About being on the air and disseminating information:

Anything I can do to get to the fans out in this area and a lot of Raider fans, and we’re excited.

Reflections of the Pittsburgh Steelers game – his homecoming:

Oh, it was unbelievable. To go home, be in front of all my family and friends and to get a big win against a good football team like that was unbelievable. Just for my family, in sharing that with me and just the excitement. Just the feeling we had in the locker room and as a team that we were finally coming together.

About his college career, putting up great numbers and surpassing legendary names:

Just to be mentioned in the same sentence with those guys – it’s an honor. But it’s also humbling to know, I have a lot more to do in my career to even be mentioned with those guys. Being out now in the west coast, you saw what Joe Montana did out on the west coast. Hopefully one day I can do that for the Raiders. It’s definitely in my future and my goals and the dreams I have.

That was an awesome game against the Steelers, but it also would make it even more special if that was the AFC Championship game and we are going to the Super Bowl after that win. That’s kind of what I’m thinking about.

About the return of Tom Cable:

Yeah, coach Cable is going to be back. A lot of our coaching staff has stayed the same and we brought in a good coach in Hue Jackson, coming from the Baltimore Ravens, and you know, I’m excited.

Have you’ve been told Cable will be back, specifically?

We are going to work everyday like it’s the same. Coach Cable is in there working and that’s all I care about. I don’t look into details, but I just go in and take care of my own business and whoever is there I’m going to work with and we are going to do just fine.

Last season’s inconsistent play, beating the Steelers and Eagles, but failing against lesser opponents or in back-to-back games:

I think it shows that we are a good football team. And the only thing we have to work on is being consistent. And that’s the number one thing we are going to be focused on coming into this year is knowing and understanding that we are a good football team – the Oakland Raiders can compete with anyone. And we’ve proven that, we’ve showed that and now its just time to be consistent and show week-in and week-out and just prepare like that every week and believe in ourselves and know that we can get the job done just like any other team in the NFL.

What he brought to the table as oppose to JaMarcus Russell and if his leadership and work ethic was what won people over:

I think so. It was the way I’ve been raised.

Your going to get what you deserve. I believe that, so I’m just going to keep on working hard, just like I’ve been and that’s just the way my parents raised me.

I’m not really worried about how other people do their job. I’m just worried about being a professional, taking care of my own business and when the opportunity comes, just take advantage of it. And I was blessed with a good opportunity this past season.

About the situation with Russell, and how his large contract may dictate what occurs on the field:

Well, its tough. A guy like Jeff Garcia whose been in the league for years and he’s been successful, he’s never gotten the big signing bonus, the big contract that he’s deserved. And you know, its crazy how things work out in the NFL. It’s frustrating to a certain point, but you can’t worry about those things.

You just keep on working hard and good things will come. And you’ll get what you deserve. So that’s all I can really focus on.

Whether he’s officially signed?

I haven’t officially signed with them yet. They offered a second round tender. So its still free agency going on, so there are other teams out there, but in my heart, I want to be in Oakland. I believe I’ll be in Oakland and I’ll like to be here for years to come. I just feel a good presence here, especially with the fan-base we have. It’s the best in football and fans that love their team. And we need to give them something to cheer for. So that’s what I’m looking forward to changing this year and going in and having a good season.

Do you want assurance about having an open quarterback competition?

Yeah, I think that’s the way it always has to go. I believe that in any business that you are on, any field of work, competition just makes you better and the best person should be out there for the job. I think that’s the way it should take place. That’s the way it will take place and I’m looking forward to it. I’m just excited for getting this opportunity and like I’ve said, competition makes you better and there’s going to be competition everywhere. It’s just the nature of the game. So I’m looking forward to it this year and I’ll love to get it from the start and see what we can do with it.

About being the underdog year in and year out and communicating with Jeff Garcia:

Yeah, that’s why I think me and Jeff have such a good relationship. I think we are so similar in so many ways. At this point in Jeff’s career, where I’m at, he wasn’t even in the NFL, he was still in Canada, so I still have to stay positive. He reminds me of that. And when the opportunity comes, take advantage of it…

If you can win football games, if you can find a way to win, I think that’s all that matters. It doesn’t matter about how much skill you really have, its about does the team rally around you, do you get the job done, are you smart and the leadership role – I think that’s one of the most important things about being a quarterback.

