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	<channel>		<title>RUWT? News</title>
		<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com</link>
		<description>RUWT? News for Oakland Raiders</description>
		<language>en-us</language>
		<copyright>Copyright 2006-2007 areyouwatchingthis.com</copyright>
		<lastBuildDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:46:55 GMT</lastBuildDate>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:46:55 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Ochocinco leads surging Bengals into Oakland]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

OAKLAND, Calif.(AP) -- Chad Ochocinco sent deodorant to the
Baltimore Ravens before a key AFC North showdown to pump himself
up for the big game.

The fun-loving Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver wanted to send
mustard to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week because they would
never "ketchup" in the game before coach Marvin Lewis nixed that
idea.

With a game against the struggling Oakland Raiders next up on
Cincinnati's schedule, Ochocinco has no plans for any gimmicks.

"I'm just coming to give the Black Hole the best show they've
ever seen," he said. "I'm not sure if they've really had much to
look forward to this year. But man, we're coming to town. It
will for sure be a circus."

Coming off emotional victories over Chicago, Baltimore and
Pittsburgh, it would only be natural if the Bengals (7-2) came
down a little bit emotionally heading into Sunday's game against
the Raiders (2-7).

With home games against Cleveland (1-8) and Detroit (1-8) to
follow, this is by far the easiest stretch of Cincinnati's
schedule. Winning these three games will be crucial in the
Bengals' bid to win the division and earn a first-round playoff
bye.

"We're supposed to beat these type of teams," safety Chris
Crocker said. "That's how we approach it. This could be one of
those games where people expect the Cincinnati Bengals to fall
flat on our faces."

The Bengals were in the Raiders' position the past few years,
looking to play spoiler against a contender at the end of yet
another lost season. Cincinnati even finished a half-game behind
the Raiders a year ago, before turning it around behind a
revamped defense and revived running game led by Cedric Benson.

That revival gives hope to the Raiders, who are in the midst of
an even longer stretch of ineptitude. Oakland is on pace for its
seventh straight 11-loss season, extending its own record for
futility.

"It's kind of one of those things where you look at them and
say, 'If they can do it, why can't we do it,"' left tackle Mario
Henderson said. "And we can do it. So like I say, every year is
different. It's just what we have to do here to get better."

The first change is coming at quarterback: Bruce Gradkowski will
replace struggling former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell.
Russell has completed just 46.8 percent of his passes this
season, with nine interceptions and five lost fumbles and the
second-worst passer rating in the league at 47.7.

Coach Tom Cable hopes Gradkowski provides a needed spark to an
offense that has managed just 88 points through nine games and
has not scored two touchdowns in a game since losing the season
opener 24-20 to San Diego.

Gradkowski beat the Bengals in his second career start for Tampa
Bay in 2006. He has started only once since that rookie season,
but has replaced an ineffective Russell in two of the last three
games.

It's on defense where the Raiders concern the Bengals. Oakland
has at times been dominating on defense, most notably shutting
down Philadelphia's high-powered offense last month. But then
there are times where teams have run right through the Raiders
like the New York Jets did the following week.

"I can't for the life of me understand how they are not
winning," Ochocinco said. "I don't get it. Because what I see on
film, the record does not show. Because they look a lot better
than their record shows, so I'm not understanding what's going
on."

The most intriguing matchup on Sunday will be Ochocinco against
Raiders man-to-man cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Chris
Johnson.

It was a game against the Bengals that boosted Asomugha's
reputation in 2006, when he intercepted two passes in a loss at
Cincinnati. Now almost everyone around the league knows how
tough Asomugha is and he is rarely thrown against. Ochocinco
began scouting Asomugha as soon as the schedule came out,
preparing for this matchup.

"He is the best," Ochocinco said. "I'm not going to sit here and
play around about it. I've watched him on film."

Ochocinco managed 101 yards receiving the last time he faced
Oakland, with much of the damage coming against Fabian
Washington. As much as Ochocinco wants to go up against Asomugha
on Sunday, he will also figure to get plenty of time against
Johnson.

Johnson said he has to prepare for Ochocinco's notorious mouth
as much as his moves.

"It will be fun," Johnson said. "People that talk like that
sometimes, you talk back, you get them off their game. He's been
talking ever since I've been playing football. It's going to be
a real fun show this Sunday."

---

AP Sports Writer Joe Kay in Cincinnati contributed to this
report.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135462-Ochocinco-leads-surging-Bengals-into-Oakland</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135462-Ochocinco-leads-surging-Bengals-into-Oakland</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:54:23 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Gradkowski doesn't expect much change from Raiders]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ALAMEDA, Calif.(AP) -- Bruce Gradkowski doesn't expect the Oakland
Raiders offense to change much now that he's the starting
quarterback.

Gradkowski, who replaces struggling former No. 1 overall pick
JaMarcus Russell, said he's comfortable enough with the Raiders'
playbook that there won't be a need to make any alterations.

"There might be a couple tweaks here and there, but we're just
going to run the offense, do what we do and try to make some
plays," Gradkowski said Thursday. "We have a lot of weapons. We
just have to stay on course, keep doing what we're doing, keep
working hard and things will fall into place."

Gradkowski will be making just the 13th start of his NFL career
Sunday against Cincinnati when Oakland tries to halt a
three-game losing streak. The journeyman quarterback has played
in two games this season, both times coming in relief of
Russell.

In last week's 16-10 loss to Kansas City, Gradkowski replaced
Russell in the second half and led a late drive deep into Chiefs
territory before he threw a pass that bounced off the chest of
rookie wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey and was intercepted.

Despite the turnover, Gradkowski did enough in that game to
convince coach Tom Cable and owner Al Davis to make a change and
bench Russell, who has completed just 47.1 percent of his passes
this season while garnering a meager 47.9 rating.

Cable made it clear he doesn't view this as a one-game tryout,
either. Gradkowski will be the Raiders' starting quarterback for
the foreseeable future while Russell serves as the primary
backup this week against the Bengals.

"It's good knowing it's for the rest of the season but you also
just have to take it one game at a time," Gradkowski said. "In
this league, you just have to focus on one week at a time and
take it as it comes. That's all I'm doing right now."

The Raiders believe Gradkowski can add a spark to an offense
that ranks at or near the bottom of every meaningful offensive
category and has scored just seven offensive touchdowns all
season. Oakland is averaging just 222 yards a game and has 21
turnovers, second-most in the NFL.

At the same time the coaching staff hopes the time off will
benefit Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in 2007.

Russell, who has kept a low profile since getting benched
against the Chiefs, has thrown for only 1,067 yards with two
touchdowns and nine interceptions. He's been booed at every home
game since the season-opener against San Diego while Gradkowski
has been greeted with rousing cheers in the two games he
replaced Russell.

Russell wasn't available for comment this week but stayed after
practice Thursday to get extra work in with some of the Raiders'
receivers.

"Sometimes to step back and watch and see can be very positive,"
said Ted Tollner, Oakland's passing game coordinator. "I've seen
where it happened to veteran guys where it turned out being
positive, but it definitely can help a younger guy who hasn't
really gotten that many years and that many games behind him to
stand back and watch the game and look at it from that
perspective."

Part of the problem for Oakland has been a serious lack of
production from its wide receivers. Heyward-Bey, the seventh
overall selection in the draft last April, has just six catches
for 96 yards while fellow rookie Louis Murphy has 16.

Chaz Schilens, who missed the first eight games of the season
while recovering from a foot injury suffered in training camp,
provided a little boost against the Chiefs last week.

Gradkowski started 11 games as a rookie in Tampa Bay in 2006 but
fell out of favor quickly, playing in four games as a backup the
following season. He signed with the St. Louis Rams prior to the
2008 season but was cut in training camp then signed with
Cleveland, where he spent most of his time on the bench.

Gradkowski is more mobile and agile than Russell but Cable said
the change at quarterback won't alter the offense.

"Because there's so many others involved, we need to stay the
course," Cable said.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135454-Gradkowski-doesnt-expect-much-change-from-Raiders</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135454-Gradkowski-doesnt-expect-much-change-from-Raiders</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:20:40 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Gradkowski takes over starting QB gig for Raiders]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

ALAMEDA, Calif.(AP) -- The Oakland Raiders benched former No. 1
overall pick JaMarcus Russell on Wednesday, handing the starting
job to journeyman Bruce Gradkowski for the foreseeable future.

