Since then, the Raiders have pulled off impressive upsets over the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers, as Gradkowsi has displayed solid control and the ability to make plays with receivers that Russell could hardly move the chains with.

Coincidence? This writer says no, and believes that very few competent people with any knowledge of the NFL would disagree. Except, of course, the Raiders very own Jamarcus Russell.

In a recent interview, his first since the benching, Russell exhibited his strong disdain for any potential contract negotiations, saying, “That’s over and done with. I don’t even consider that as a part of it.”

A part of what? And by “that’s over and done with”, is the former LSU star talking about his career, or is he talking about his selfishness?

Not in essence, but in pure, blunt language, the lazy, self-absorbed former number one overall pick has freely admitted that he wouldn’t even consider taking a pay-cut. He’s been signed and paid for, and he is getting what’s coming to him.

That’s Russell’s way of calling Al Davis and all of Oakland “suckers”, and telling them that it was their choice to bench him, so they’ll have to pay him as a bench-warmer. It’s their bed, so they can sleep in it, right?

Ditto, Jamarcus. Ditto.

Russell didn’t stop there, though. No, he went much, much further.

When asked what he thought about the team’s recent 2-1 record without him, the way the offense has actually moved the ball, and the way Bruce Gradkowski has stepped up and played excellent football, he simply shrugged it off as lucky, but without actually saying those words.

He made a point of saying that the Raiders recent offensive success had much more to do with the receivers catching the ball and making plays, rather than Gradkowski doing anything different or special than Russell had done in the first nine weeks.

Oh, now we get it, Russell. You took all those sacks, lost five fumbles, completed just 46.8% of your passes, and threw just two touchdowns to nine interceptions, all because your weapons weren’t helping you enough. Got it.

As Russell continues to make excuses for his horrid play, Gradkowski has already thrown more touchdowns in one game than he has all season. Gradkowski has matched Russell’s 2009 win total in three games. And he’s actually looked good doing it.

Russell is irritated, and for good reason, because a guy that few would ever imagine should even make an NFL roster looks, acts, leads, and plays on such a higher level than Russell, it’s more than just a little puzzling; it’s damn pathetic.

In his refusal to address his own mistakes, flaws, and laziness toward his role and status with the team, Russell has only taken a shovel and buried himself an even deeper hole. And believe this, folks, the hole he is standing in is deep.

Russell is three years into his career, and by all accounts, is a total waste of space. He is a, spell it with me: B-U-S-T.

And he doesn’t even know it yet.

Russell still claims to have the fire and determination to “work his a** off” if he has to compete next year with Gradkowski or another quarterback.

He can claim anything he wants. This writer isn’t buying it.

This guy has been handed everything since day one, and despite not having the perfect set of weapons or the best offensive line, he has done the least with any amount of talent that we have seen in some time.

The worst part about Russell is that he isn’t taking advantage of his benching like a true professional would. If he were smart, he’d take a note out of Vince Young’s book. He’d watch, work hard, and learn. He’d respect Gradkowski, what he’s done, and how he leads.

He would take a pay-cut, give credit where credit is due, and own up to being an under-performing, selfish prima dona.

But doing any of that would mean that Jamarcus Russell actually cares about football, his teammates, and being a successful human being. But his mere reaction to taking a pay-cut has already told us what we need to know.

We already knew he was light years away from being a good NFL quarterback. Now we know he’s light years away from being a better person, as well.

Playing for nothing but pride, they summoned the heart to get the job done through immense obstacles. Sylvester Stallone made millions repeating that storyline in films, but on Sunday it was for real.

After yelling myself hoarse when Raider starting quarterback Bruce Gradkowski hit Louis Murphy with a TD pass with seconds left, I was stunned to think that at next Sunday’s home game, there may very well be Raider Fans wearing number 5’s jersey. Heck, If I wasn’t sitting in the press box, I might be one of them.

The thought that I would be wanting to wear the jersey of the guy I saw back in training camp in July who I had only vaguely heard of, seems almost as inconceivable as me defiling myself by donning a Chief, Charger or Bronco one. Almost.

I made the mistake of not listening to Greg Papa call the game on the Raiders flagship radio station KSFO 560 while watching the TV broadcast. Instead I listened to the annoying announcing crew of Greg Gumball and Dan Dierdork who drove me crazy.