Differences between Cable and Jon Gruden:

I think every coach is different. And that is what makes every coach unique. There is no really right way to do it – it’s your own way. And I think coach Gruden, coach Gruden wanted his hands in everything. He was the offensive coordinator, the QBs coach, he kind of did everything.

Coach Cable is more of a overseer. A discipline guy. He’s a player’s type coach. The players want to play for a coach like coach Cable. He’s easy to communicate with and he wants the best for his players. So you like playing for a coach like that. Gruden and Cable, they each have their own way and its all about how to get the job done. And I think coach Cable did a great job with us last year and so, I’m exciting in moving forward with him this year and I think there are good things in store for us.

About the Randy Hanson incident:

I think the players, we just kind of have to worry about our job.

Just coming to work everyday and letting that stuff be handle by the people that handle that situation.

It’s unusual but, I think Mr. [Al] Davis, he just wants to win. And I think he really just wants to win and he wants the best for his players.

I’m hoping our fans back us from day one, ‘cause we can use them and we need them to be a part of this year and to be a part of this thing when we turn it around.

Tyrone Wheatley plowing through the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tyrone Wheatley, RB

In August of 1999, a day after the Miami Dolphins cut Wheatley; Oakland inked the former Michigan star and he went on to have a 936-yards rushing season with 8 touchdowns. The 1995 draft pick with the New York Giants had been a bust so far in his career and when he donned the Silver & Black, the tough runner rejuvenated his career. In 2000, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry and ran for a career best 1,046; and paired with Napoleon Kaufman, Oakland had the best running attack in the NFL. Wheatley played with Oakland through the 2004 season and then retired, achieving all his best campaigns after signing with the Raiders.

Verdict: His play helped the Raider resurgence under Jon Gruden. Whether paired with Kaufman or later with Charlie Garner, Wheatley always was a bruising complement in the Raiders run game.

Harvey Williams, RB

In 1993, Los Angeles had a putrid rushing attack. A year later, Williams, who had his carries taken away by former Raider Marcus Allen, signed a one-year deal to become the primary ball carrier for the Silver & Black. After becoming the team’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Allen back in 1985, the Raiders rewarded Williams in 1995 – when he became unrestricted free-agent – with a five year $11 million deal. “(Raiders owner) Al Davis took a gamble, and it has paid off,” said Williams.

Verdict: Williams never became a force, eventually lost his job in the line-up to Napoleon Kaufman and ended up at tight end as his career wound down. In 1997, the seldom-used Williams scored 4 touchdowns in a rout of the Chargers in front of what was a then record 65,714 fans in attendance in San Diego. “When you go out like they did and beat us in Oakland and then you’re bustin’ gums like they did, we had a lot of things we wanted to come in and prove,” said Williams.

Terry Kirby, RB/KR

In November of 2000, Oakland signed Kirby not knowing Wheatley’s prognosis due to an injury sustained. He spent two-more seasons with the club being a key cog on 3^rd downs, a pass catcher out of the backfield and a return man on special teams. At age 32, in a game against the Steelers, Kirby returned a kickoff 96-yards for a score on the first play of the 4^th quarter to keep the Raiders comfortably in front during the contest. He said during that season: “I’ve never been one to complain about doing anything. Not too many people like playing special teams, period. But it’s one of those things you have to do sometimes if you want to stay in the league.”

Verdict: Kirby was a solid role player who was vital in Oakland’s early success in the 2002 season. After being a multi-purpose rusher at other destinations, the Raiders found a niche for him as a special teams ace. “I’m just glad [Oakland] gave me the opportunity to come here and do these things, I’m thankful for that.”

Ted Washington, DT

The Raiders were coming off a 2003 campaign in which they were last in rush defense in the league. In March of 2004, the Pro-Bowl defensive tackle signed a 4-year $14 million contract with a $4 million signing bonus. At the time, the 36-year old was a four-time Pro Bowl performer and a All-Pro. “I can bring leadership, plug up the middle, free my linebackers and also make plays,” stated Washington. “With all those factors, and a team that’s on the uprise, we should have a dominant defense.”