Coach Tom Cable made the announcement of the change following
practice as the Raiders (2-7) prepare to play the Cincinnati
Bengals on Sunday. Cable said this was not a temporary move,
that his plan is to stick with Gradkowski.

"I don't want to be like that," he said. "This is where we're
headed and what we're going to do. He'll take this team and go
with it."

Russell was not in the locker room during the media access
period and was not available for comment after the decision was
announced. Cable said Russell was disappointed by the decision
but worked hard in practice Wednesday

Cable said owner Al Davis gave him the autonomy to make the
decision on his own and supported the move.

"As we all know, it's important to include him in everything so
he knows what's going on with this football team," Cable said.

Cable had pulled Russell for ineffectiveness in two of the past
three games as he grew more frustrated with Russell's inaccuracy
and poor decision-making in his third season in the NFL.

The Raiders believed Russell would be the quarterback to turn
the struggling franchise around when they drafted him No. 1 out
of LSU in 2007 and eventually gave him a contract with about $31
million in guaranteed money. But his career has sputtered from
the start.

He had a lengthy holdout as a rookie before finally signing his
deal after the first game of the season. He played briefly down
the stretch before getting the starting job a year ago. Russell
was inconsistent in his first full season as a starter, but
showed some bright signs with a strong finish to the season that
included wins over Houston and Tampa Bay.

Instead of having a breakthrough in his third season, Russell
has regressed and has been booed regularly at home games. He has
completed just 46.8 percent of his passes this season, with nine
interceptions and five lost fumbles and the second worst passer
rating in the league at 47.7.

Cable said he still believes in Russell's future even if all
signs appear to be pointing to him becoming one of the more
notable draft busts. Russell will be the No. 2 quarterback this
week against the Bengals.

"This is in no way giving up on the guy," Cable said. "This is
just trying to jump-start this team and really break it down and
make a decision based on what gives us the best chance to win."

In 28 career games, Russell has completed 51.6 percent of his
passes with 17 touchdowns, 21 interceptions and 14 lost fumbles
for a passer rating of 65.5. He had started 25 of the past 26
games for Oakland, missing only one last year with an injury.

The Raiders used top 10 picks the past two seasons to surround
Russell with speedy playmakers, drafting running back Darren
McFadden and receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. But Oakland has been
unable to generate a big-play offense, scoring just 88 points in
the first nine games.

Russell has particularly struggled on the deep passes he was
supposed to be so proficient with because of his big arm.
According to STATS LLC, Russell has completed just 2 of 34
passes that have gone more than 20 yards downfield for 85 yards,
one touchdown and five interceptions.

"We've got guys open, and I think we're getting better in
understanding what we're doing," Cable said. "We've got to put
the ball in their hands and find a way to do that. I think this
will give us an opportunity to do that."

This will be just the second start for Gradkowski since 2006. He
started one game last year in Cleveland, going 5-for-16 for 18
yards and two interceptions for a passer rating of 1.0 in a 31-0
loss to Pittsburgh. He started 11 games as a rookie for Tampa
Bay in 2006, winning three of them.

Gradkowski is 17 for 30 for 163 yards and two interceptions as a
backup in Oakland this season. He tried to lead a comeback last
week against Kansas City before his pass in the final minute
deflected off receiver Heyward-Bey's hands and knees before
being intercepted by Mike Brown around the 10-yard line to seal
a 16-10 win for the Chiefs.

"I thought last week there were some good things and definitely
some things to learn from," Gradkowski said before the decision
was announced. "All we can do is keep working and get better."

Gradkowski got limited practice time with the first team for
most of the season as the Raiders worked on developing Russell.
He got a few more chances last week and now will get the bulk of
the time with the first team. He expects that to be a big help
this week against the Bengals.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135131-Gradkowski-takes-over-starting-QB-gig-for-Raiders</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135131-Gradkowski-takes-over-starting-QB-gig-for-Raiders</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:27:10 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Raiders agree to extend lease at Coliseum to 2013]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ALAMEDA, Calif.(AP) -- The Oakland Raiders have reached a
tentative agreement with Alameda County officials to extend
their lease at the Coliseum through the 2013 season.

The Raiders' lease was set to expire after next season before
the agreement announced Wednesday. The deal still must be
formally approved by the Coliseum Authority, Alameda County, the
city of Oakland and the NFL. That is expected to come by the end
of the year.

Oakland City Councilmember Ignacio De La Fuente says the
extension gives the sides time to work out a long-term plan to
keep the Raiders in the area.

The Raiders moved back to Oakland from Los Angeles following the
1994 season. With the lease running out, there had been
speculation about where the team would play in the future.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135133-Raiders-agree-to-extend-lease-at-Coliseum-to-2013</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135133-Raiders-agree-to-extend-lease-at-Coliseum-to-2013</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:09:18 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Bengals-Raiders Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA
STATS Senior Writer

Larry Johnson would like to help immediately after signing with
the AFC North-leading Cincinnati Bengals. His experience playing
in Oakland and Cedric Benson's sore hip may allow him to do so.

Following another big win, the Bengals could get their newly
signed former Pro Bowl running back involved earlier than
expected as they try to end their road struggles against the
Raiders on Sunday.

After going 4-11-1 last season, Cincinnati (7-2) is in command
atop the AFC North. The Bengals beat Pittsburgh 18-12 last
Sunday, giving them four total wins over the Steelers and
Baltimore.

"It's scary because everybody's going to be patting us on the
back, telling us how good we are," quarterback Carson Palmer
said. "We're not good enough to win the Super Bowl right now. We
have a long way to go. We're not good enough to make a dominant
playoff run, we have a long way to go."

The Bengals appear to have a good opportunity to extend a
three-game winning streak, as they face teams with a combined
four victories over the next three weeks. Cincinnati, though,
has lost four straight and 13 of 14 road matchups with the
Raiders (2-7), including two playoff defeats.

However, the Bengals are rolling, and they now have a running
back who knows Oakland well. Johnson was signed Tuesday to back
up Benson after being banished from Kansas City for bad
behavior.

Johnson would like to play as quickly as possible, and he may
get his wish versus the Raiders. He has never lost at Oakland,
rushing for 498 yards and five touchdowns in five games there,
and Benson is nursing a strained hip.

"I'm not saying that it can't happen, I'm not saying that it
will happen, but stay tuned," Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis
said. "He'd like to play, I know that. And we'll see what
happens as we go through the week, as I said earlier, regarding
Cedric with his injury."

Johnson was signed eight days after the Chiefs released him
following his second suspension in 12 months. He was benched for
three games in 2008 by former coach Herm Edwards for violating
team rules, and later sentenced to two years' probation after
pleading guilty to disturbing the peace at a bar in Kansas City.

Three weeks ago, Johnson was suspended for two weeks after
posting a gay slur on his Twitter account.

Johnson, who had back-to-back 1,700-yard seasons for Kansas City
in 2005 and '06, is the latest player with a history of trouble
to be given a chance by the Bengals.

Benson was signed to one-year deal last season despite two
alcohol-related arrests in Texas. Grand juries declined to
indict, and the cases were dropped.

Benson has gone on to revitalize his career in Cincinnati,
ranking sixth in the NFL in rushing with 859 yards. He had 22
yards on seven carries versus the Steelers before leaving due to
the hip injury.

Raiders coach Tom Cable has faced his own legal troubles. He had
charges dropped against him Oct. 23 for an alleged assault on a
former assistant.

His biggest problem right now is trying to decide on a starting
quarterback. He benched JaMarcus Russell twice in the last three
games, and has yet to determine whether the 2007 No. 1 overall
draft pick, Bruce Gradkowski or Charlie Frye will start against
the Bengals.

"I'm just waiting to kind of put all my facts together here and
make a good decision for this team," Cable said. "It will be
focused on winning, period, what gives us the best chance to
win."

Russell was pulled late in the third quarter of last Sunday's
16-10 loss to Kansas City after going 8 for 23 for 64 yards.
Gradkowski replaced him and was picked off twice before
straining a hamstring.

