Run and throw. Catch and run. Block your man. Tackle the ball carrier. Know your assignment.
That's all Raiders Coach Tom Cable asks of his players. Sunday, they failed to do those fundamentals of football anywhere close to their coach's standards.
Losing is one thing. Losing the way the Raiders did, 24-0 to the Atlanta Falcons, without putting up much of a fight, is quite another. It's also something Cable finds unacceptable.
"We just did not put out a very good effort in that football game,"
Cable said Monday. "I'm very disappointed, but we'll get over it and we'll get through it."
Even if it means more lineup changes, he added.
The last time the Raiders lost badly, Cable removed free safety Michael Huff and wide receiver Ronald Curry from the starting lineup.
"We're going to make this as good as we can,"
Cable said, "and if it means change, we'll do that."
So be it, several players said. Something has to change. Just don't ask them what it is. It seems as if everyone is at a loss for answers.
Strong safety Gibril Wilson said he has had enough with teams running roughshod over the Raiders.
"All I have to say is that whatever is necessary, we have to do it,"
Wilson said.
Channeling the Raiders team that beat the New York Jets on Oct. 19 would be a nice start, he said.
"Whatever focus we had, whatever we were doing that week, we have to get back to that,"
Wilson said. "It's ridiculous that we're playing like this. I can't put a finger on what it is. I know that we have to get it fixed because (Sunday) was embarrassing."
The Raiders allowed three touchdowns and a field goal to start the game. They entered the third quarter without a first down and minus-2 yards offense.
"It really comes down to execution,"
Cable said.
# Fullback Justin Griffith underwent surgery Friday to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament he sustained at Baltimore on Oct. 26.
"The surgery went good,"
Griffith said. "I came in today and didn't have a whole lot of fluid on the knee. We're ahead of schedule right now."
Griffith was placed on the injured-reserve list and is out for the remainder of the season. He said the rehabilitation process is four to five months. "I'll get back before mini-camp,"
he said.
# Oakland's 77 yards total offense Sunday was the lowest figure in the NFL since the 2004 season and the worst in franchise history since a 1961 game against a San Diego Chargers team that had on its coaching staff current Raiders owner Al Davis.
# Outside linebacker Ricky Brown said he is making progress with the groin injury he sustained in practice last week. "Right now, I'm feeling like I'm just taking steps forward,"
Brown said. He missed the Atlanta game but is hopeful of playing Sunday against Carolina. Brown, defensive end Derrick Burgess (triceps), outside linebacker Robert Thomas (hamstring) and running back Darren McFadden (turf toe) are day to day, Cable said.
# Kick returner Tyvon Branch (shoulder) underwent tests to determine the extent of the shoulder injury he sustained Sunday.
# The Raiders and the Alameda Education Foundation held a fundraising event at the Coliseum on Sunday. The proceeds will benefit the AEF sports and music programs.