At one point they started talking about the fact that The Who (or the half that’s left of them) will be performing at the Super Bowl next year and then started listing and critiquing songs by the English band. If I get a hankerin’ for some amateur rock critics, I’ll read the lame customer reviews on Amazon.com, thank you very much.

Gradkowski has established himself as a fiery competitor and a leader. The only thing is he needs is a manageable nickname. This Raider team has many (J Russ, Sea Bass, D Mac, and DHB to name a few) and since I hope to be saying his name a lot, a less cumbersome one would be cool.

But what? Bee Gee? Grad Ski? The old standby which has worked for The Boss for years is Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuce! but then I’d expect offensive tackle Cornell Green as the big man to not only block but take an occasional sax solo.

The exultant joy of the Raider victory was sweetened when I later watched the Niners comedy of errors in a game they should have won. “Fumblin’” Frankie Gore returning to his “oopsie” ways and the botched, unnecessary reverse on the punt return were chucklelicious.

But the best part was when tight end Vernon Davis made the highly questionable (and ultimately unsuccessful) decision to attempt to be the first NFL player to catch a touchdown pass with his face.

The sweet taste of a Raider victory has soured the following week as they have not been able to put together two wins in a row all season. This Sunday the Washington Native Americans (I refuse to be UN-PC and use their racist mascot name—although it did trigger in me the memory of an old auto repair shop in Vallejo called “Honest Engine” whose name was way UN-PC but kinda clever).

A local angle is that their starting running back just may be Fairfield
native Quinton Ganther. I’d wish him luck but he’s wearing the wrong colors. Plus he went to Fairfield High and I went to Armijo. Unlike the basketball uniform I wore back in the 80’s at Armijowhich I have and is now a napkin, there are some things you just don’t outgrow.

Toys for Tots and…

Raider Nationals, if you are coming to the game Sunday, the annual Toys for Tots drive is going on that day. United States Marines will be stationed at the West Side Plaza near the BART entrance at Gates A, B, C, and D, and will collect toys before and after the game.

Oakland’s passer could’ve had at least 30-more yards rushing if not for infractions that negated some nice runs. He made a strong throw to Chaz Schilens for 17-yards with a lineman bearing down on him for a score that made it 13-10 with 8:21 remaining. The 75-yard bomb to Murphy was vital giving the Raiders a 20-17 lead with 5:28 left in the game. Then his passes to Higgins for 17-yards, Todd Watkins for 12-yards on 3^rd and 10, and Murphy for 19-yards marched the Silver & Black down the field as time expired.

His final throw, an 11-yard game-winning touchdown pass to Murphy to cap the frantic 4^th quarter became the best moment for Oakland in 2009. His final number: 20/33 for 308 yards and 3 touchdowns.

RUNNING BACKS & FULLBACKS: C+

Justin Fargas led the team with 15 carries for 63-yards. He kept the Steelers’ defense honest, but was not a major factor in Oakland moving the ball when they needed it most. Darren McFadden had a key run on 3^rd and 2 in the final quarter, darting for 6-yards on a pitch near the end of a drive in which the Raiders took the lead. He ended with 9 rushes for 25 yards. Michael Bush was a non-factor with one-carry for one yard and making a cameo as a passer on a toss in which he overthrew a wide-open Schilens. Luke Lawton was flagged for a false start to start a drive deep in their own territory.

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS: A

The receivers had their best game of the season, without the presence of rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey – out with a foot injury. Murphy shined when it mattered most with 4-catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns. He had his best game as a pro and could’ve had another big gainer after beating William Gay on a slant and go route on the first play of the 2^nd quarter, but Gradkowski overthrew him. He torched Ike Taylor for the 75-yard touchdown and tiptoed his way into the end zone the last 5-yards. Higgins made his first sizeable contribution to this team in 2009. He had 4 receptions for 63-yards. Schilens also keyed the huge 4^th quarter with his scoring grab; ending the game with 45-yards on 3 catches. Zach Miller continued his solid play with 43 yards receiving.