Russell was also taken out in the first half of a 38-0 loss to
the New York Jets on Oct. 25. He has struggled all season,
throwing two touchdowns with nine interceptions and a 47.1
completion percentage.

Gradkowski, signed by Oakland in the offseason, has started 12
games in his career. Cable, though, said the fourth-year
veteran's injury may keep him from playing.

Cable hasn't ruled out the possibility of starting Frye, the
team's emergency quarterback all season. Frye has 20 career
starts - 13 with Cleveland in 2006.

Whoever starts under center for the Raiders will lead a team
that is 31st in the league with 9.8 points per game.

Oakland lost 27-10 at Cincinnati in the clubs' most recent
meeting Dec. 10, 2006. The Raiders had won three straight
against the Bengals.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135082-Bengals-Raiders-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135082-Bengals-Raiders-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:37:10 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Raiders' Cable mum on starting quarterback]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ALAMEDA, Calif.(AP) -- A day after benching JaMarcus Russell for
the second time in three games, Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable
is undecided about his starting quarterback.

Cable said Monday he has yet to determine whether Russell, Bruce
Gradkowski or Charlie Frye will start this week's game against
Cincinnati.

"We haven't gotten anywhere with that decision," Cable said. "We
hoped to be able to talk about it now but we're not ready to do
that. We don't have enough time yet to get everybody that would
be involved in it to have those discussions."

Russell started the first nine games but was benched late in the
third quarter of Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs
after going 8 for 23 for 64 yards. Gradkowski replaced Russell
and went 5 of 9 for 49 yards and two interceptions but strained
a hamstring.

The No. 1 overall draft pick in 2007, Russell has struggled all
season. He has two touchdowns passes, nine interceptions and a
47.1 completion percentage. He has been booed at every home game
since the season opener on Sept. 14 and has been frequently
criticized for his work habits and lack of preparation.

Cable said he spoke with owner Al Davis following the loss to
the Chiefs but who should be the starting quarterback was not
discussed. Cable added that the decision will be his alone.

"We have not talked about that specifically," Cable said. "We
talked about the game and those kind of those things. Kind of a
typical Monday. We don't have a lot of conversation on Monday."

Cable made the decision to bench Russell against Kansas City
after the third-year quarterback threw a pair of incompletions,
both coming when receivers were open.

After the game, Cable was noncommittal about the starter for the
home game against the Bengals. He remained that way Monday.

"I'm just waiting to kind of put all my facts together here and
make a good decision for this team," Cable said. "It will be
focused on winning, period, what gives us the best chance to
win."

Cable insists he hasn't lost faith in Russell, whose contract
included $31 million in guarantees, but said the quarterback has
to improve significantly in all phases if he wants to stay in
the lineup.

"In simple terms, it's that word potential that I'm thinking
about," Cable said. "And (we) want to give him every opportunity
to succeed. If (Russell) remains the starter he's got to
understand the responsibility that comes with that position. You
can't go out time and time again and consistently be that
inaccurate, not have command like you need to in this league."

Gradkowski, who signed with the Raiders as a free agent in the
offseason, has started 12 games in his NFL career, 11 coming in
2006 with Tampa Bay. His last start came with Cleveland on Dec.
28, 2008.

Gradkowski appeared fine physically after the game and wasn't
noticeably hurt Monday, but Cable said the fourth-year veteran
strained a hamstring in the loss.

"It's just a tough situation," said Gradkowski, one of the few
players in the Raiders' locker room Monday. "We're all
competitors here so I think we understand that, and I have
JaMarcus' back and he has mine. This is a team sport and we need
to just find a way to win, whatever that may be."

Russell wasn't available Monday but seemed surprised when he was
pulled out of the game against Kansas City. At one point he
walked over to quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett with his arms
spread apart as if asking, 'Why?' He was later approached by
several teammates, including veterans Gerard Warren and Javon
Walker.

"The thing is, he's in a tough predicament just because
everybody wants him to save the Raiders, and it's not about
that," right tackle Cornell Green said. "It's more than what you
see on the field. I can just imagine being the first pick and
having all that type of pressure. If he just keeps his mind
right ... and he really just takes the game and studies it to
the utmost level, I think he'll be fine."

Gradkowski trotted onto the field Sunday to rousing cheers from
the sparse crowd at the Oakland Coliseum and led the team on a
late drive in the final minutes before his pass bounced off the
chest of rookie wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey and was
intercepted.

If Gradkowski is unable to play because of the sore hamstring,
Cable did not rule out the possibility of starting Frye ahead of
Russell. Frye has been the Raiders' emergency quarterback all
season.

"The thing about Charlie is he's gym rat," Cable said. "He's
always around, he's always studying. He's a lot like a coach.
Sunday morning the guy could really tell you every detail
probably about everything that's going on with your offensive
linemen to his position. Certainly he deserves to be part of
this discussion."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134537-Raiders-Cable-mum-on-starting-quarterback</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134537-Raiders-Cable-mum-on-starting-quarterback</guid>
				<pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:50:49 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Chiefs win 7th straight in Oakland, 16-10]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

OAKLAND, Calif.(AP) -- Since the middle of the 2007 season, no
team in the NFL has been worse than the Kansas City Chiefs. All
the losing and mistakes somehow disappear when the Chiefs arrive
in Oakland.

Jamaal Charles scored on a 44-yard run for Kansas City's first
rushing touchdown of the season and the Chiefs used a late
interception to win their seventh straight road game against the
Oakland Raiders, 16-10 on Sunday.

"I guess we got a winning streak here," receiver Dwayne Bowe
said. "Every time we play a division team our goal is to win.
But every time we play the Raiders, it's always a hated rivalry
and coach stressed it all during the week: Hate the Raiders,
we've got to beat the Raiders."

That's about the only thing Kansas City (2-7) has been able to
do of late. The Chiefs (2-7) have managed to win just five of
their past 35 games. But three of those wins have come at the
Oakland Coliseum, where Kansas City has the longest winning
streak ever by a visiting team.

Ryan Succop kicked three field goals and Kansas City once again
pulled out a close one against the Raiders (2-7) in Oakland in
the Chiefs' first game since releasing running back Larry
Johnson. Charles stepped in and ran for 103 yards, including
Kansas City's only touchdown on a fourth-and-1 in the second
quarter. That was the first rushing touchdown for the Chiefs
since Tyler Thigpen had one Dec. 21, 2008, against Miami.

"I feel like I'm getting the opportunity to play," Charles said.
"I'm really trying to take over at the spot. I don't just want
to take over, I want to win so it's not all about taking over
the job, it's who can make plays."

The Raiders scored a touchdown on their opening drive and then
managed just three points and 202 yards the rest of the way. For
the second straight home game, the Raiders pulled former No. 1
overall pick JaMarcus Russell for ineffectiveness.

He was taken out in the first half against the Jets last month
after committing three first-half turnovers. He lasted into the
second half this week, before being replaced by Bruce Gradkowski
late in the third quarter after going 8 for 23 for 64 yards.
Russell said he was surprised and disappointed by coach Tom
Cable's decision.

"Things were going OK," Russell said. "Toward the end, we
weren't able move the ball as well."

The change didn't provide an immediate spark as Gradkowski
failed to get a first down after a fumble gave the Raiders the
ball at the Kansas City 49. Gradkowski then threw an
interception to Mike Brown on a tipped pass on the next drive,
giving the Chiefs the ball at the Oakland 47.

The Chiefs drove the ball down to the 11 before settling for a
31-yard field goal by Succop that gave them a 16-10 lead with
6:17 remaining.

Gradkowski drove the Raiders to the Kansas City 26 before rookie
Darrius Heyward-Bey bobbled a pass inside the 10 and it ended up
in Brown's hands for a game-sealing interception.

"It's tough to swallow," Gradkowski said. "You know that kind of
summed up today though. We had plays out there that we need to
make."

Cable said he wanted to look at the film before deciding who he
will start next week against Cincinnati. He blamed eight drops
for some of the poor play but said Russell missed open receivers
too often.

"This game is about making plays and we just did not do that
whether it was JaMarcus in there or Bruce in there," Cable said.
"I'm just looking for the guy who gives us the best chance to
win."

