Fassel sent Raiders managing general partner Al Davis a letter that detailed his "respect and admiration" for Davis and his desire to replace Cable after this season, according to an ESPN report Sunday.

Fassel hasn't worked in the NFL since the 2006 season, when he was fired by then-coach Brian Billick as the Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator. He coached the Giants from 1997-2003.

Fassel guided the Giants to a Super Bowl appearance against the Ravens in the 2000 season. He compiled a 60-56-1 record in seven seasons with the Giants.

Davis promoted Cable on the day he fired Lane Kiffin on Sept. 30. Davis named Cable the interim coach but offered him no assurances beyond this season's final 12 games.

The Raiders are 1-5 under Cable. They went 1-3 with Kiffin at the helm.

A team spokesman said he was unaware of any such letter.

The report credited an unnamed "team source."

It's worth noting Fassel coached under Davis earlier in his career and keeps in touch with Davis, which makes it a stretch to think Fassel has to sell himself to Davis.

Coincidentally, Fassel's son, John, is a special teams quality control coach for the Raiders.

Jim Fassel visited his son and Davis the first few days of training camp. At the time, he cautioned against reading too much into his brief stay at Raiders headquarters in Napa.

Fassel admitted he and Davis had some "conversations" in recent years about the prospect of Fassel joining the Raiders.

"Don't even bring that up," Fassel said, when asked about his interest in coaching the Raiders. "Quite honestly, sometimes you just stay away because you don't want that. No, I really came here because Lane invited me to come."

Fassel couldn't be reached for comment Sunday.

Kwame's struggles

Left offensive tackle Kwame Harris committed two of the Raiders' four false-start penalties and struggled in pass protection. As a result, Cable turned to second-year player Mario Henderson in the second half.

"At that point, it was just enough is enough, so I made the switch," Cable said. "Mario did a nice job in the second half."

Harris said he wasn't quite sure how to describe how he feels these days.

"It's frustrating," Harris said. "I don't think you can describe it without using curse words. Frustrating is the best word."

Curry sighting

Cable banished wide receiver Ronald Curry to the depths of the Raiders bench one game after he replaced Kiffin. Curry was deactivated against the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 9 and figured to remain in moth balls the rest of the season.

However, Curry gained a second chance once starter Javon Walker sustained a season-ending ankle injury against the Panthers.

On Sunday, Curry caught all six passes thrown his way (for 73 yards) and showed he still has something to offer. He was the only one of the five Raiders wide receivers who played Sunday who caught a pass.

"That's proof I can play," Curry said. "It's proof that if you give me an opportunity to make a play, I can make them."

Curry had eight receptions for 74 yards before Sunday.

Extra points

Backup quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo replaced JaMarcus Russell for one series in the second quarter. Cable said Russell sustained an ankle injury and needed time to regroup. The Raiders lost 11 yards on the drive with Tuiasosopo in relief. Russell returned midway through the quarter and finished the game. Russell declined to be interviewed because he learned of a death in the family and wished to be left alone. "... Oakland cornerback Chris Johnson forced a Ronnie Brown fumble in the second quarter on a play in which strong safety Gibril Wilson recovered the ball at the Raiders 18. That prevented the Dolphins from increasing their 7-0 lead. "... Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly recorded a sack and combined with Wilson on another takedown of Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington in the first half. Defensive end Jay Richardson's sack of Pennington in the third quarter resulted in a safety. "... Justin Miller made an impressive debut as Oakland's kick returner. His first return netted 40 yards. Overall, he averaged 21 yards on his four returns. "... Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha faced no passes for the third game this season. Opposing teams have thrown his way just 10 times in 10 games. "... Johnnie Lee Higgins' 93-yard punt return marked the second-longest in Raiders history. Greg Pruitt ripped off a 97-yarder against the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 2, 1983. "... Defensive end Derrick Burgess (triceps), center Jake Grove (calf), linebacker Ricky Brown (groin) and quarterback Andrew Walter were among the eight players deactivated by the Raiders. Tuiasosopo was elevated to the No. 2 quarterback position with Walter out. Ashley Lelie replaced Walker in the starting lineup, with Kalimba Edwards filling in for Burgess, John Wade for Grove and Sam Williams for Brown.

Steve Corkran