All Aboard! – Coach Conducts Raider Express

By MikeBullock  |   Thursday, July 29, 2010  |  Comments( 0 )

Oakland Raiders
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The Oakland Raiders hit training camp in far better shape than they did just one year ago. Gone is the first round draft pick affectionately named “Ja-Walrus” by Raider Nation. In his place are two guys who can get the job done in Jason Campbell and Bruce Gradkowski. Early reports have Campbell getting the starting nod over Gradkowski, but Raider head coach Tom Cable insists the quarterback competition is open.

Cable has also moved beyond the whole “wife beater” scandal that erupted from the altercation between him and asst. coach Randy Hanson. Instead, the only hitting Cable needs to concern himself with is recently signed first round pick Rolando McClain, who might just take out a running back or two when full contact begins. Something tells me Darren McFadden will have some extra incentive to bounce outside these days.

Many NFL pundits placed the draft day crown on Oakland for the first time in what seems like forever, including the trade steal of the draft weekend by way of Jason Campbell. Known for his hard work ethic and a play style that fits Oakland’s offensive system, Campbell might just be what some hoped Russell would blossom into once he matured. With a talented young receiving corps featuring Chaz Schilens, Louis Murphy, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Jacoby Ford, the offensive potential brings hope for tremendous improvement over recent years.

However, in the words of Bill Parcels “potential means you haven’t done anything yet”, and that certainly applies to the Oakland offense. The o-line still has several questions marks, and Michael Bush and Darren McFadden have yet to prove they’re worth the nod at starting tailback. If opposing defenses can easily shut down the run game, all the passing potential in the world won’t matter since one-dimensional teams seldom make it over .500.

But, don’t give up on that hope just yet. Incoming offensive coordinator Hugh Jackson has a proven track record of improving hopeless offenses and word around the Raider bonfire is that the players are sitting up and taking notice in ways they haven’t done since Gruden left.

So, without the distractions from last season, minus the elephant in the huddle who’s now facing felony drug charges instead of playbook head scratchers and with a roster more loaded with talent that Oakland has seen in years, the time for Coach Cable to step up and prove to Raider Nation that he’s worthy of mention with men like Gruden, Madden, Flores and Davis is now. While it would be unreasonable to expect him to get Oakland to the Big Show this season, anything less than a wildcard berth is unacceptable.

Hail to a Legend:

For those who’ve avoided sports news lately, Raider all-time great Jack Tatum passed away last Tuesday morning at the age of 61. While the safety nicknamed “The Assassin” is not yet in the Hall of Fame, his career was certainly legendary. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, loved ones, friends and the rest of the Raider organization.
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