Oakland Raiders offensive line coach Tom Cable

By Victor Cotto, S&B Report Staff Columnist

It is said often that a player’s second year in a system or a coach’s subsequent campaign implementing a scheme is where the most growth is seen.

For the Oakland Raiders and Tom Cable, this year may be far more important than 2007, especially now with JaMarcus Russell under center. It’s of incalculable importance that the offensive line is steady, consistent and one of the reliable units during their second season operating with Cable’s zone-blocking scheme.

Cable’s undertaking in his first year as offensive line coach of the Raiders was to bring some semblance of teamwork to a group that allowed a league high 72-sacks in 2006 and that managed a measly 94.9 rushing yards per game (29^th in the NFL).

He succeeded, as the Raiders cut their sack totals to 41 and their rushing attack averaged 130.4 yards per game (6^th in the NFL).

More importantly, he found a functional role for Robert Gallery and has sold his system to an organization that depended on maulers instead of nimble linemen in their historic past.

Cable now has to replace long time left tackle Barry Sims, who the Raiders deemed not fit for the scheme, with San Francisco 49ers outcast Kwame Harris.

Harris comes with baggage, taking the brunt of the ire from the fans across the bay and considered a failure after his 5-seasons since being drafted with the 26^th overall pick in the 2003 draft. His constant penalties and blown assignments have become legendary and infamous. He failed while protecting Alex Smith, a former no. 1 overall selection, and now Oakland may have him protecting their top selection.

Cable still needs to find a right tackle, a position held by Cornell Green and Paul McQuistan last year. Both are back and will compete for the job once again.

At center there will be a new face, but one that may bring stability like another veteran did in 2007. John Wade will be an upgrade over Jeremy Newberry. And his impact on the line could parallel the impact of Cooper Carlisle’s last season when the seasoned pro locked up the right guard spot and made that a strength of the Silver & Black’s. Now, with Wade and Carlisle playing next to each other, the Raiders have the makings of well-built interior.

Cable found a niche for Gallery at left guard after years of floundering at right tackle, and left tackle. That trial is one year in, and it will be interesting to see if Gallery is fully adjusted and truly entrenched next to Wade. If not, the Raiders could have two former first round picks that have struggled mightily throughout their careers protecting their prized possession.

This is not a year to experiment along the offensive line. And Cable knows it. He will attempt to get the best players on the field to keep their top ranked ground game going and hopefully to block long enough for a passing game that needs revitalization.

The system has worked. Management feels like it has acquired players to fit the philosophy.

Now, can the magician pull another rabbit out of his hat?

If Cable does, Oakland’s offense will be receiving many standing ovations in 2008.