Contenders, not Pretenders
by B.A.Armstrong on Nov 10, 2010 5:39 PM PST
Email
Print
For seven long years, fans of the Oakland Raiders hung their heads in shame watching the sham that Mr. Allen Davis was calling a football team in the Oakland Coliseum. In fact, it was so bad that some probably were not even watching, choosing instead to enter the solitude of bag on the head syndrome. But for the first time in a long time, the Raiders are a team that you can go watch and have a good time.
Three in a row, four out of five, and the like are not things that are supposed to be associated with the Oakland Raiders nowadays. Al Davis is crazy, the Raiders need a G.M., and the Patriots are getting a great first round pick next year; isn't that how this story line is supposed to go?
Well what happened? I tell you what happened, Al Davis hired Tom Cable. Immediately following that occurrence, Cable learned from his predecessor "Lance" Kiffin's mistake and got in good with the boss. From that moment forward, the rest was bound to happen.
Cable's first year, the interim year, he led these young Raiders to victory in three of the last six games, including two in a row over an up and coming Houston Texans team and the playoff bound Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But more importantly, that year, they got their first lesson in learning to never quit. That happened in a 49-26 beat down at the hands of the New England Patriots. The Raiders were getting stomped and went into the locker room hanging their heads. They came out with a different vibe, and they fought back hard, regardless of the loss.
In 2009, the Raiders hit a speed bump, and it was large...a large speed bump that played college football at LSU and was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. But later in that year, they learned they could match-up well with most teams and they found something else too, leadership.
Nnamdi Asomugha became more of a voice in the locker room, contributing his input and study habits to not only fellow defensive teammates, but offensive wide receivers and other skill players as well. Robert Gallery became a leader for the offensive line. While Gallery missed a lot of action in 2009, it was clear from the get go that the line was much better when he was a part of it. Bruce Gradkowski came in and put some fire in the offensive huddle, something that was desperately lacking and definitely needed during the short duration of the speed bump's career.
And Richard Seymour was brought in via trade for a first round draft choice.
In 2010, Seymour has been a beast. Currently tied for second on his team in the sack department (4.5), this 6'6" 310 mammoth has proven to be worth every penny of that first round draft choice money for next year during the current season. And Seymour's leadership has been second to none on this team. Making a statement by coming into training camp on the rookies' bus, pulling out his three Super Bowl Championship rings and awing even Nnamdi Asomugha by telling this young team that none of those teams he won championships with were as talented as these Raiders.
For fans that have been following this thing since it started with the hire of head coach Tom Cable (perhaps the year before when Davis Hired Cable as his O-Line coach), the 2010 may not be such a surprise as it is to some outsiders. Cable said he would deliver a winner to Raider Nation. He said it has been a long time since the Raiders were winners. He initiated his "win today" philosophy and the players bought in. For those who have stayed loyal, the road has been very, very long. But from about the end of 2008, it was clear that the team may in fact be headed in the right direction.
Yet some people still continue to say things like, "Tom Cable doesn't have a choice, Al said so..." to which I reply, isn't the point of a team to work together? Don't you think that Davis and Cable might have a mutual understanding of the nature of the matter at hand? Or is Tom Cable just another Davis Puppet?
I don't know, really it's neither here nor there. The point is this: the Raiders' are contenders, not pretenders. I, for one, believe what Richard Seymour told this team. They are more talented than the New England Patriots ever were. This team wouldn't have to rely on the tuck rule at the end of a game to finish that one out.
I think it's good that the rookies are getting their credit for contributing, yay! Jason Campbell for getting that dirt off your shoulder, and the defense is getting it done period, you really can't say enough good things about this whole process, special teams have improved...it's all coming together now. But one group that has been a little over looked during this whole resurgence is the offensive line.
Since Jared Veldheer took over permanently for Mario Henderson, this unit has produced two five-hundred yard games and a very impressive second half against the Kansas City Chiefs. Also a factor in the process of this insanity has been left guard Robert Gallery---whom I just voted for to go to the Pro Bowl. Seriously, the left side of this offensive line has been lights out...well maybe not lights out, but let's go with a lot better.
So it's all coming together for the Raiders now. This plane has been cleared for take-off. And this plane is going places fast, like a speedy wide receiver. This team could hang with any team in the league and now they know it, so watch out NFL. Not only that but now they are proving that they've even got quality back-ups that can hang with NFL starters on a play in and play out basis. The Raiders are a tough and gritty bunch, they are scrappy and young and fast, and now they are all grown up.
Compare live NFL odds and beat the books when you sign up for expert NFL picks.Follow me on Twitter: Raidersblogger
57 comments
|
2 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
In the beginning when Cable was hired, most refered to him as a yes man..
