Pittsburgh native Bruce Gradkowski returns home to lead the Raiders against a tattered Steeler team.
Head coach Tom Cable continues to insist JaMarcus Russell is the long-term quarterback of the team. However, with the regression of the $60M project (Russell); Cable has committed to his 4th year journeyman quarterback to salvage a once promising season.
Since replacing Russell in the third quarter against the Chiefs in week 10, Gradkowski has been able to move the offense more effectively. Although not as physically gifted as Russell, Gradkowski provides the Raiders with decent pocket-awareness and leadership to a young Raider team who rank last in passing and 29th in turnovers. Many within the Raider Nation faithfuls' view Gradkowski as average at best however with just 2 starts under his belt look for vast improvements over his predecessor who seemed to regress in his just his third year.
Raider coaches have openly viewed Gradkowski's attributes to the Denver Donkey's Kyle Orton, a patient field manager who doesn't force throws and allows plays to develop. For the skeptics, consider this "not-so-fun": the Raider's offensive line ranks 25th in sacks given, not to mention the most quarterback hurries in the league. It is reasonable to believe Gradkowski will not put up Drew Brees or Peyton Manning numbers, so patience should be given as the young quarterback still adjusts to the speed of the game.
What has head coach Tom Cable and quarterbacks coach optimistic about Gradkowski is the fact that he is consistently on the same page as his young receivers, in particular Lance Murphy and first round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey. With the return of starter Chaz Shilens, there is finally a reason to be enthusiastic about what this quartet can bring to the offense.
Team insiders say the turning point for Gradkowski (and subsequent downfall of JaMarcus) was during the team's film session while preparing against the Chiefs. Many coaches (including receivers) were pleasantly surprised by Gradkowski's knowledge of the Raiders offensive playbook and ability to handle adjustments during Q&A film sessions of the opposing defense. JaMarcus in the meantime had trouble making the same adjustment reads and was encouraged to spend extra time with assistants viewing various defensive formations and blitz protection schemes.
For the time being, while Gradkowski is allowed time to "gel" with his receivers, look for the team to provide a heavy dose of the run game headed by the 3-headed monsters (DMC, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bush). (SEE MORE BELOW)
Time will tell how successful the team can be down the stretch however, he will certainly not be hailed as the team's savior, but Bruce Gradkowski has brought something to the table the team has lacked during the season: unfledged confidence in their field general and optimism for the faithful that is "the Raider Nation".
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
KEEP JaMarcus on the BENCH! Figuring out the complexity of the Steeler's blitz-and-stunt schemes is like asking a high school dropout to explain Pythagora's theory. Communication amongst the offensive line and Gradkowski's ability to recognize the Steeler's defensive formations will be vital in keeping the young quarterback off his back and JaMarcus on the bench. OUTLOOK: Doesn't look too good for Gradkowski-fans, a late cameo appearance by JaMarcus will be on hand.
BATTLES TO WATCH
With a decent performance against all-world-sack-specialist DeMarcus Ware, LT Mario Henderson will face off against last year's Defensive Player of the Year and sack specialist Jerome Harrison. It is imperative for Henderson to maintain his ground in what may be his most formidable challenge of the year and not to mention in consecutive weeks. Communication with his linemen will be the key to this matchup.
CB Chris Johnson vs. WR Santonio Holmes. Dallas avoided cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and the outcome was still a blowout. Look for the Steelers to target Chris Johnson early and often as the speedy Holmes will look to open up the passing game to allow for a more effective Steeler ground attack.
The Three-Headed-Running Backs vs. Steeler's Rush Defense. The Steelers rank third in the NFL in rushing defense and the 88 yards surrendered to Baltimore's Ray Rice last week was the most they've given up all season(YES this includes shutting down Chris Johnson, Cedric Benson and Adrian Peterson along the way!) Whats this mean for the Raiders ground game? All signs point to establishing a controlled short-passing game to set up the run game. The key here is to avoid turnovers (uh-oh) and leave the field position up to Shane Lechler. This only works if the Raiders defense can hold its own, slow the Steelers running game. OUTLOOK: Not so good with bad weather in the forecast, Lechler's leg will be the key, avoiding turnovers... yeah good luck.
FINALLY...
Raider Nation Plea
The billboard the media and sports talk radio is buzzing about: 25,000+ strong Raider Nation faithfuls asking team owner Al Davis to step down as the team's General Manager.
Outlook: Seems far fetched, but damn funny!
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