The Raiders, playing with a healthy offense for the first time
all season, got off to a fast start. Michael Bush's 60-yard run
set up a 1-yard plunge by Justin Fargas. Oakland's only other
score came on Sebastian Janikowski's 50-yard field goal after
Dantrell Savage muffed a punt later in the first quarter.

NOTES: One play in the third quarter provided some comic relief.
Dwayne Bowe fumbled after a 12-yard catch for Kansas City. At
least six players had a shot to fall on the ball, but it kept
squirting down field until offensive lineman Brian Waters fell
on at the Oakland 22, giving the Chiefs an extra 23 yards on the
play. Kansas City was unable to capitalize on the good fortune
as Matt Cassel threw an incomplete pass on fourth-and-1. ...
Janikowski missed a 45-yard FG in the third quarter, ending a
streak of 20 straight makes.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134342-Chiefs-win-7th-straight-in-Oakland-16-10</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134342-Chiefs-win-7th-straight-in-Oakland-16-10</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:34:56 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Ellis out for Raiders]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[OAKLAND, Calif.(AP) -- Defensive end Greg Ellis is inactive for
the Oakland Raiders on Sunday against Kansas City with an
injured shoulder and knee.

Ellis had arthroscopic surgery during the off week and returned
to practice on a limited basis Friday. He is being replaced by
rookie Matt Shaughnessy in the starting lineup.

Other inactive players for Oakland were receivers Javon Walker,
Nick Miller and Todd Watkins; offensive linemen Khalif Barnes
and Erik Pears; and linebacker Ricky Brown. Charlie Frye is the
third quarterback.

Inactive players for the Chiefs are tight ends Sean Ryan and
Jake O'Connell; linebackers David Herron and Justin Rogers;
receiver Bobby Wade; and defensive backs Donald Washington and
DaJuan Morgan. Matt Gutierrez is the third quarterback.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134238-Ellis-out-for-Raiders</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134238-Ellis-out-for-Raiders</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:46:20 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Chiefs look to win seventh straight in Oakland]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

OAKLAND, Calif.(AP) -- Matt Cassel admittedly will have some mixed
emotions when he walks onto the field at the Oakland Coliseum
for the second time in his career.

Just a year ago when Cassel was with New England, he played one
of his best games in Oakland by throwing for four touchdowns
only days after the death of his father, Greg.

Cassel recalled the 49-26 victory this week, calling it one of
the most emotional games he has ever played.

"I'm sure there'll be a little walk down memory lane," Cassel
said. "Obviously it wasn't the highlights of my young life so
far, but at the same time I thought my team and also myself
honored him in a special way last year."

Cassel returns to the Coliseum on Sunday, leading the Kansas
City Chiefs (1-7) against the Raiders (2-6).

For the Chiefs, Oakland has been the site of many pleasant
memories in recent years. They have won six straight games there
and are looking for the longest winning streak ever against the
Raiders at their home stadium.

In fact, half of Kansas City's wins in its last 34 games have
come at the Coliseum with victories in 2007 and '08. The Chiefs
are 2-30 in that span when not playing in Oakland, including
three home losses to the Raiders.

"The last three or four years it's been like that," Kansas City
linebacker Derrick Johnson said. "They win here and we win out
there. But each game is its own game. We can't put it in the
basket that we're going to win. We've got to go out there and do
it."

Most of the Chiefs' wins in Oakland have been close, with Kansas
City winning five of the six by seven points or fewer.

The Chiefs won last year by turning a botched fake field goal by
Oakland into a 67-yard fumble return for a touchdown.

An interception in the closing minute the previous year sealed a
two-point win. The Raiders threw an incomplete pass in the end
zone in the closing minutes of a six-point loss in 2005, and Tim
Brown was tackled at the 1-yard line on the final play of a
seven-point loss in 2003.

"We obviously can't think about things like that," Oakland tight
end Zach Miller said. "I remember last year's game at home with
the fake field goal thing and all that. Obviously we just have
to play good enough to win. We did that in the first game.
That's the same recipe we have to have for this one."

As much as the Raiders feel they let games slip out of their
hands in recent years at home against Kansas City, the Chiefs
feel the same way about the first meeting between the teams this
season.

Kansas City took a 10-6 lead with 2:38 to go on a touchdown pass
from Cassel to Dwayne Bowe in Week 2. Oakland had less than 100
yards of offense before JaMarcus Russell led a touchdown drive
that gave the Raiders a win in a game they were outgained
409-166.

"We played well statistically. We did a lot of good things, but
we didn't win the game," center Rudy Niswanger said. "That's
what it boils down to. It is something for us, a matter of
pride, to go out there and play well. But more than that, don't
make progress, don't do well, but win the game. That's something
that's definitely on our minds."

This meeting between the longtime AFC West rivals will be
missing a staple without running back Larry Johnson in a Chiefs
uniform. For years, Oakland's focus against Kansas City has been
to stop Johnson and tight end Tony Gonzalez.

But with Gonzalez having been traded to Atlanta in the offseason
and Johnson released Monday, it's a new KC offense. Johnson was
let go in the wake of his latest controversy - posting a gay
slur on his Twitter account, insulting followers and questioning
the competence of head coach Todd Haley.

In 10 games against the Raiders, Johnson had scored 12
touchdowns and averaged 93.8 yards rushing. Kolby Smith, who
returned from knee surgery last week, and Jamaal Charles will
share the load in Johnson's absence.

"It's going to be a little bit different," linebacker Kirk
Morrison said. "We know what Larry brings to their football
team, what he did. Now you've got a couple of young running
backs, who I know. We played Kolby Smith a couple of years ago
and he rushed for over 100 yards, so we definitely know those
guys are capable. We have to make sure we limit those runs and
the big plays that they have."

The Raiders hope a different look to the Kansas City offense
will help lead to a different result on the field. Coach Tom
Cable is hoping to use a win coming out of the bye as a
launching pad to a successful second half of the season.

"We're 2-6 and we can't change that," Cable said. "But what we
have is an opportunity in front of us to go out and have a great
second half. And we need to as a football team."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133712-Chiefs-look-to-win-seventh-straight-in-Oakland</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133712-Chiefs-look-to-win-seventh-straight-in-Oakland</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:01:35 GMT</pubDate>
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			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Chiefs-Raiders Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By MATT BECKER
STATS Senior Writer

The Kansas Chiefs and Oakland Raiders have been making plenty of
headlines the past few weeks, but not for any reasons they'd
like.

In a matchup of two of the worst teams in the NFL, the Chiefs
will take the field Sunday without Larry Johnson, who was
released for making inappropriate comments, against a Raiders
team dealing with more allegations of coach Tom Cable's history
of violent behavior toward women.

Kansas City (1-7) is set to play its first game without Johnson
on its roster since 2002 after the two-time Pro Bowl running
back was released Monday. He was initially suspended for posting
on his Twitter account a gay slur, insulting followers and
questioning the competence of coach Todd Haley.

"We decided it was in the best interests of the Kansas City
Chiefs organization to move forward at this time," Haley said.

Johnson, just 75 yards away from breaking Priest Holmes' team
rushing record of 6,070, was averaging only 2.7 yards on 132
carries this season and will be replaced by Jamaal Charles and
Kolby Smith.

Charles got the start last Sunday, rushing for 36 yards on six
carries in the Chiefs' 24-21 loss to Jacksonville. Smith, who
had knee surgery last year, saw his first action of the season
last week, carrying four times for 17 yards.

The beleaguered offense, which averages 278.9 yards per game to
rank 30th in the league, took another hit Wednesday when right
guard Mike Goff went on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

"We'll have to carry on," Haley said. "Injuries are a part of
the game. Guys have to step in and get the job done."

Kansas City gained a season-best 409 yards against Oakland on
Sept. 20, but lost the turnover battle 2-0 and suffered a 13-10
defeat. The Chiefs led 10-6 until Darren McFadden's five-yard
touchdown run with 1:07 remaining.

The Raiders' win over Kansas City in Week 2 was one of the few
highlights of the season for Oakland, which hasn't played since
a 24-16 loss to San Diego on Nov. 1.