Unfortunately you cant change the general mindset of the public. I mean seriously, who can blame some of us! All these draft picks that we bitched and moaned about, all the complaints that we need a GM, or we will never get a quality coach…all of that goes out the window. What we needed was guidance. We needed someone to install a plan, a long term plan that everyone (fans alike) will buy into. 8 looonnnggg years and who would have thought that the man we needed all along was right in our pocket! It feels good to actually be relevant in the standings, relevant in the nfl, and relevant in our hearts and minds. We have so much to look forward to, as fans, and its fun again to record the next weeks opponents game and watch it as if im the one preparing the game. Ha Ha…goodtimes brethrensm goodtimes…
I want to be the modern day version of Super Mario Brothers!!! Dont care for *shrooms*, but would love to *get large* and *spit fire*...unless im constantly told "thanks, but your girl is in another castle". That would rate a 8.9 on the ole *Suck-ometer*!!!
by Kobe Won Kenobi on Nov 10, 2010 6:06 PM PST reply actions
I had many words to say about Cable throughout all of it, and it wasn't always good...
but I’ve always said he’s had the locker room behind him and he has. I was puzzled by it, but knew he did even before the “Bumaye,” occurrence, which only galvanized the team further.
In Nnam’s words, the leadership puzzle has been solved, and these young kids are providing more leadership everyday.
Cable’s being relieved of his play calling duties was an addition by subtraction in itself, and Hue Jackson and Mike Waufle have helped us mature as a team.
This week is tough without the Raiders playing, but they deserve the rest! It’ll be great for Marshall and Jackson to watch Pittburgh twice in preparation, while having a bunch of guys get healthy at the same time. Can’t wait for Pittburgh!
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Did Seymore ever
get a long term deal? This guy has done more for this team than I thought possible. This team has had talent for years, it just lacked leaders and motivation.
Not so super mario needs to pack his bags and join the CFL with Jafloppus. Veldheer is the real deal, and I am sooooo damn happy to have stability on the left side.
"We can't stop here... This is bat country."
Not yet. But I hope so.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
These players, a lot of other people didn't believe in them, but they believe in themselves. And that is all that matters."- Bill Belichick
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Hopefully after he's gotten his fourth super bowl ring ;)
Making him worth more of course!
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Nice thought
but lets be level headed here and not allow our reach to exceed our grasp.
Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
by TheLyleAlzadoPunch on Nov 11, 2010 3:22 AM PST up reply actions
He's a Franchise player This year !!!
And maybe next year, considering the state of negotiating with the players union !!! I think once that’s settled, you’ll see a deal locking him in, so he can retire a Raider.
Read an article today where Seymour said
he would like to retire a Raider, he want’s a multi-year contract and he’s happy to stay and be a role model and leader for the D.
I’m glad we gave 1st rounder for that kind of guy.
Heck, I remember how excited I was when I first heard he was coming to Oakland…
by KiwiRaiderFan on Nov 10, 2010 7:06 PM PST up reply actions
Dam, didn't work...
by KiwiRaiderFan on Nov 10, 2010 7:09 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
after reading that article all ima say is
pay the man what the fucc are we waiting for plus he deserves it
As a pats fan, I always loved seymour as a player, and role model.
Coming to the raiders was one of the best things to happen during my years of football fanhood, even if it diminished the pats. I’m fucking excited that he is a raider, and I would love for him to retire as one! He is a great role model, and a spectacular player!
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
These players, a lot of other people didn't believe in them, but they believe in themselves. And that is all that matters."- Bill Belichick
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
You love the hear that shit
especially when you see him perform and lead like he has this year.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
I hated the trade when it happened
and I hated it when he tried to get out of coming to Oakland.
Since he’s pulled on the Silver and Black, however, he’s been nothing short of a warrior and (along with Nnamdi and DMac, who I’ve been a fan of since we took him) my favourite Raider.
"I hate to recommend drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me." - Hunter S. Thompson.
Check this article out
It from arrowhead pride regarding Seymore.
Pay this man!!!!
"We can't stop here... This is bat country."
+1
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
These players, a lot of other people didn't believe in them, but they believe in themselves. And that is all that matters."- Bill Belichick
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
I think this kid named Jacoby Ford caused them a few problems, too!