Archived Game Coverage: Ted Washington in Silver & Black

Verdict: In the 2-seasons the mammoth tackle was with Oakland, the Silver & Black finished 22^nd (125.8 yards per) and 25^th (128.1) in rushing yards allowed per contest.

Stay tuned for upcoming installments, looking back at the Raiders history during the free-agency period. Part-four coming soon…

Javon Walker, WR

Walker signed with the Raiders in March of 2008. The six-year $55 million contract that included more than $16 million in guarantees was restructured in March of 2009 after he tallied a putrid 15 receptions for 196 yards with one score after his first year with Oakland. He recorded no stats in 2009 and stated in September, “I’m more than healthy enough.

“I’m just going with the flow.”

Verdict: Walker’s contract with the Raiders will go down as one of the biggest flops in the history of free agency.

Anthony Dorsett, S

The Raiders signed the 26-year old Dorsett after playing 56-games with the Tennessee Titans. He started in Super Bowl XXXIV at free-safety and it was expected that the son of Tony Dorsett and Pro Bowl alternate at the end of the 1999 campaign, would have started next to Eric Turner. Turner passed away in 2000 and in November of that year, Jon Gruden stated, “Dorsett is a guy that’s going to continue to get better and better and better.” Dorsett had a key blocked field goal versus the Cowboys that led to a win and forced a fumble versus the Chiefs that also keyed a Raider victory in 2000.

Verdict: In his first two years in Oakland, Dorsett showed promise. But it was down hill after that and he became a liability in the secondary the last two campaigns in Silver & Black.

Kevin Gogan, G

The 6-foot-7, 320 pound guard signed a three-year $3.6 million deal with a $1.3 million signing bonus in 1994. At 30-years old, he made his first Pro Bowl in his first year with Los Angeles. Gogan was a grinder in the interior and had a reputation of being one of the toughest linemen in the league.

Verdict: A solid lineman while with the Raiders, Gogan was a perfect fit and his presence moved Max Montoya out of his starting spot.

Amos Zereoue, RB

The former West Virginia Mountaineer and Pittsburgh Steelers all-purpose back was expected to fill the void of the departed Charlie Garner in 2004. He inked a one-year deal worth $535,000 in base salary and a $25,000 signing bonus.

Verdict: Zereoue led the Raiders with a feeble 425 yards rushing in his only season in Oakland. His competition during that year; Tyrone Wheatley, Justin Fargas and Troy Hambrick were given the back seat by Norv Turner. Zereoue’s best outing was during a 30-17 loss versus the Texans when he rushed for 117-yards on 14 carries with 2 scores.

Stay tuned for upcoming installments, looking back at the Raiders history during the free-agency period. Part-three coming soon…

The former 6^th overall choice in the 1988 draft played 16-campaigns for the Silver & Black and during that illustrious career, he tallied 1,094 receptions (4^th in league history), 14,934 receiving yards (4^th all-time) and 100 touchdown grabs (6^th).

Brown’s former coach, Jon Gruden, campaigned on his behalf during the week stating, “He dominated the game. He’s a first ballot Hall of Famer, without a doubt.

“What Tim Brown did with the quarterback position the way it was is quite amazing. The number of quarterbacks who threw him touchdown passes…

“He did not have a Joe Montana for eight years, a Peyton Manning, a Brett Favre. Not to be discriminatory against the quarterbacks he did have, but he played in different offenses and was great in any system.”

During his time as a Raider, his teams compiled a 134-122 record with 6 playoff appearances.

What probably hurt Brown was that the greatest receiver in league history was eligible as well. Jerry Rice was a lock to be inducted with running back Emmitt Smith, and that tilt may have cut-down any opportunity for Brown to get his bust in Canton in his first year of eligibility.

Brown did not reach the games grandest stage until 2002, when the Tampa Buccaneers defeated Oakland 48-21 in Super Bowl XXXVII.

Earlier in his career, Brown was as dominant as any receiver in the league, compiling 80 or more catches in 9 out 10-years from 1993 to 2002.