The Raiders (2-6), who haven't swept a season series from the
Chiefs since 2001, have scored three touchdowns in the past six
games, failed to reach 200 yards of offense in five of eight
contests and are the lowest-ranked offense in the NFL, averaging
232.9 yards per game.

Oakland's offensive ineptness has stemmed from the play of
quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who is completing only 48.4
percent of his passes and has a 48.3 quarterback rating -
second-worst in the league. He completed 7 of 24 passes for 109
yards against the Chiefs.

Russell's struggles and the Raiders' game-day woes have been
overshadowed at times by Cable's off-field issues.

Former defensive assistant Randy Hanson accused Cable of
assaulting him and breaking his jaw during training camp, and in
the past few weeks charges were made by Cable's first wife,
Sandy Cable, and former girlfriend, Marie Lutz, that the coach
physically abused them at various times during their
relationships.

The National Organization for Women called on the Raiders to
suspend Cable while the team investigates allegations of his
abuse toward women.

Oakland is trying not to get distracted by these accusations,
and is focusing on improving an offense that is averaging a
dismal 7.5 points in its last six games.

"Everybody is looking for an answer right now," said Louis
Murphy, who leads Oakland receivers with 16 catches. "We have to
continue to stay together as a team and continue to work hard,
and continue in practice to work hard to drill our plays and
continue to do what the coaches ask of us. Eventually it's going
to come out in the games."

The Raiders' offense is hoping to receive a boost with the
expected return of McFadden, wide receiver Chaz Schilens, left
guard Robert Gallery and right tackle Cornell Green.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133124-Chiefs-Raiders-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133124-Chiefs-Raiders-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:14:43 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Chiefs look to win seventh straight in Oakland]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

OAKLAND, Calif.(AP) -- Matt Cassel admittedly will have some mixed
emotions when he walks onto the field at the Oakland Coliseum
for the second time in his career.

Just a year ago when Cassel was with New England, he played one
of his best games in Oakland by throwing for four touchdowns
only days after the death of his father, Greg.

Cassel recalled the 49-26 victory this week, calling it one of
the most emotional games he has ever played.

"I'm sure there'll be a little walk down memory lane," Cassel
said. "Obviously it wasn't the highlights of my young life so
far, but at the same time I thought my team and also myself
honored him in a special way last year."

Cassel returns to the Coliseum on Sunday, leading the Kansas
City Chiefs (1-7) against the Raiders (2-6).

For the Chiefs, Oakland has been the site of many pleasant
memories in recent years. They have won six straight games there
and are looking for the longest winning streak ever against the
Raiders at their home stadium.

In fact, half of Kansas City's wins in its last 34 games have
come at the Coliseum with victories in 2007 and '08. The Chiefs
are 2-30 in that span when not playing in Oakland, including
three home losses to the Raiders.

"The last three or four years it's been like that," Kansas City
linebacker Derrick Johnson said. "They win here and we win out
there. But each game is its own game. We can't put it in the
basket that we're going to win. We've got to go out there and do
it."

Most of the Chiefs' wins in Oakland have been close, with Kansas
City winning five of the six by seven points or fewer.

The Chiefs won last year by turning a botched fake field goal by
Oakland into a 67-yard fumble return for a touchdown.

An interception in the closing minute the previous year sealed a
two-point win. The Raiders threw an incomplete pass in the end
zone in the closing minutes of a six-point loss in 2005, and Tim
Brown was tackled at the 1-yard line on the final play of a
seven-point loss in 2003.

"We obviously can't think about things like that," Oakland tight
end Zach Miller said. "I remember last year's game at home with
the fake field goal thing and all that. Obviously we just have
to play good enough to win. We did that in the first game.
That's the same recipe we have to have for this one."

As much as the Raiders feel they let games slip out of their
hands in recent years at home against Kansas City, the Chiefs
feel the same way about the first meeting between the teams this
season.

Kansas City took a 10-6 lead with 2:38 to go on a touchdown pass
from Cassel to Dwayne Bowe in Week 2. Oakland had less than 100
yards of offense before JaMarcus Russell led a touchdown drive
that gave the Raiders a win in a game they were outgained
409-166.

"We played well statistically. We did a lot of good things, but
we didn't win the game," center Rudy Niswanger said. "That's
what it boils down to. It is something for us, a matter of
pride, to go out there and play well. But more than that, don't
make progress, don't do well, but win the game. That's something
that's definitely on our minds."

This meeting between the longtime AFC West rivals will be
missing a staple without running back Larry Johnson in a Chiefs
uniform. For years, Oakland's focus against Kansas City has been
to stop Johnson and tight end Tony Gonzalez.

But with Gonzalez having been traded to Atlanta in the offseason
and Johnson released Monday, it's a new KC offense. Johnson was
let go in the wake of his latest controversy - posting a gay
slur on his Twitter account, insulting followers and questioning
the competence of head coach Todd Haley.

In 10 games against the Raiders, Johnson had scored 12
touchdowns and averaged 93.8 yards rushing. Kolby Smith, who
returned from knee surgery last week, and Jamaal Charles will
share the load in Johnson's absence.

"It's going to be a little bit different," linebacker Kirk
Morrison said. "We know what Larry brings to their football
team, what he did. Now you've got a couple of young running
backs, who I know. We played Kolby Smith a couple of years ago
and he rushed for over 100 yards, so we definitely know those
guys are capable. We have to make sure we limit those runs and
the big plays that they have."

The Raiders hope a different look to the Kansas City offense
will help lead to a different result on the field. Coach Tom
Cable is hoping to use a win coming out of the bye as a
launching pad to a successful second half of the season.

"We're 2-6 and we can't change that," Cable said. "But what we
have is an opportunity in front of us to go out and have a great
second half. And we need to as a football team."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133272-Chiefs-look-to-win-seventh-straight-in-Oakland</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133272-Chiefs-look-to-win-seventh-straight-in-Oakland</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:53:39 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Lechler chasing Baugh's single-season punt record]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ALAMEDA, Calif.(AP) -- The Oakland Raiders' ineptitude on offense
has been a boon to Shane Lechler in his bid to break the NFL's
single-season punting record.

Lechler, who already owns the league record for career average,
is having his best season so far and is making his strongest bid
yet to beat Sammy Baugh's 69-year-old record of 51.4 yards.

It's an achievement Lechler has been chasing since he entered
the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick in 2000.

"It's funny because I looked it up when I first got in the
league and I'm still chasing him," Lechler said Thursday. "I'd
have thought somewhere in there I would have caught him but
those numbers are huge."

A four-time Pro Bowl pick, Lechler leads the NFL with a
52.3-yard average heading into Sunday's game against the Kansas
City Chiefs. It's more than three yards higher than Lechler's
own franchise record of 49.1 set in 2007.

Lechler, who also leads the league in net average (45.0), is
attempting to become just the third punter in NFL history to
average 50 yards or more in a single season. Baugh's 51.4-yard
mark came in 1940 on only 35 attempts while St. Louis' Donnie
Jones averaged 50.0 in 2008.

Baugh, who passed away Dec. 17 at the age of 94, is the only
recognized punter in the NFL Hall of Fame, though his resume as
a quarterback paved the way. Like Lechler, Baugh grew up in
Texas and was a high school star before going on to play in
college and the NFL.

The two never met but Lechler, who signed a four-year, $16
million extension in the offseason that included $9 million
guaranteed, admired the man known as Slingin' Sammy.

"He was a hell of a player, man," Lechler said. "He played
(quarterback), he played some safety, too, and he punted. It
kind of reminds you of one of those old Texas high school
football players that used to play the whole game.

"It's funny, you look back at those records and you see the
numbers and you're like, 'Were their calculations right then?
You guys serious? How close were you guys watching this?'
Because these numbers are amazing."

It helps Lechler's cause that he plays on a team with an offense
that is ranked last in total yards, passing and in first downs.
The Raiders are also 31st in scoring and 26th in rushing.

That has led to numerous opportunities for the punt team and
Lechler, who is averaging just under eight punts a game.

"Unfortunately our situation helps him be the best in pro
football," Raiders coach Tom Cable said.