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
+1
especially on super mario…
dnt wanna say but he sucks ass n draws flags like a pile of shit draws flies
by S.D. Raider on Nov 11, 2010 11:37 AM PST up reply actions
more to come
when murphy, miller and possibly chaz come back and take some of the heat off, ford is gonna cause alot of other teams problems
Noone understands the thoughts of an incarcerated man. the years I've lost, I'm climbing this ladder looking up at this kid whose boss. He's 1/2 my age I'm still getting 1/2 his wage, but I need this check though. So I hold back 1/2 my rage. there's poison in my chest, so I pour it all on the page.
by the world of oak on Nov 10, 2010 7:51 PM PST reply actions
As we look back
and see what change the defense from making no name RB a chance to start (KC Charles) to the best Dline in the NFL SEYMORE is the name. Seymore presence has made sure KELLY is more consistant and does not take plays off, has Mentor Houston, and Shaugnessy. Cant wait to have Henderson back line up next to Seymore these two are gonna terrorize whoever lines up in front of them.
Anyone can be a fan of a winning team, supporting your team when its down is what makes you a true honest fan.
are we high?
I’ve been a die hard Raider fan for over 35 years and I’ve seen it all— but four out of five and we’re kidding ourselves here. I might share your enthusiasm if it weren’t for the San Francisco game but now I read that Campbell is the starter regardless? He must be some kind of QB in practice but we’ve all seen him on the field. In three weeks the Raiders will be 5-6. I might get excited if they can win one from Pitt or Miami but with Campbell at QB-not gonna happen-so they beat Denver-San Diego-KC—-big deal-the AFC west is a joke. They got spanked hard by the Titans and Eagles and barely lost to a very poor Cardinal team. Cable isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed and the offense is still way too predictable and you all want to start chanting Super Bowl? I think that they’ll do better than 5-11 but maybe 7-9 or 8-8. Even at 8-8 they might still win the AFC west and get to the playoffs where they’ll be a warm up game for a real contender. Positive things—the D looks strong but good teams will be ready-so long as they don’t over pursue and keep to their assignments they will continue to get better-the O with Campbell relies too much on opponets mistakes and is still incapable of creating it’s own destiny-Gradkowski makes things happen. hate to rain on your parade-it’s been a long drought but there is still work to do.
by george1957 on Nov 10, 2010 8:06 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
I don't think anyone here is saying superbowl.
There is still work to do, but I think most of us are very excited mainly because we see IMPROVEMENT on the team. After all, 3 wins in a row hasn’t been done since 02, and we beat a tough KC team(who was being talked as a legit playoff contender).
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
These players, a lot of other people didn't believe in them, but they believe in themselves. And that is all that matters."- Bill Belichick
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Oh, and we are finally above .500. :)
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
These players, a lot of other people didn't believe in them, but they believe in themselves. And that is all that matters."- Bill Belichick
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Dramatic Shift
Right, we were not that great to start the year. But, you gotta recognize when a team just clicks. Attitude change. We’re professional and accountable. The playas have bought in. We’re strong in the trenches and our only glaring weakness is possession receivers. We’ve needed 2 quality QBs and RBs to compete, and we got em. C’mon, you’d get a little excited beating the fish on turkey day weekend, right?
I have to take exception
to this. I know we had a rough start and we lost games where we played very poorly and got our asses handed to us but this team is NOT the same team that gave up umpteen gagillion yards to the Titties! they are no longer playing “sorry ass faider ball” they are playing “Hard Nosed Smashmouth RAIDER FOOTBALL”!!!!! Accuse me of homerism if you like but I truly believe that WE ARE BACK! and that they continue to improve every week! they are proving it to themselves, to us the fans, and to the NFL! sure we have a QB problem because we have 3 so so sort of ok QB’s and not a single stand out big time QB like Plunkett, Stabler, or Gannon! so what? they wre getting wins and thats what counts! I honestly believe in these guys and after seeing articles about Big Dick Seymore I believe even more! I really think we can be playoff contenders!
"Just Win Baby" is not a philosophy, it is a way of life!
You seem like a real "oh my god the glass is half empty I better throw it away before it shatters in my hand" guy george
If you are waiting to get behind a team that wins every game in convincing fashion you better get a time machine – there are no teams like that…. The pats got curb stomped on cleveland far worse than any loss we’ve had… The jets got SHUT OUT at home in a “statement game” and would have lost to a bronco team we beat by 45 points but for a bogus pi call… The mighty steelers were a dropped pass on the 4 yard line by a rookie away from one of the most epic chokes ever… I could go on..
We’re 5-4 and I’d rather have that 5-4 come with a 3 game win streak than the other way around…
I get realistically projecting we’ll lose to the steelers but assuming a home loss to the very mediocre dolphins is absurd
I don’t recall this blowout loss to the eagles of which you speak, nor any other blowout loss other than the titans. And I don’t even think about that one any more as we look like a different team now.