OFFENSIVE LINE: B-

Samson Satele was injured, did not return to the line-up and was replaced by Chris Morris. Robert Gallery injured his back and was replaced by Langston Walker. Oakland as a team ran for 109-yards – a win considering that Pittsburgh is the toughest team in the league statistically to run against. They allowed only 2-sacks, keeping Gradkowski’s jersey clean for most of the day, but the passer’s legs were the main reason Oakland was able to extend plays. Mario Henderson was flagged for a hold on a Gradkowski 20-yard scramble.

DEFENSIVE LINE: B-

Yes, they allowed 132-yards on the ground. But the defensive line was stout during some stretches and if you take away Rashard Mendenhall’s 60-yard scamper, the run defense would’ve had one of their best games of the season. They missed Greg Ellis’ pass rushing abilities, but they were able to keep Ben Roethlisberger moving out of the pocket. Pittsburgh’s passer is always dangerous on the run and he showed at times what he could do when improvising. A key play for this unit was a 4^th and 1 with their backs to the end zone at the 5-yard line, stuffing Big Ben on a sneak and keeping vital Pittsburgh points off the scoreboard. Richard Seymour was flagged for an illegal hands to the face.

LINEBACKERS: B

Trevor Scott recorded the Raiders only sack of the game. Kirk Morrison finished with 7-tackles. Thomas Howard played decently in his first start as a strong-side linebacker. At times, this unit was late on their assignment on shallower routes when they were in zones, but overall, they played well enough to keep the integrity of the defense on run and pass plays near the line of scrimmage. Scott’s sack was imperative on 3^rd and 6 at the end of the 3^rd quarter, as it was a 9-yard loss for the Steelers and forced Jeff Reed into a 53-yard field goal attempt  that he missed, keeping another three-points off the board for Pittsburgh.

SECONDARY: C-

Santonio Holmes had a career game (8 rec. 149 yards 1 TD). And far too often, this group either had a blown tackle or a missed assignment. Chris Johnson almost had an interception on a 3^rd and 11 early in the contest. On Holmes score, Tyvon Branch and Johnson were beat on the corner route. The previous play, Branch was beaten by Hines Ward for 27-yards on a post pattern. Branch (11 tackles) was taken advantage of in coverage, but was at his best as the last line of defense on run pays and around the line of scrimmage. Johnson had a case for a illegal hands to the face/facemask penalty on Hines Ward during his 11-yard scoring reception that made it 24-20 Pittsburgh with 3:32 remaining. Michael Huff broke up several plays with big hits as the ball approached the intended receiver. Hiram Eugene’s first interception of the season was a stellar grab in the end zone as time expired in the first half. That was the only turnover in the game and it was another play that kept points off the board for the Steelers. Roethlisberger’s throw to Holmes for 57-yards in the 4^th quarter was precise and over the head of Stanford Routt – Branch made the touchdown saving tackle.

SPECIAL TEAMS: C-

Stefan Logan’s 83-yard kickoff return to open the game startled the Raiders. But Oakland’s defense kept the Steelers out of the end zone. Logan had another solid return later in the game for 37-yards to set-up a Pittsburgh possession at their own 40. Sebastian Janikowski nailed both of his field goal attempts (48 and 43 yards) in a tough outdoor stadium to kick in. Shane Lechler had 6-punts, averaging 46.8 per. Gary Russell had one of his better games with 72-yards worth of kickoff returns.

COACHING: B

Tom Cable got a little mischievous in opening the playbook. Bush’s halfback pass was on a 3^rd and 8 – a risky play – considering the field position they had. Ultimately they scored on that drive, but not the player you want passing the ball against a defense that likes to bring pressure. In their opening drive of the second half, Cable called for more trickery on a hand off to McFadden, which he lateral back to Gradkowski and wound up losing 16-yards. The passing plays called were aided by Gradkowski’s improvising, but Cable did make the right calls during that scoring outburst in the final quarter. Something he would have never been able to relay to Russell if he was in the game. The Raiders scored 21-points in the 4^th quarter – a stunning development considering their woes on offense late in games. And after disheartening drives by the home team, Oakland answered with big plays of their own – a credit to the coaching staff keeping the morale of this team up in a tough stadium to play in, on a cold day versus a team playing for their playoff lives. John Marshall’s bunch blitzed today from all the levels of their defense and gave the Steelers’ offense all they could handle. The defense played a solid game into the 2^nd half until the madness begun and both teams started exploding in the waning moments.

