and they've already burned the bridge they had to Jeff Garcia. This season is only going to get longer in Oakland. |
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October 4, 2009 That August jaw-breaking incident between Raiders coach Tom Cable and defensive assistant Randy Hanson has been largely quiet of late, but it's not going away, according to Pro Football Talk. "This is not getting pushed under the rug," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told Jay Glazer of Fox Sports on Saturday. Our View:Goodell said that he plans to interview Cable, and action could be taken based on the information developed by authorities in California that continue to investigate the situation. Stay tuned. |
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September 28, 2009 According to the Contra Costa Times, Raiders' coach Tom Cable has not discussed replacing starting quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Russel has struggled mightily this season, and was just 12-21 for 61 yards in Sunday's loss to the Broncos. Our View:Russell has been just awful this season, and he managed to get sacked more times (3) than he had passing yards (1) in the second half yesterday. He may be a former number-one overall pick, but at some point the Raiders need to realize that he is not an NFL caliber quarterback right now. |
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September 27, 2009 JaMarcus Russell completed 12-of-21 passes for 61 yards, no touchdowns, and two picks in the Week 3 loss to the Broncos. Our View:How much more can the Raiders take? Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye are the backups, but we have a feeling that Tom Cable will be pressured to stick with the former No. 1 overall pick. Russell is killing the fantasy value of every other Raider. |
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September 20, 2009 JaMarcus Russell completed a miserable 7-of-24 passes against the Chiefs on Sunday. He finished with 109 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. Four of his completions came on Oakland's final drive. Our View:Russell has completed just 19-of-54 passes (35.2 percent). In our minds, there's no way he is a better quarterback than Jeff Garcia, who the team cut prior to the season. Backup Bruce Gradkowski is 2-for-2 on the season, but expect the Raiders to continue with this maniacal experience for the entire season. Russell has no fantasy value, and neither do his wide receivers. |
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September 15, 2009 JaMarcus Russell was inconsistent in Monday night's 24-20 loss to the rival Chargers at the Oakland Coliseum, as he only completed 12-of-30 passes for 208 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. His touchdown pass hit rookie Louis Murphy for 57 yards to put the Raiders on top with under five minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Our View:Russell showed improvement tonight as he entered his third pro season, but is still making poor decisions - evidenced by his two costly turnovers in the close loss. The Raiders head to Kansas City for Week 2, which looks to be an easier match-up after being lit up by Joe Flacco and the Ravens in their season opener. |
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August 29, 2009 JaMarcus Russell was an effective 12-of-18 for 153 yards on Saturday, but still took three sacks for a loss of 27 yards. Our View:Russell is looking like he could be an effective game-management type quarterback for the Raiders this season, but is a bye week only option in almost every fantasy format. |
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August 27, 2009 JaMarcus Russell was sharp during Thursday's practice with the Raiders, according to the Contra Costa Times. He completed a pass to Michael Bush against Napoleon Harris, hit Louis Murphy wide open over the middle of the field, and threw a bullet into the corner of the end zone to Darrius Heyward-Bey over Justin Miller. Russell also fared well in red-zone drills. Our View:Head coach Tom Cable was pleased with the progress the passing offense made today. This is good news, but Russell remains just a backup option with uspide for fantasy leagues. |
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August 23, 2009 Head coach Tom Cable annointed JaMarcus Russell the Raiders' starting quarterback for 2009, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Our View:Russell was not seriously expected to be pushed by Jeff Garcia for the job. He is only worth a look as a backup with upside in fantasy leagues. |
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August 23, 2009 JaMarcus Russell was o.k. in the Raiders' second preseason game on Saturday night, completing 7-of-11 passes for 76 yards and a score. Our View:Russell has yet to look great this preseason, however, and with Jeff Garcia waiting in the wings in Oakland, is not a great fantasy value. |
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August 18, 2009 JaMarcus Russell struggled in Tuesday's practice with receiver Chaz Schilens out with a broken foot, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. He had trouble finding an open receiver in 7-on-7 drills, and also displayed poor accuracy on this passes. Our View:Schilens was emerging as Russell's go-to receiver in camp, and the Chronicle believes Russell will lean on tight end Zach Miller now. As for the state of the receiving corps, head coach Tom Cable believes the club has enough depth to survive while Schilens is down (for 4-6 weeks). |
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August 14, 2009 JaMarcus Russell was solid in limited playing time in the Raiders' preseason opener Thursday night. Oakland's likely starter completed 6-of-9 passes for 50 yards, taking one sack. Our View:He was the only Oakland QB not to throw for a touchdown, but he was also barley on the field. Thursday certainly didn't hurt his chances to be named the starter, so it probably helped them. |
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August 11, 2009 JaMarcus Russell struggled in training camp Tuesday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. He remains inconsistent, and head coach Tom Cable noted that he had timing issues hitting his targets today. He is holding on to the ball too long as well. Our View:Russell remains the Raiders' No. 1 quarterback, especially with Jeff Garcia unable to practice with a strained calf. The rocket-armed quarterback does not look to be ready to trust as a fantasy starter in his third pro season in 2009. |