Kc and sd are not “bad teams” sd in particular scares the shit out of me….
if we win the pit game we can really rev up the bandwagon and run over the fins with it… Even if we lose to pit if we take care of the fins we’re in good shape
Your cable-bashing is not supported by the evidence, the topics been done to death and ive no need to go through it again
Come on outside georgie, the sun is shining
by lchristmas on Nov 11, 2010 6:40 AM PST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Spanked hard by the Eagles - when? A dream you had perhaps, side effect of medication....
I think that they’ll do better than 5-11
Way to go out on a limb, seeing as they are 5-4 now, they would have to lose all their remaining games!
You don’t think the Raiders can beat Miami at home?
Neil O’Donnell and Trent Dilfer were Superbowl quarterbacks, Campbell is as good as those guys, I’m not saying Superbowl bound but we can at least beat the fins at home.
by Oceanside Raider on Nov 12, 2010 12:13 AM PST up reply actions
More team-wide concentration and we advance to the next level
Cable talks consistently about consistency and it’s having good effect. For example, have you recently seen any long gains against us like the earlier gouges(?) e.g. Chris Johnson’s 76 yard run, Adrian Foster’s 74 yarder, Frank Gore’s 64 yd run?. By contrast the leagues top rushing team could not do worse to us than Jamal Charles’ longest run of 13 yards and Jones meager 7 yarder (the total not amounting to Beanie Well’s 21 yarder against us in AZ.).
So concentration is a good thing, a beautiful thing, and focusing on, and only on, the next game …. Pittsburgh.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
Why not us?
With all the disappointments this year such as Cinci, Minnesota, and Dallas why can’t a team like us contend for a playoff berth or a division title? Of course we still need to take care of business but I don’t see this team quitting like they did in SF again. It all starts with getting this team healthy and prepared for the Burg.
"I didn't fail the test, I just found 100 ways to do it wrong"
- Benjamin Franklin
beat pittsburg
yes
Czheck Productions
Under The Basement Radio
I've never done anything good for the world, and I'm not about to start now-DF
and just for shits and giggles
I just looked up the stats on NFL.com and #1 in total offense and #2 in total defense is san diego chokers! we beat them once already denver is above us in total offense and we stomped a mudhole in their asses and walked it dry! I’m telling you these are not the same lousy fuckers that got trounced by the TEN titties, SF whiners, and lost close ones to the texassens and the fucking redbirdshits! these guys have stopped giving up and are out for blood! they want the glory back and have the ability to make it happen!
"Just Win Baby" is not a philosophy, it is a way of life!
but i like
ten titties… big round juicy titties :P
by S.D. Raider on Nov 11, 2010 11:49 AM PST up reply actions
I don't care how The Stealers look this weekend
If their O-line doesn’t get healthy quick, Seymour and the boys are gonna give them the business. We’ll see if Big Ben can stay on his feet with 6 foot 6, 310lbs of pissed off RRRAIDER in his ass.
Quantum leap
so far is rooted in our level of compete. We play the full game. Lost to AZ on last play, win against KC in OT. We come to play. The full 60 minutes; is it Cable, Jackson, lack of pre-Madonas, JC coming back after getting benched like it was all part of a plan without the usual bitching, running up the score against Denver like we were never going to score again, I don’t know and I don’t care. DMAC, JC, special teams, block punts and again, the swagger is back. Looking dangerously ahead, we need to to win 3 games out of the next 5 and then spilt the remaining last 2. It’s all doable. We simply need to beat Pitt and JC needs to be himself which will allow the offence to grind it out. Can we simply stop looking for perfection and Joe Montana quick steps? JC will not give us that perfection but he will be there when it counts; he’ll simply put us in a position to win. Isn’t that good enough? We need to rally behind JC, he has earned a longer rope. Just win baby.
Two weeks ago I would have been happy with 8-8.
Then after the Seattle game I wouldn’t have been disappointed with that result. Now I want this team to go 10-6 at least because the way they’ve been playing they can beat anybody. We match up well with every team we play and as long as the coaching staff keeps putting players in position to mask their weaknesses and exploit their strengths we can even get to 11-5 now. This team has proven me wrong too many times this year for me to think otherwise.