Notes: The game against the Chiefs will be blacked out locally
in the Bay Area. ... WR Javon Walker strained a hamstring and
was unable to finish practice. ... DE Greg Ellis (knee,
shoulder) has not practiced this week but has not been ruled out
for Sunday's game.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133262-Lechler-chasing-Baughs-single-season-punt-record</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133262-Lechler-chasing-Baughs-single-season-punt-record</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:51:32 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Heyward-Bey remains confident despite struggles]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

ALAMEDA, Calif.(AP) -- Darrius Heyward-Bey has done nothing in the
first half of his rookie season to quiet the critics who
questioned why the Oakland Raiders drafted him seventh overall
ahead of many more accomplished receivers.

Brought in for his breakaway speed that Oakland hoped would
revive the vertical passing game, Heyward-Bey has only five
catches for 74 yards and no touchdowns in his first eight games
as a pro.

"I haven't made the plays I wanted to make, but I've definitely
been solid just looking at my grades that come out of the game.
... I've been very solid. There's always room for improvement as
a whole receiving corps. We've been all right. We've been all
right."

Oakland's receivers have once again been one of the worst groups
in the league, catching just 28 passes the entire first half of
the season.

But coach Tom Cable last week singled out Heyward-Bey's
performance in the previous two games as one of the highlights
of the first half. Heyward-Bey had three catches for 38 yards in
those two games, hardly the production expected out of a top 10
pick but better than what he had done in the first six games.

The Raiders drafted him ahead of receivers like Michael Crabtree
and Jeremy Maclin in part because he was the fastest player at
the NFL combine. The pick was roundly criticized but the Raiders
defended it, saying that Heyward-Bey's experience in a pro-style
offense at Maryland would make for an easier adjustment to the
NFL.

But that has not been the case as Heyward-Bey has failed to
develop a chemistry with quarterback JaMarcus Russell and failed
to match the numbers put up so far by Crabtree and Maclin.

Maclin has caught 25 passes for 337 yards and three touchdowns
for Philadelphia, while Crabtree has 14 catches for 167 yards
despite missing five games in a contract holdout.

Heyward-Bey just has the five, including none on passes that
have gone more than 21 yards in the air - what was expected to
be his specialty. Heyward-Bey said he didn't have any specific
numbers as his goals this season.

"I didn't come in thinking any crazy numbers or anything,"
Heyward-Bey said. "I just want to help this team win. We've only
won two so I'm not helping."

The Raiders have started a pair of rookies at receiver all
season, with fourth-round pick Louis Murphy lining up opposite
Heyward-Bey. While Murphy has better production that his rookie
teammate with 16 catches for 232 yards and a touchdown, he has
dropped six passes and has let mistakes linger and bring his
entire performance down.

Murphy said the bye week came at a perfect time as he works on
his adjustment to the NFL and expects a strong second half
starting with Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

"It's like being on a merry-go-round and it's spinning real
fast, you've got to hang on," he said. "So it's starting to slow
down, starting to get adjusted, starting to get my game, playing
together, and just my preparation for the game, settling and
getting adjusted to the NFL."

The rookie receivers will get a boost this week with the return
of Chaz Schilens from a broken foot that has sidelined him since
training camp.

Schilens struggled for much of his rookie season a year ago
before breaking through with six catches for 98 yards and two
touchdowns in his final two games. Schilens had just nine
catches and no scores his first 14 games and hopes to see
similar improvement late this season from Oakland's rookies.

"They're both confident guys," Schilens said. "They've been out
there for eight games now and I feel like they're making
improvements, now it's all about making plays and continually
growing. It's not accepting what you did last week as being good
enough, making plays, being assignment smart, all that stuff.
And they're doing it. They're working on it."

NOTES: DE Greg Ellis did not practice while recovering from
minor operations on his knee and shoulder. He still could play
this week if he can return to practice by Friday. ... Cable has
not decided on his starters at WR or RB for this week.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133057-Heyward-Bey-remains-confident-despite-struggles</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133057-Heyward-Bey-remains-confident-despite-struggles</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:50:09 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Raiders emerge healthy from the bye]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ALAMEDA, Calif.(AP) -- The Oakland Raiders are finally healthy, at
least on offense.

Running back Darren McFadden, wide receiver Chaz Schilens, left
guard Robert Gallery and right tackle Cornell Green returned to
practice Monday and are expected to play against the Kansas City
Chiefs this week.

That would be a much-needed morale boost for an offense that has
scored just six touchdowns in eight games and ranks 31st in
total yardage.

"This is the healthiest this football team has been, there's no
question, particularly on offense," Raiders coach Tom Cable
said. "In terms of having them all back and into sync and the
energy in the huddle and all those things, it was good to have
them back."

Gallery, the second overall pick in the 2004 draft, and Schilens
practiced without restrictions while Oakland took a more
cautious approach with McFadden and Green, who were limited.

Schilens hasn't played this year since breaking a bone in his
left foot during training camp. He was projected to be the
Raiders' No. 1 receiver but instead spent the first two months
of the season as a spectator after having surgery while rookies
Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy started.

McFadden also had surgery, to repair a torn meniscus in his
right knee, while Gallery broke his right leg in Week 2. Green
has been sidelined with a calf strain since Oct. 4.

"No pressure, but yeah we've got some work to do," Schilens said
Monday before practice. "Anything would be good for us right
now. Confidence, have a positive attitude and get the passing
game going a little bit so we can definitely get that going."

Oakland's problems on offense are wide-ranging.

Quarterback JaMarcus Russell is seriously struggling in his
second year as the starter and has completed only 48.4 percent
of his throws. He has just two touchdown passes and nine
interceptions with a 48.3 rating.

Russell hasn't got much support from the rest of the Raiders
offense. The offensive line has allowed 25 sacks in eight games,
the running game is averaging just 93.6 yards a game and no wide
receiver has more than 16 receptions.

Cable acknowledged it's natural to wonder what could have been
had the Raiders had all four players healthy from the beginning
but said it's also pointless.

Defensive end Greg Ellis, who had arthroscopic surgery on his
left knee last week, was held out of Monday's workout while
defensive tackle Tommy Kelly was excused to handle personal
business.

Earlier in the day Oakland signed defensive tackle William
Joseph and released offensive lineman Paul McQuistan, the team's
third-round draft pick in 2006.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132605-Raiders-emerge-healthy-from-the-bye</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132605-Raiders-emerge-healthy-from-the-bye</guid>
				<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:02:58 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Raiders coach Cable under microscope]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

ALAMEDA, Calif.(AP) -- When Tom Cable was hired as interim coach
of the Oakland Raiders last year, owner Al Davis memorably
whispered to a subordinate that he did not know much about him.
Davis needed a media guide biography before introducing him.

Just over 13 months later, the Raiders have learned quite a bit
about their coach - much of it troublesome.

From the allegations this summer that Cable assaulted defensive
assistant Randy Hanson and broke his jaw, to other disturbing
charges that surfaced in the past week that Cable has a history
of violence toward women, the portrait being painted of the
Raiders coach has been mostly negative.

Less than two weeks after being cleared of possible criminal
charges in the Hanson case, Cable was accused of assaulting
women over the past two decades. His first wife, Sandy Cable,
and former girlfriend, Marie Lutz, told ESPN that the coach
physically abused them at various times during their
relationships.

Cable acknowledged striking Sandy Cable with an open hand, but
disputed allegations that he punched her. Cable said the
altercation happened more than 20 years ago and was the only
time he's ever touched a woman inappropriately.

The latest accusations led the Raiders to issue a statement
earlier this week saying they would undertake a "serious
evaluation" of the charges. The statement ominously noted that
employees had been fired in the past for misconduct, raising the
possibility Oakland could be ready to make a second straight
in-season coaching change.

The players say Cable is holding up amid the allegations and
calls for his suspension or firing, staying focused on his job.

"He's a steady guy," offensive lineman Robert Gallery said. "He
loves football and he doesn't really get fazed. Obviously he's
had his own issues, right or wrong, he's dealt with them the
right way. He's here to win games. He's doing everything he can
in his power to help us win games. He hasn't changed a bit."

Cable met with Davis earlier this week to discuss the
allegations and the struggles of the football team, but said his
job status was not discussed.

"We didn't even talk about that," Cable said. "We talked about,
like you're supposed to, the team, personnel moves, the second
half. Those are not issues for us to discuss. There's no need to
right now. Right now it's about trying to turn it around and get
us on track."