“This year the CTE Dinner Committee explored several different venues and the Hilton had the best proposoal and was most accommodating to our needs,” stated event chair Denise Browne. “We are always striving for ways to improve the event and make the attendee experience a memorable one.”

One change that is being instituted is scheduling the dinner on a Saturday instead of Friday evening. Saturday was chosen in response to attendee suggestions. According to Browne, “Because the dinner is on a Saturday, we will have all day to set up the event and most attendees will not have to rush straight from work to get to the dinner on time. ” The cocktail hour will be started earlier and extended by a half hour – from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. For those flying in the Oakland airport is a short shuttle ride away and the Hilton provides special rates for anyone desiring to stay overnight.

Morris Bradshaw, former Raiders wide receiver and now Senior Account Executive with the Oakland Raiders spoke about the uniqueness and prestige of the award. “Every year, the Commitment to Execellence award winner is chosen by his teammates as the Oakland Raiders player who best exemplifies the pride, poise and excellence of the Oakland Raiders – not just how he performs and serves as a leader on the field but also in the community. ” The first two winners of the CTE Award were Jim Otto and Daryl Lamonica and over the years have included such greats as Fred Biletnikoff, Willie Brown, Jerry Rice, Tim Brown, Nnamdi Asomugha and Justin Fargas.

The announcement and on field presentation of the 2009 season CTE award winner will be made during pregame ceremonies at the last Raiders home game of the season against the Ravens on January 3rd.

Other times, with Sunday a bone-jarring example, there is evidence that given even a moderate amount of help from its own offense in the form of crossing the goal line, the Raiders defense would be viewed in a different light.

 PLAYERS TO WATCH: If QB Eli Manning plays or doesn’t, the Giants’ passing game won’t be at full strength. That means they’re going to have to run the ball against a Raiders defense that’s 26th in the league with 146.2 yards per game allowed. Last year, Oakland was 31st in the league and let up an average of 159.7 yards per game. Hey, that’s what happens when you play from behind most of the time. The Giants, meanwhile, are averaging 145.5 rushing yards per game on offense, which ranks them sixth in the NFL. But I still feel like a big part of their ground attack isn’t clicking as well as it did last year, and that’s their ability to run off the edges. Sure, they’ve had a few big ones off tackle and tight end, but a few of those were because RB Ahmad Bradshaw made something out of nothing. I don’t see enough runs like last season when a Giants’ RB had a free break off a huge lane on the edge or maybe only had to break through a diving arm tackle from behind. This year, they’re seeing too many defenders squared up. Even RB Brandon Jacobs’ 31-yard run against the Cowboys (his longest of the season) came only after he broke two tackles near the line of scrimmage. Credit opposing defenses for trying to take those runs away, but the Giants need to start clearing holes off tackle, especially on those counter runs that are such a big part of their offense. The reason I bring all this up in relation to Sunday’s game is the Giants will be hard pressed to get off the edge because one of the Raiders’ few strengths is the play of their DEs: Richard Seymour and former Cowboy Greg Ellis. The Giants will have their work cut out for them to block those two, especially since starting TE Kevin Boss likely won’t play because of his ankle injury. TE Darcy Johnson will have to show off the blocking skills he’s developed over the past two years while rookie OT William Beatty will have to be a big force as a second TE. (More on Johnson and Beatty on the site here later Friday.)

On defense, it could be a jailbreak up front. Seriously. The Raiders will be without starting RT Cornell Green and LG Robert Gallery, meaning Erik Pears will move to tackle for Green, Chris Morris will slide to from center to guard and Samson Satele, acquired from the Dolphins in the offseason, making his first start of the year at center. All that shuffling can’t be good for continuity, which is something the Giants’ OL has enjoyed with the same starting five over the past few years. Figure the Giants will test Pears with plenty of heat to the that side the way they attacked the edges in KC. The only problem is they don’t have LB Michael Boley, who was very effective on the blitz last week. Boley’s absence means one other player to watch on defense is S Aaron Rouse, who will have a bigger role this week. Without Boley, the Giants will have to play S Michael Johnson down low as a LB in their nickel package, meaning Rouse will be deep and asked to cover the Raiders’ corps of speedy WRs. QB JaMarcus Russell has a big arm, so he can get it downfield (though we can’t promise you he’ll be accurate). That means Rouse will have to do what he hasn’t done well in the past: cover in space.