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July 30, 2009 JaMarcus Russell has copped to reporting to training camp "a little heavy," according to the Contra Costa Times' Jerry McDonald. Our View:Ohh boy. It just never stops with Russell. He's likely to be the Raiders starter this season, but don't look for him to be productive enough to warrant drafting. |
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July 20, 2009 According to the Contra Costa Times, it would take "a faceplant of major proportions" for JaMarcus Russell to lose his status as Oakland's starting quarterback heading into the 2009 season. Our View:This shouldn't come as a shock to anyone, as it's been pretty much presumed since Oakland's signing of Jeff Garcia that Garcia will simply be there to mentor Russell this offseason and fill in after the start of the year if Russell continues to struggle. Go on assuming Russell will start, though he's still, at best, a borderline backup fantasy quarterback in most leagues. |
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July 9, 2009 Despite skipping the final day of organized team activities, Raiders' quarterback JaMarcus Russell has made good on his promise to work with his receivers for an extra week outside of team practices, according to Raiderbeat.com. Russell reportedly paid to fly the receivers to Alabama to work with him for this week. Our View:Russell has come under fire from everyone for his lack of work ethic, but he is showing a certain sense of maturity here. The Raider quarterback job is still his to lose, and acts like this can do nothing but help him out. Expect Russell to start the season as the team's quarterback. |
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June 28, 2009 Problems with JaMarcus Russell's work ethic continue to concern the Raiders, according to the National Football Post. Our View:Russell hosted his own minicamp to try and connect with his receivers and get more out of his weapons, but he disappeared before the last day. He has shown little desire and could eventually be unseated by "backup" Jeff Garcia. |
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June 18, 2009 According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Raiders' quarterback JaMarcus Russell plans to host his own passing-game minicamp at an undisclosed location between then end of June OTAs and the beginning of training camp. Russell said all quarterbacks and receivers will be invited to attend. Our View:Russell has been criticized for his work ethic since being drafted first overall by the Raiders, so it looks like he is feeling some heat from Jeff Garcia in the competition to be the starting quarterback. While Garcia could unseat Russell if he struggles during the season, expect Russell to begin the season as the starter even if he is outplayed by Garcia in the preseason. |
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June 10, 2009 Raiders coach Tom Cable says JaMarcus Russell has improved his play as Raiders OTAs have gone on according to the Sacramento Bee. Our View:This is good news for the Raiders, as it seems Russell is always getting worse and not better. Now the big test will come this season as we may finally know for sure what kind of NFL quarterback Russell is. He is not worth a draft pick in almost any format. |
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May 21, 2009 Head coach Tom Cable indicated that JaMarcus Russell's accuracy has been off in practice as he is learning new plays, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Cable said, "We are looking to see him learn the new stuff because there is a tremendous amount of new stuff because there is more down-the-field action. So just getting him more settled that way." On Wednesday, Russell was 6-of-14 in 11-on-11 drills with one interception. He was 1-for-4 in 7-on-7 drills with one interception as well. Our View:Russell has a very strong arm, and could form a dynamic duo with speed demon Darrius Heyward-Bey this season - assuming Jeff Garcia does not unseat Russell as the starting quarterback. |
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May 18, 2009 The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Raiders are stressing a vertical passing attack in OTA's. Our View:JaMarcus Russell will need a lot of reps to develop his accuracy, which has been his primary downfall during his brief time in the NFL. He should have plenty of speedy targets if he can improve. |
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May 9, 2009 According to the Oakland Tribune, JaMarcus Russell has apparently looked terrible so far in minicamp. Our View:Minicamps are tough to judge a player, but apparently Russell has been that bad. He's a very talented player and has an exceptionally strong arm, but his accuracy has been lacking so far. Stay tuned to see if he improves. |
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May 9, 2009 JaMarcus Russell is reportedly in good shape at minicamp, according to ESPN. He is also throwing the ball deep quite often in practice. Our View:Russell has a very strong arm, and the Raiders drafted receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey in the first-round, who has blazing speed and big-play ability. He should help Russell make an impact this season - and if not veteran Jeff Garcia will be ready to replace Russell. |
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April 14, 2009 Raiders' head coach Tom Cable noted that JaMarcus Russell has recovered well from his ankle surgery, according to the Contra Costa Times. Our View:Russell is expected to be fully healthy for the start of OTA's. Russell will be the Raiders' starting quarterback, and will have Jeff Garcia as a mentor. |
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April 6, 2009 ESPN.com reports that JaMarcus Russell remains the unquestioned No. 1 quarterback in Oakland following the signing of veteran Jeff Garcia. Our View:Garcia was the superior quarterback last season, but it makes sense that the Raiders would like to continue to develop their young quarterback in which they are so heavily invested. Garcia could still find playing time in light of injuries or flat-out terrible play from Russel, but look for the younger quarterback to start every game he can. |
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March 26, 2009 After not being present for the first week of voluntary workouts, Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell showed up on Thursday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Our View:This comes after Oakland coach Tom Cable said that for Russell to be great, he needed to put in more time at workouts and studying film. |
