A Plea to Tom Cable: Let Us Help You Keep Your Job

This is to Tom Cable, from some of your Raider Nation.  I don't speak for all of us, but I'd be willing to bet some would agree.

We like you, Tom.  You're the kind of coach I had in mind for the Raiders.  You seem like a blue-collar, hard working guy that wants to be the coach of the Raiders.  Not just a coach in the NFL, but the the coach of our Raiders.  You're 1-1 so far, and you could easily be 2-0.  But , you were also close to being 0-2.  We all know Mr. Davis wants wins, and he wants wins now.  So do we, but he's in charge of the team.  So let us help you.  We want you to stay coach, so here's my personal plea:

Run the football, Tom.  Run the football until it stops working.

I understand why the pass seems like a good idea, Tom.  I do.  We have a QB with a monster arm.  We have speedy wideouts that could potentially blow by the defense for big plays (see Louis Murphy, week 1).  But we also have a trio of running backs, each of whom is a potential starter, each with their own unique way of running the ball.

Tom, use those unique styles.  Use Darren McFadden to run sweeps.  Use him for screen passes.  Use him to dance by the defense for 7 to 8 yards.  Use Justin Fargas to find those holes, speed through them, and get some old-school, smash-mouth yards.  No holes in the defense?  No problem, Tom.  You have a monster named Michael Bush who likes to make his own holes.  Use him.  Use them all.

Committing to the passing game so early against the Chiefs could have put us at a huge disadvantage.  If the defense hadn't held so well, we would have been forced to abandon the run before it started in a desperate attempt to stay in the game.  Sure, JaMarcus drove down the field in the 4th quarter, but the rest of his game was sub-par.  Don't commit to passing so early.

Oh, and the only Raiders touchdown in the game?  Darren McFadden.

You got lucky in KC, Tom.  You know it.  That game was dominated in every way except the score by the Chiefs.  It was essentially a reversal of week 1.  If the running attack doesn't develop into the lethal beast it could be, then everyone is going to be looking for JaMarcus.  That could mean turnovers.  Turnovers can mean losses.  Losses can mean, well, you know.

That's my plea.  Listen to your Nation on this, Tom.  We want to see the running game.  We want to see our RBs pound through.  And then, we want to see JaMarcus air one out for a TD.  But not until after that running game has weakened the defense.  You seem like a great fit for the Raider Nation, Tom.  I personally hope you'll be with us for a while.