THE LINE: Giants by 16, over-under 39.

Do you think the Raiders can score 12 points? If so, take the Raiders and the overs because you can’t lose both bets if Oakland scores 12 points. To cover, the Giants would then have to score 29 points, which would make the game go over. Of course, if you don’t think the Raiders are capable of reaching double digits…

It’s none other than Al Davis’ hapless Oakland Raiders (1-3), a team whose only victory came against the winless Kansas City Chiefs, and one that has scored nine points in its last two games.

Want to know how bad this team is?

Coughlin started his Wednesday news conference, during which he discusses the upcoming opponent, by saying how great the Raiders’ kicking game was.

It doesn’t say much about the rest of the team, and there really isn’t much to say.

Oakland’s offense is ranked last in the NFL and the defense is 18th overall, which might very well influence whether Manning takes the field with his inflamed heel.

Expect Coughlin to wait until Sunday to decide whether Manning plays.

However, the Giants can probably get by with veteran David Carr while resting Manning for next week’s showdown against the New Orleans Saints.

Halfbacks Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw and an offensive line that will be starting its 37th consecutive game can probably pound the ball against a run defense ranked 26th. That would allow Carr, who has 79 career starts in eight seasons, to be selective throwing.

On the other side of the ball, New York’s top-ranked defense is facing a banged-up Raiders offensive line and a backfield without starting halfback Darren McFadden. That doesn’t bode well for quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who has been shaky at best.

No wonder New York opened as a 15-point favorite in its first home game since the season opener.

“No! No! No!” Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka said when asked if the Manning injury came at a fortuitous time. “You don’t want to look at it like that. That’s retrospect. We’ll do that after the game. You don’t want to overlook a team. We fell into that last year against Cleveland.

“Its not going to happen,” Kiwanuka added. “If they are going to beat us, they are going to have to beat us. We’re not going to go out there and mess up. If a team is going to beat us, they are going to have to earn it.”

Raiders coach Tom Cable, who’s facing possible league suspension for allegedly assaulting one of his assistants, doesn’t expect much dropoff if Manning doesn’t play.

“Look at the production they’re getting out of the receivers and the tight end in the passing game,” Cable said. “It’s a system; the run game, they do what they do. I think whoever is playing, you still have the other 10 pieces around you.”

Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said the offense won’t change much if Carr plays.

“As the game unfolds or as if it looks like there are some things that are not going as you planned, then you scale back and you adjust,” Gilbride said. “But we do that if a receiver is not getting open, if the running game is not going as well as it should, if somebody is getting beat in pass protection. But going into it, I would be very disappointed if he doesn’t play well because I think he will.”

While Manning has said he wants to play, he said he would not go if the team had to limit its game plan or he risked further injury to his plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and inserts into the heel.

Guard Chris Snee said that it has been a little weird with Manning’s status uncertain.

“Everyone is aware of the situation and knows where he is,” Snee said. “It’s not like he is a missing person or anything. We’re just trying to get comfortable with David.”

The Raiders, who have the speed on offense to break a few big plays, haven’t done it this season. They have scored 42 points, averaging 208.5 yards in total offense and a measly 119.8 yards passing.

Russell is hitting less than 40 percent of his passes, throwing one touchdown and four interceptions.

“I think it is a number of things,” he said. “We have not been able to run the ball with any kind of consistency. We have not been able to throw the ball with any kind of accuracy or anything like that. So we have to improve, really, in all areas offensively.”

Defensive end Richard Seymour, acquired in a trade with New England, said this isn’t a 1-3 team.

“I don’t think we have put our performance out on the football field,” Seymour said. “I think that is the most disappointing thing because we definitely have talent. But, as we all know, talent alone isn’t going to get the job done.”

The game should have one good matchup, with Raiders All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha lining up against Giants receiver Steve Smith, whose 34 receptions are the most in franchise history through the first four games. Smith had a career-high 11 catches for 134 yards and two TDs last week.