That is no easy task as the Raiders reached the midpoint of the
season with a 2-6 record for the sixth time in the past seven
years. This has been the darkest stretch ever for the once-proud
franchise, with losses on the field being rivaled only by the
controversy off it.

Since going to the Super Bowl following the 2002 season, the
Raiders are an NFL-worst 26-78, giving them as many losses in
the past 6 1/2 seasons as the team had in Davis' first 20 years
with the franchise.

Cable is the fifth coach during that stretch, having taken over
on an interim basis from Lane Kiffin four games into last
season. Wins in the final two games of 2008 helped Cable keep
what he called his "dream job."

His first full season at the helm has been more of a nightmare,
with the team's struggles and the accusations he has faced. When
asked to grade his performance at the midway point of the
season, Cable gave himself a "C-plus, at best."

"I'm not an excuse guy, but I think not having enough people
healthy on offense has really hindered us," he said. "I think I
have to take responsibility of being 2-6. So that's the bottom
line."

The Raiders have been without starting receiver Chaz Schilens
all season, and missed running back Darren McFadden and starting
offensive linemen Gallery and Cornell Green for big chunks.

But it's hard to put all the blame for the lowest-ranked offense
in the league on injuries. Oakland has scored just three
touchdowns in the past six games and failed to reach 200 yards
of offense in five of eight games this season. JaMarcus Russell
has failed to develop into a franchise quarterback.

The Raiders drafted Russell first overall in 2007 because his
strong arm was supposed to revive the vertical passing game
Davis loves so much. He played sparingly as a rookie because of
a lengthy holdout, and was not allowed to open up the attack
much last season.

But with the addition of speedy rookie receiver Darrius
Heyward-Bey, this season was supposed to bring back memories of
Daryle Lamonica to Warren Wells or Ken Stabler to Cliff Branch.

Instead, Heyward-Bey has only five catches midway through the
season and the Raiders have shown no ability to throw the ball
deep. According to STATS LLC, Oakland has thrown just two
completions and five interceptions on 33 passes that have gone
at least 21 yards downfield.

"We have got to push it in terms of throwing," Cable said. "We
have to have three or four substance plays throwing the football
every day to win in this league, and you can't shy away from
that. You can't say you're going to run it every time. You have
to do that in order to win in this league."

Despite all the struggles, Cable has remained optimistic, saying
that the players and scheme were in place and it would just take
confidence to get the Raiders going again.

He has insisted the team was close to breaking through even
during its roughest patches, and remains steadfast in his belief
even now.

"I think you can see the top of the mountain now, but we're not
there yet," Cable said. "But you can see it now."

The question remains whether Cable will still be there when the
Raiders reach it.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131959-Raiders-coach-Cable-under-microscope</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131959-Raiders-coach-Cable-under-microscope</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:02:14 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Raiders coach Cable under microscope]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

ALAMEDA, Calif.(AP) -- When Tom Cable was hired as interim coach
of the Oakland Raiders last year, owner Al Davis memorably
whispered to a subordinate that he did not know much about him.
Davis needed a media guide biography before introducing him.

Just over 13 months later, the Raiders have learned quite a bit
about their coach - much of it troublesome.

From the allegations this summer that Cable assaulted defensive
assistant Randy Hanson and broke his jaw, to other disturbing
charges that surfaced in the past week that Cable has a history
of violence toward women, the portrait being painted of the
Raiders coach has been mostly negative.

Less than two weeks after being cleared of possible criminal
charges in the Hanson case, Cable was accused of assaulting
women over the past two decades. His first wife, Sandy Cable,
and former girlfriend, Marie Lutz, told ESPN that the coach
physically abused them at various times during their
relationships.

Cable acknowledged striking Sandy Cable with an open hand, but
disputed allegations that he punched her. Cable said the
altercation happened more than 20 years ago and was the only
time he's ever touched a woman inappropriately.

The latest accusations led the Raiders to issue a statement
earlier this week saying they would undertake a "serious
evaluation" of the charges. The statement ominously noted that
employees had been fired in the past for misconduct, raising the
possibility Oakland could be ready to make a second straight
in-season coaching change.

The players say Cable is holding up amid the allegations and
calls for his suspension or firing, staying focused on his job.

"He's a steady guy," offensive lineman Robert Gallery said. "He
loves football and he doesn't really get fazed. Obviously he's
had his own issues, right or wrong, he's dealt with them the
right way. He's here to win games. He's doing everything he can
in his power to help us win games. He hasn't changed a bit."

Cable met with Davis earlier this week to discuss the
allegations and the struggles of the football team, but said his
job status was not discussed.

"We didn't even talk about that," Cable said. "We talked about,
like you're supposed to, the team, personnel moves, the second
half. Those are not issues for us to discuss. There's no need to
right now. Right now it's about trying to turn it around and get
us on track."

That is no easy task as the Raiders reached the midpoint of the
season with a 2-6 record for the sixth time in the past seven
years. This has been the darkest stretch ever for the once-proud
franchise, with losses on the field being rivaled only by the
controversy off it.

Since going to the Super Bowl following the 2002 season, the
Raiders are an NFL-worst 26-78, giving them as many losses in
the past 6 1/2 seasons as the team had in Davis' first 20 years
with the franchise.

Cable is the fifth coach during that stretch, having taken over
on an interim basis from Lane Kiffin four games into last
season. Wins in the final two games of 2008 helped Cable keep
what he called his "dream job."

His first full season at the helm has been more of a nightmare,
with the team's struggles and the accusations he has faced. When
asked to grade his performance at the midway point of the
season, Cable gave himself a "C-plus, at best."

"I'm not an excuse guy, but I think not having enough people
healthy on offense has really hindered us," he said. "I think I
have to take responsibility of being 2-6. So that's the bottom
line."

The Raiders have been without starting receiver Chaz Schilens
all season, and missed running back Darren McFadden and starting
offensive linemen Gallery and Cornell Green for big chunks.

But it's hard to put all the blame for the lowest-ranked offense
in the league on injuries. Oakland has scored just three
touchdowns in the past six games and failed to reach 200 yards
of offense in five of eight games this season. JaMarcus Russell
has failed to develop into a franchise quarterback.

The Raiders drafted Russell first overall in 2007 because his
strong arm was supposed to revive the vertical passing game
Davis loves so much. He played sparingly as a rookie because of
a lengthy holdout, and was not allowed to open up the attack
much last season.

But with the addition of speedy rookie receiver Darrius
Heyward-Bey, this season was supposed to bring back memories of
Daryle Lamonica to Warren Wells or Ken Stabler to Cliff Branch.

Instead, Heyward-Bey has only five catches midway through the
season and the Raiders have shown no ability to throw the ball
deep. According to STATS LLC, Oakland has thrown just two
completions and five interceptions on 33 passes that have gone
at least 21 yards downfield.

"We have got to push it in terms of throwing," Cable said. "We
have to have three or four substance plays throwing the football
every day to win in this league, and you can't shy away from
that. You can't say you're going to run it every time. You have
to do that in order to win in this league."

Despite all the struggles, Cable has remained optimistic, saying
that the players and scheme were in place and it would just take
confidence to get the Raiders going again.

He has insisted the team was close to breaking through even
during its roughest patches, and remains steadfast in his belief
even now.

"I think you can see the top of the mountain now, but we're not
there yet," Cable said. "But you can see it now."

The question remains whether Cable will still be there when the
Raiders reach it.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131647-Raiders-coach-Cable-under-microscope</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131647-Raiders-coach-Cable-under-microscope</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:44:07 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[NOW calls for Cable to be suspended]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

ALAMEDA, Calif.(AP) -- The National Organization for Women called
on the Oakland Raiders to suspend coach Tom Cable while the team
investigates allegations he has a history of violent behavior
toward women.

NOW president Terry O'Neill praised the Raiders in a statement
for undertaking a "serious evaluation" of charges made by
Cable's first wife, Sandy Cable, and former girlfriend, Marie
Lutz, that the coach physically abused them at various times
during their relationships.

But she said that Cable should be suspended while that
investigation proceeds. The Raiders had no comment.