His prowess as a return man also made him a threat to hit paydirt upon entering the NFL, but in 2001, Brown made history by returning a punt 88-yards for a score making him the oldest player in league history to achieve that feat.

Brown was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, was on the NFLs all decade team of the 1990s and holds nearly all the receiving marks for the Silver & Black.

He ended his career as a member of the Buccaneers after Oakland released him before the 2004 season.

At Notre Dame, Brown won the 1987 Heisman Trophy.

Earlier in the week, he acknowledged that his induction may not happen, “It wouldn’t be the worst thing,” he said, “to happen in Dallas next year.”

“You understand it’s a vote,” stated Brown. “I’m pretty certain one day it will happen.”

It should have been today.

NOTES

• First WR to win the Heisman Trophy
• Rookie-season record for most combined yards gained, with 2,317 yards (1988).
• NFL record for 10 consecutive seasons with at least 75 receptions.
• Raider Records: games played, touchdowns, receiving yards, catches and touchdowns, punt return yards, returns and touchdowns, all-purpose yards and yards from scrimmage.
• Brown caught his 100^th career TD versus the Raiders.

Johnnie Lee Higgins participated in the 2007 Senior Bowl

The 60^th annual Senior Bowl will be played Saturday, January 30 at 4:00 pm ET at Mobile, Alabama.

More importantly, the practices begin January 25. And there is where hundreds of NFL coaches, personnel directors, scouts and many other staffers from professional clubs go to observe and evaluate potential draft picks and talent that will be available in the coming months.

In the past, Oakland Raider coaches have spearheaded the staffs in charge of the squads. Here is a list of those that donned Silver & Black that were at the helm of a sideline during the Senior Bowl:

2008 – Lane Kiffin

2005 – Norv Turner

1999 – Jon Gruden

1992 – Art Shell

What will be interesting is whether or not the Raiders will send a large contingent to Mobile for scouting?

One team – the New York Giants – have already reportedly decided not to send their coaches next week due to varying reasons such as the economy, the new stadium and pending labor situation states the NJ Star Ledger. But I guess that is not a crippling thing, since they didn’t either two years ago right before their Super Bowl winning season.

Oakland still has a staff in place, and Tom Cable is technically still the coach of the Raiders.

Al Davis has not announced his fate, but at this point, isn’t safe to say that Cable is still the head coach until further notice? If there’s even a need to make that publicly.

Mike Waufle has been hired, Hue Jackson has been bantered about and Cable is still on board.

With the Senior Bowl work-outs around the corner, maybe things will become clearer over the next couple of days.

Here are his thoughts on the what’s happening with Tom Cable and the coaching saga:

I can’t tell you that anything surprises me out in Oakland. I know that some of the decisions they have made have been probably, leaving you scratching your head, There’s a reason why they’ve gone seven straight season where they’ve lost 11 or more games. You got a guy on the coaching staff right now – Tom Cable – and your bringing in other coaches. They don’t allow him to pick his own coaching staff. Al [Davis] is probably going to go out and hire an offensive coordinator, someone to coach the quarterback – JaMarcus Russell – Al thinks this guy has a bright future in the league. And you know, its tough. It’s a tough situation to work in and when you look at the results, you have to question whether or not they are making the right decisions.

On JaMarcus Russell and how Cable could lose credibility by sticking with the young passer if he doesn’t feel he is the answer:

You have to tell him how you feel. I think what’s at stake here it’s the fact that you may start to lose your football team. These guys, they work hard every day, they put a lot of time in and they want to win and when you put a guy out there who is not ready to play, is not prepared, doesn’t work necessarily to put himself in a position to have a chance to be successful then you start, then the players start looking at the coaches and saying ‘hey, put the other guy in.’ The guy that gives us a chance. When you go back to the same guy, because the owner wants him to play, then you lose your credibility in the locker room,  you lose your credibility with your players and that becomes a problem for a coach.