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March 24, 2009 Raiders coach Tom Cable said that if JaMarcus Russell has a ways to go but if he continues to work hard and dedicate himself to the team that he will be a great NFL quarterback, according to NFL.com. Our View:Russell has not been a true offensive factor yet and will not enter the season as a starter on many fantasy rosters. He has the tools to be a top-notch quarterback but for now fantasy owners are being careful. |
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February 12, 2009 The San Francisco Chronicle reports that quarterback JaMarcus Russell underwent minor surgery last week to remove bone chips in his right ankle. Our View:Russell is not expected to miss any offseason workouts as a result of the surgery. |
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February 9, 2009 The Raiders have hired Jim Michalczik as their offensive coordinator, according to ESPN. Michalczik left the University of California to become the offensive coordinator at the University of Washington, but he'll never coach a game for the Huskies after being hired on Monday by Oakland. Our View:Michalczik is a good friend of new head coach Tom Cable, but it will take far more than friendship to turn around the Raiders' lackluster offense. |
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February 5, 2009 JaMarcus Russell may need to undergo ankle surgery, according to the Sacramento Bee. Al Davis said, "He has got some physical problems that have to be taken care of. I think his ankle was bothering him at the end of the year. He had some chips in there so they may have to do something with that." Our View:Davis added that Russell's development as a quarterback has been too slow. Russell should benefit from a fresh start in 2009, especially if he gets his ankle issue taken care of. |
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February 2, 2009 The Oakland Tribune reports that Tom Cable will be named the Raiders head coach at some point this week. Our View:No press conferences or events are scheduled for this week. Cable had the Raiders playing well towards the end of the season, and the team would likely continue to see improvement under him next season. |
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January 29, 2009 The Raiders have hired Paul Hackett as their new quarterbacks coach, according to their official website. Our View:Hackett will be entering his 40th campaign as a coach at the collegiate and NFL levels. His presence in Oakland should benefit JaMarcus Russell. |
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January 28, 2009 ESPN.com reports that the Oakland Raiders have decided on Tom Cable to be the organization's next head coach. According to reports, multiple sources have confirmed that Cable has been hired, though Oakland senior executive John Herrera denied that the team has found its man. "The decision has not been made," Herrera said. "That's not correct. At some point here we will have a head coach, but as of now that decision has not been made." Our View:Cable was the Raiders' interim head coach a season ago following the firing of Lane Kiffin. He has been considered the lead candidate since the 2008 season ended. It is unclear as to when the Raiders will make a decision on a new head coach. |
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January 22, 2009 The Contra Costa Times reports that the Raiders are interested in interviewing Scott Linehan for their offensive coordinator opening. Our View:Linehan has already turned down the 49ers job and he has also been rumored to be talking with Tampa Bay about their opening. Cheers to Linehan's agent who has kept him relevant despite a disastrous job in St. Louis over the past two years. |
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January 22, 2009 The Raiders are going to interview Al Saunders to fill their vacancy at offensive coordinator, according to the SF Chronicle. Our View:The Raiders are familiar with Saunders as he served as the offensive coordinator of the rival Chiefs. Saunders specializes in the "Air Coryell" passing game, which could benefit JaMarcus Russell and raise his fantasy stock for 2009. Saunders also has a great track record of coaching tight ends to the Pro Bowl, which would also favor Zach Miller, who led the Raiders in receptions (56) in 2008. |
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January 19, 2009 The Raiders are not going to be considering bringing back Jon Gruden to fill their head coaching job, according to the SF Chronicle. Raiders' team spokesman John Herrera said, "We've been down that road. That would be reckless speculation to think that that would be any sort of a possibility." Our View:Gruden beat the Raiders in the Super Bowl with the Buccaneers, which Al Davis and the club are likely still bitter about. The Raiders went 40-28 under Gruden, and never finished below .500 in his four campaigns. |
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January 18, 2009 The Raiders are apparently considering filling their vacant head coaching position with linebackers coach Don Martindale, according to ESPN. Our View:Many thought that Tom Cable would simply have the "interim" label removed from his HC title but "sources" are saying that Al Davis might actually prefer to go with a coach who has a defensive background, a first for the Raiders since John Madden was hired in 1969. Considering how putrid the team has been of late, change is sorely needed in Oakland and this might be a good start. |
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January 13, 2009 The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Raiders have fired wide receivers coach James Lofton after only one season. Our View:In an offseason of discontent in Oakland, every member of the Raiders' coaching staff from 2008 is now gone, including interim head coach Tom Cable, whose contract was allowed to expire. Cable is still a candidate for the full-time head coaching position in 2009. |
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January 8, 2009 Interim head coach Tom Cable met with Raiders' owner Al Davis to discuss his future with the franchise, according to the SF Chronicle. Our View:Cable is still fighting to remain in Oakland, unlike defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who is believed to be ready to accept a job with the Browns. |
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January 4, 2009 The AP reports that Raiders owner Al Davis held a 90-minute phone conversation with Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride. Gilbride had expressed interest in the job through his agent prior to the conversation. Our View:Gilbride's name has not come up in many other coaching searches and he is the first outside candidate to have interviewed with the Raiders. Gilbride would certainly be an upgrade over Tom Cable and it appears he may have the inside track. |