"This is the National Football League. Boys and girls around the
country, as well as many women, look to the leaders of the NFL
as our role models," O'Neill said in a phone interview. "Why
would the NFL tolerate having a man who admits to having
battered his wife."

Cable has acknowledged striking Sandy Cable with an open hand
more than 20 years ago and said it was the only time he's ever
touched a woman inappropriately. Marie Lutz accused Cable of
assaulting her as recently as last January, but Cable said
previously he was cleared by police of any wrongdoing in that
case.

"I take the accusations very seriously," O'Neill said. "What you
have is a man who seems to be a person who habitually uses
violence to get what he wants. That's what batterers do."

O'Neill said she has not contacted the Raiders or the NFL
directly. Cable said Thursday he did not believe pressure from
outside groups would influence what the team decides to do with
him.

"I think it will be handled properly," he said. "I'm going to
leave it at that right now."

The NOW statement was first reported by USA Today.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131564-NOW-calls-for-Cable-to-be-suspended</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131564-NOW-calls-for-Cable-to-be-suspended</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:14:27 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Cable talks with Davis about allegations]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

ALAMEDA, Calif.(AP) -- Coach Tom Cable said Wednesday that he has
spoken with Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis about allegations
that Cable has a history of violent behavior toward women.

"What we talked about is between us and we'll keep it that way,"
he said.

Cable said the conversation came within the past two days and
that his job status was not discussed. Cable said he plans to
coach the team for the remainder of the season.

The Raiders are undergoing a "serious evaluation" of allegations
made to ESPN by Cable's first wife, Sandy Cable, and former
girlfriend, Marie Lutz, that the coach physically abused them at
various times during their relationships.

Cable acknowledged striking Sandy Cable with an open hand in a
statement on Sunday. Cable said the altercation happened more
than 20 years ago and was the only time he's ever touched a
woman inappropriately. He stood by that statement Wednesday,
declining to answer any questions on the topic.

In other news, running back Darren McFadden (knee), receiver
Chaz Schilens (foot) and offensive lineman Robert Gallery (leg)
all returned to practice on a limited basis. Cable expects all
three to be able to play when the team returns from its bye to
face Kansas City on Nov. 15.

Defensive end Greg Ellis underwent arthroscopic surgery on his
injured knee Wednesday and the team won't know his status until
next week.

Cable also said that Samson Satele will remain the starting
center when Gallery returns. Chris Morris began the season as
the starting center before moving to guard when Gallery broke a
bone in his leg on Sept. 20 against the Chiefs. Cable said
Satele has been a bright spot for the team of late.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131419-Cable-talks-with-Davis-about-allegations</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131419-Cable-talks-with-Davis-about-allegations</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:34:43 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Cable talks with Davis about allegations]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

ALAMEDA, Calif.(AP) -- Coach Tom Cable said Wednesday that he has
spoken with Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis about allegations
that Cable has a history of violent behavior toward women.

"What we talked about is between us and we'll keep it that way,"
he said.

Cable said the conversation came within the past two days and
that his job status was not discussed. Cable said he plans to
coach the team for the remainder of the season.

The Raiders are undergoing a "serious evaluation" of allegations
made to ESPN by Cable's first wife, Sandy Cable, and former
girlfriend, Marie Lutz, that the coach physically abused them at
various times during their relationships.

Cable acknowledged striking Sandy Cable with an open hand in a
statement on Sunday. Cable said the altercation happened more
than 20 years ago and was the only time he's ever touched a
woman inappropriately. He stood by that statement Wednesday,
declining to answer any questions on the topic.

In other news, running back Darren McFadden (knee), receiver
Chaz Schilens (foot) and offensive lineman Robert Gallery (leg)
all returned to practice on a limited basis. Cable expects all
three to be able to play when the team returns from its bye to
face Kansas City on Nov. 15.

Defensive end Greg Ellis underwent arthroscopic surgery on his
injured knee Wednesday and the team won't know his status until
next week.

Cable also said that Samson Satele will remain the starting
center when Gallery returns. Chris Morris began the season as
the starting center before moving to guard when Gallery broke a
bone in his leg on Sept. 20 against the Chiefs. Cable said
Satele has been a bright spot for the team of late.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131305-Cable-talks-with-Davis-about-allegations</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131305-Cable-talks-with-Davis-about-allegations</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:48:39 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Raiders plan evaluation of Cable allegations]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

ALAMEDA, Calif.(AP) -- The Oakland Raiders will undertake a
"serious evaluation" of allegations that coach Tom Cable has a
history of violent behavior toward women.

The team released a statement in response to allegations made to
ESPN by Cable's first wife, Sandy Cable, and former girlfriend,
Marie Lutz, that the coach physically abused them at various
times during their relationships.

Cable acknowledged striking Sandy Cable with an open hand in a
statement Sunday. Cable said the altercation happened more than
20 years ago and was the only time he's ever touched a woman
inappropriately. He stood by that statement Monday, declining to
answer any questions on the topic.

The Raiders said they first learned of these allegations from
ESPN in the past week.

"In conjunction with the league office, we will undertake a
serious evaluation of this matter," the team said in a statement
Monday. "We wish to be clear that we do not in any way condone
or accept actions such as those alleged. There have been
occasions on which we have dismissed Raider employees for having
engaged in inappropriate conduct."

This is the second allegation against Cable accusing him of
violence. Former defensive assistant Randy Hanson accused Cable
of assaulting him and breaking his jaw during training camp. The
Napa County district attorney declined to file charges in that
matter late last month.

When asked about his future Monday, Cable responded: "I'm
coaching the Raiders and I think my future is to be the coach of
the Raiders."

The players are mostly tuning out the off-field issues, focusing
on improving a football team that is 26-76 since the start of
the 2003 season.

"We're not thinking about it and we're not worried about the
outside distractions," tight end Zach Miller said. "We're just
focused on being a better football team."

The Raiders (2-6) have a lot of work to get there, having lost
four games by at least 20 points and taken dramatic steps back
offensively over the first half of the season.

If one play could sum up the first half of the season for the
Raiders it might have come on the final drive. On second-and-28
with Oakland trailing 24-16, JaMarcus Russell went back to pass
and had no open receivers. That was because Louis Murphy and
Johnnie Lee Higgins got tangled up with each other and both hit
the ground.

That led to a sack by Shawne Merriman and Oakland was unable to
mount a comeback.

"Everybody's making a big deal about that," Murphy said. "I
heard some of my teammates said they showed it on TV. Actually,
I had an inside release, and Johnnie an outside release and we
ran into each other. I mean, it happens. You can find anything
to pick out at the end of the game."

It's been that kind of season offensively for the Raiders, who
have been unable to develop Russell into a big-play quarterback
and have the kind of deep-strike offense that owner Al Davis
loves so much.

The Raiders have scored just three touchdowns in the past six
games, have failed to reach 200 yards of offense in five of
eight games and are the lowest-ranked offense in the NFL.

"Everybody is looking for an answer right now," Murphy said. "We
have to continue to stay together as a team and continue to work
hard, and continue in practice to work hard to drill our plays
and continue to do what the coaches ask of us. Eventually it's
going to come out in the games."

The Raiders could get some good news after the bye week with
running back Darren McFadden, receiver Chaz Schilens and
offensive linemen Robert Gallery and Cornell Green hoping to
return from injuries. McFadden has begun running and cutting on
his surgically repaired right knee and said he hopes to be ready
to play against the Chiefs on Nov. 15

McFadden has been out since tearing cartilage in his right knee
on Oct. 4 against Houston. He struggled even when he played,
averaging 3.1 yards per carry.

While frequently saying he doesn't want to use injuries as an
excuse, Cable put the blame for much of the first-half woes on
them. Cable is counting on Gallery solidifying the offensive
line to create holes for McFadden and for Schilens to open up
the struggling passing game.

"For one, you're losing your best offensive lineman. That gives
you a lot of solidity inside," he said. "It will help open up
the run game even more. You're getting a receiver that can
impact the game. Those are all things that lead, not only just
to more yards, but, obviously, to more points."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/130884-Raiders-plan-evaluation-of-Cable-allegations</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/130884-Raiders-plan-evaluation-of-Cable-allegations</guid>
				<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:09:39 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
	
			
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