On him helping the Raiders in any way:

I absolutely have no problems with Al. I think there is obviously a philosophical difference of opinion on what needs to get done an obviously, he’s the owner and I’m not. But he and I have agreed to disagree on a number of occasions even when I was playing there we didn’t agree on a lot of things, but I think he respected the fact that I took a stand and that I was a guy committed to do the work necessary to help turn the thing around. I believe I left the place in better shape than what I found it. My purpose of calling Al was just to reach out and he used to call me in the past and I was willing to go out and help JaMarcus, or anybody, in any way that I could. Look, its important to me to see that team play well. I think I have a vested interest. I spent six years of my career out there. I helped turn it around. You know, I still have teammates out there, people that work in the building, some coaches I know and the trainers, the equipment guys that…I want to see them win. I’m not looking to coach. I’m not looking to be in management – I’ve been offered positions by other organizations, it’s just a gesture on my part to reach out to a young quarterback that has really struggled and that has not been able to find his way in the NFL.

On Jon Gruden ever coming back to the Silver & Black:

I was with Jon and Bruce Allen about six weeks ago and we had that very same conversation, I asked him, ‘Would you ever go back and coach Oakland. You’d be surprised what Jon Gruden said. He said, ‘Absolutely.’ I don’t think he’ll go back under the current situation, but I know he loves northern California.  He loves the Bay Area. He loved his time with the Oakland Raiders.

I’m sure he wouldn’t go back under the current set-up and situation.

Bill Callahan (2002-2003)

He became just the fourth rookie head coach in league history to lead a team to a Super Bowl in his first year with the Raiders. A 15-17 overall record in two-seasons was unbalanced toward the loss column when Oakland piled up 12-defeats in 2003. What started as a joyous time for Callahan, ended with misery when his own team openly stated their dislike towards him. “I don’t think he was happy there, and I don’t think everybody was happy with him,” said Callahan’s starting left guard Frank Middleton at the time. “I felt like something had to be done, either with the players or with the coach.

“We’ve had that before on great teams”, commented Davis about locker room distractions during the 2003 season. “The thing with the coach [Callahan], and the players, that’s something that I don’t think we’ve ever had here, really to the extent that it went this year”.

His demise was a post-game rant in which he critiqued his team for being dumb.

“We’ve got to be the dumbest team in America in terms of playing the game!” Callahan yelled to reporters. “I’m highly critical because of the way we give games away — we give ‘em away! Period. It’s embarrassing, and I represent that. And I apologize for that. If that’s the best we can do, it’s a sad product.”

Norv Turner (2004-2005)

Turner tallied a 9-23 record during his two-year stint. Al Davis fired him with a year remaining on his three-year deal worth about $1.75 million. “I belong here,” stated Turner, upon his arrival. “When I got off the plane the other night, I felt like I was coming home. I feel like I’m home now.”

Oakland traded for Randy Moss and inked LaMont Jordan during his stay. But the crafty offensive mind was not able to ignite the offense for prolonged periods and his one-win against divisional rivals was his downfall. “I just thought it was the right fit,” said Davis, when he hired Turner. “Everything that we need at this particular time, we will rely on Norv to help us with.”

Players sympathized with Turner, as they knew the burden of all the losses and the misery during his tenure should be blamed on all involved. “I think he did what he could,” then starting linebacker Danny Clark stated. “Ultimately, everybody involved didn’t get it done. Unfortunately, this is a production-based business and if you’re not winning the weight falls on someone.”

Oakland at that time was the last of seven teams to fill their coaching vacancy when they inked Turner.

Art Shell (2006)

Oakland only managed two-wins in Shell’s second tenure. Again the Raiders were the last team to fill their coaching void that off-season, when they hired Shell,  after a search that included the courting of Ken Whisenhunt – who decided to remain on Pittsburgh’s staff – and offers to Bobby Petrino who stated he was flattered but wanted to remain in Louisville.

Raider quarterbacks were sacked 72-times that season, as Shell along with Jackie Slater and Irv Eatman attempted to work with the offensive line.

Shell’s feud with Jerry Porter made headlines, his handling of Randy Moss was atrocious and the offense was miserable (fewest points in team history – 168), while the defense played admirably under Rob Ryan.

