Interim coach Tom Cable said at his season-ending news briefing that he expected to talk to managing general partner Al Davis this week regarding his status.

The wins over Houston and Tampa Bay were the most impressive back-to-back performances since the Raiders won an AFC title in 2002, giving a much-needed jolt of self-esteem to a franchise mired in an unprecedented six-year slump. Whether those wins make Cable the front-runner to be the Raiders coach in 2009, only Davis knows for sure.

While attempting to deflect questions concerning his situation, Cable did sound agreeable to staying with the organization even if he were not named head coach.

"It's not in my control. I know something good is going to happen," he said. "I'm a line coach by trade. I'm good with that. I can call plays. I'm pretty good at that. And I can run a Football team, and I proved that."

Unlike predecessor Lane Kiffin, who began clashing with Davis after the 2007 season when he was unsuccessful in removing defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, Cable has been in constant contact with Davis since taking over Sept. 30, the day Kiffin was fired.

"We've had agreements, we've had disagreements, we've had everything in between," Cable said. "I've enjoyed all of that."

Although he has an agent in Don Yee, Cable said talks with Davis "will be between Al and I. It's what his vision is and where he wants to go."

As was the case in the locker room after Sunday's game, Cable continued to get support from Raiders players.

"He handled us as a team, treated us as men and raised the expectations for us," running back Justin Fargas said. "He didn't let us settle for less. That was evident in the way we played the last two games. I'd like to see him come back. He has a lot to offer this team, and it would be good to give him a full season to see what he can do with it."

ESPN reported the Raiders were planning to ask the New York Giants for permission to talk to offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride. A Raiders official said he had not seen the report and had no comment.

Fourth-quarter am(Bush)

Running back Michael Bush rushed for 129 of his career-high 177 yards in the fourth quarter against the Bucs, including eight straight plays totaling 51 yards on a possession that burned 5:46 off the clock.

He left briefly after taking a blow to the head, returning after a timeout because the Raiders were out of healthy running backs.

"I didn't have my bearings with me when I was trying to get up," Bush said. "I'm glad we had a timeout left. I just had to suck it up. We had two minutes left, and I just pounded through it."

Bush, who reluctantly played some fullback this season because of injuries to Oren O'Neal and Justin Griffith, hopes his performance made it clear he's a lead runner and not a lead blocker.

"I hope I proved a lot by running the ball, but at the same time I feel like I did a good job in the preseason when I had a chance," Bush said.

Extra points

Cable was generous with game balls. Defensive game balls went to cornerback Justin Miller, linebacker Kirk Morrison, tackle Gerard Warren and end Jay Richardson. Punter Shane Lechler and wide receiver Jonathan Holland (three tackles) were honored on special teams. Offensive game balls went to Bush, fullback Luke Lawton, wide receivers Chaz Schilens and Johnnie Lee Higgins, and to the entire line. Finally, Cable awarded game balls to his entire 18-man coaching staff for a grand total of 33. ... Lechler broke the NFL record for net punting that he set last season. He finished at 41.2 yards per attempt after 41.1 a year ago.

Jerry McDonald