Cable Guy = DSL OR DIALUP?

Obviously there is a lot of negativity with regards to the possible hiring of Tom Cable, but provided he’s hired, as a fan how do we look at his hiring? Can the hiring be looked at in a positive manner or should it be negative because he’s the Cable Guy and some believe he’s head coach by default?

Given the fact Al has put together the assistant coaching staff for the most part already and Tom Cable has been said to have had input into these decisions, I believe Tom Cable is definitely the man for the job. It would be impossible to bring in a head coach who has no say or input as to what assistants are hired therefore Tom Cable has to be the head coach.

Is Tom Cable going to be seen as a yes man? Is he going to be seen like a goofy but successful HC like John Madden? What are his strengths? What about his weaknesses? There are so many questions but limited answers. We only have a short period of time to look back at how he was as a head coach.

If anything was obvious last season is that Cable doesn’t have the mindset to be a play-caller. He made too many questionable calls last season, especially the Sea Bass fake FG (easily one of the most pathetic plays I’ve ever seen).

However, the way the team regrouped and won their last two games was a big testament to Cable’s stability and his ability to relate with his players. He forced his players to make plays or sit. Ronald Curry was immediately made an example of and rightfully so. Curry had way too many drops and was starting because Kiffin didn’t want to start Chaz Schilens.

Hiring Cable as HC will also give some similarity to Russell. He’s needs some form of this right now and not a complete offensive makeover. Obviously basically revamping the whole entire offensive staff doesn’t breed similarity, however having an offensive line that maintains the same scheme will do wonders for his confidence. He doesn’t have to re-learn how his offensive line will block for him or how they move, etc.

For the Raiders to be successful next season, everything depends on solid play in the trenches. If the O line doesn’t improve this team doesn’t improve. No questions asked. The D line needs to play better to, but unless the O is putting points on the board and not having the worst 3rd down percentage in the league the D won’t get better because they will again behind the 8 ball every game.

Will the Cable Guy be on his way out like dial-up, or will he be the head coach for the next several years and be like DSL? Will Tom Cable be able to motivate the team to get it where it needs to be, or will he be another Joe Bugel? We’ll see in 8 months.