“Everybody has a way of doing things. The Raiders have a way of doing things. We’re about winning. And we will win,” Shell said at introductory press conference.

Lane Kiffin (2007-2008)

During his 20-game tenure, Kiffin went 5-15. The then 31-year old was the youngest coach in Oakland’s history. Davis chanted to those loyal to his club when introducing Kiffin, “To the Raider fans, players, to the Raider nation, to the organization, that bleed and give their loyalty and skill to the organization…we will come back, and Lane Kiffin will lead us back!”

But a rocky relationship behind the scenes that included Kiffin’s reluctance to draft JaMarcus Russell and the notion that he wanted out and attempted to do so through insubordinate acts marred the marriage.

“I just couldn’t go on much longer with what I would call, propaganda, the lying that had been going on for weeks, and months, and a year, and time. And he had a few questions, he says ‘does that mean I don’t get paid’, I said that’s what I’m saying to you”, Davis said during a memorable press conference.

Kiffin was fired via phone reportedly and the official Raiders web site acknowledge the happening at the time, “Lane Kiffin has been released as head coach of the Oakland Raiders for cause.”

Per Davis, Kiffin complained, as he stated, “[Kiffin] complained he didn’t have this, and didn’t have that.” Remarks that peeved Davis which he in turn he stated to Kiffin, “If you don’t think you can win resign,” per the owner’s remarks in the almost 50-minute session which included an over-head projector.

Tom Cable (2008-current)

Cable joined the Raiders as an offensive line coach in 2007 and was the interim coach when Kiffin was dismissed.

He ended the 2008 campaign with back-to-back wins and all the players lobbied for his hiring. “I want to be the head coach of the Raiders, but it’s not in my hands. But I certainly know I put this team together and got it going in the right direction, and today proved that,” commented Cable after the win to knock Tampa Bay out of the playoffs.

But a tumultuous off the field in 2009 that included an alleged attack on Randy Hanson (Cable was cleared and no charges were pressed by the Napa police) and a story that aired on ESPN which exposed his history of violent behavior could be some of his downfalls this off-season.

Russell’s lack of development and Davis’ insistence that his quarterback is still a part of the team’s future could also lead to Cable’s demise.

Cable did surprise many by keeping his team competitive, pulling out solid victories against the Steelers, Bengals and Broncos in the second half of the season and giving this team some semblance of order after the Kiffin fiasco.

His record as coach: 9-19 and the extension of a NFL worst seven straight seasons with 11 or more losses in a campaign.

What did Davis say in hiring Cable back in February 2009:

Just listen to him. Just the fact what he did with the team at the end.

His excellence with the offensive line was never in doubt. He always did well with them.

He’s good, he really is. He really loves football; he has a passion for the goddamn thing.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS DURING THAT SPAN

“No coach has been hired. There will be a time period before a coach is hired,” stated Davis in January of 2004 when it was rumored that Sean Payton – then Dallas Cowboys assistant – could be a candidate to be the next Raiders coach. “Were this got started, was an assumption and it just carried. It seems like everything carries today, very, very quickly.”

“We have a coach with a very big ego, you know what I mean? He’s not listening to those veterans. And that’s what’s sad about it. When you get to a point, I think, in your life where you can’t listen to guys with the experience that we have on our offense, then I think there’s something very wrong”, Charles Woodson stated about Callahan early in the 2003 season, foreshadowing a lot of what would go wrong that season.

“I expect a whole lot out of myself,” Shell said as the 2006 season wound down. “I expected a whole lot out of this team. And when we don’t meet or come close to those expectations, then it’s disappointing.”

“I’m going for this job 100 percent,” stated Steve Sarkisian back in January of 2007. “I’m solely focused on this job with the Oakland Raiders.” He appeared to be the prohibitive favorite before bowing out. “The Oakland Raiders were not ready to offer the position and wanted to wait until after the weekend as the organization is still doing its due diligence,” the organization said in a press release prior to settling on Kiffin. “I thank them for their interest in me,” Sarkisian then commented. “While the job was never offered to me, at this time in my career, I’ve told them I want to stay at USC. I strongly believe that the Raiders’ job is a great opportunity for whomever their next head coach is going to be.”