"I didn't fail the test, I just found 100 ways to do it wrong"
- Benjamin Franklin
Manage expectations
at this point. Let’s simply ensure that we make the playoffs. 8-8 may be enough as we’re 3-0 in AFC West and could simply slip in on tie-breakers. Once in the playoffs, we can run and take it from there. To reach your lofty goals, many stars need to be aligned; it’s still the NFL on any given Sunday. We must beat Pitt, that’s the corner and our signature win. We need to up our team speed one more level; JC may not carry us but he won’t blow it. We can’t beat ourselves with penalties.
by raiders4liffe on Nov 12, 2010 12:52 AM PST up reply actions
Our Raiders have their head on better than we do b/c they focus on only one thing - beating their next opponent
- that’s the best way to get to and through the postseason.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Nov 12, 2010 7:08 AM PST up reply actions
I'm just saying at this point I would have been satisfied with 8-8.
Now I think that would be a disapointment. Also with the Chiefs upcoming schedule and the Chargers playing like the way they usually do around this time of year 8-8 is not going to get it done. Unless you’re satisfied with 3rd place? Also in regards to the next game, we need to pass to beat the steelers. Whether it be with Campbell or Grads so be it but this team may have to spread them out and pass early and often with a few runs mixed in. They can be exposed this way.
"I didn't fail the test, I just found 100 ways to do it wrong"
- Benjamin Franklin
Check out MJD’s playoff picks especially who he has winning the AFC West.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/The-absurdly-premature-2010-playoff-picture-Wee?urn=nfl-284201&cp=3#comments
That's the mainstream take on the current situation and as for the Raiders "debilitating weakness at QB" (paraphrased)
I sometimes get the impression that Jason is going to “break out” and finally buy into what the coaches have been telling him “cut it loose” … it’s true that his level of play isn’t on par with our RBs, OL and, recently WRs, but I believe he has the potential to suddenly improve beyond anything we’ve ever seen from him once he gets past his constipation (for lack of a better word).
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Nov 11, 2010 8:54 AM PST up reply actions
Who cares what MJD thinks?
Really, if I were a national writer I’d probably feel the same way about the Raiders. It’s what the record and the stats say. Jason Campbell is an average QB who was blessed with some outstanding WR play last week. He’s not going to make anyone in the national media stand up and shout with his individual play.
That being said, he appears to be a winner, and that’s more important to us. I’d rather he be Trent Dilfer than Archie Manning. If we keep winning, the MJDs of the world will have to acknowledge us. We have a pretty brutal schedule coming up, and it will be difficult to continue our dominance. If we go 9-7, it will be a big fucking deal because I don’t see any other team in the division doing so well.
These are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others. -Groucho Marx
Question,When did Cable receive this "Trust" from Mr. Davis?
Was it after having him start JA3andout for 10 fucking useless weeks last year? Then Mr. Davis decided that maybe “good ’ol Tom” might be right after all? I’m a Cable fan , PERIOD don’t think I’m not. And yes,we indeed are contenders not pretenders this year for the A.F.C. West division crown and maybe a little more.
Now that we have seen more of Coach Cable , heard his mantra’s and how he acts, we like the guy. Now,we are getting sleeeeepy sleeeepy we are going back to the 2009 season when you hear the click you will be there- “click”. Who can forget canned speach after speach(after loss after loss) about how “Well I saw some positive things out there today (Russell -64 -82 passing yards) and some bad things. we have to work on”. It was like listening to a brainwashed cult member game after game. MR. DAVIS had only trust in himself for the first 10 games last season. I’m not so sure Mr. Davis gained trust in Cable as perhaps he lost faith (or came to the realization) that his way wasn’t working. Mute point- in that whatever happened worked ,and I like it. Now, I’ll play Devil’s advocate , If we had a FIRST CLASS G.M. going into last season who had more “ummph” than a mere head coach would things have been different?
My point is that while everything is peaches and cream right now we could improve ourselves in the long run by acquring a top knotch G.M. to lend further guidence. Two heads are better than one they say , this turnabout occured because of MANY heads being better than one.
Sons-of Blanda Read M.J.D uschbags column today , the new mantra for Raider nation is “Just cut it loose baby” imagine that Bro! R.F.F.R.
Pittsburgh is the true test
But if the Raiders play like they’ve been playing the last few weeks, then they have a serious shot at beating the Steelers.
http://www.csnbayarea.com/pages/video?PID=mw2yZO_UteMgD1sWqKGUIT97nq_1Olvx
The best part that i like in defense
was when KC caught the raiders in a punt formation and went for it and got stopped that showed discipline and able to adjust.
Anyone can be a fan of a winning team, supporting your team when its down is what makes you a true honest fan.
Yes it is RaiderTony.
I’ve never been impressed with the Steelers offense, ever (well MAYBE back in the early 70’s). Their defense beats the shit out of you , holds the score low and waits for you to make a mistake , and that’s where Jason Campbell scares the shit out of me for this game. I can easily see an instant replay from last year when the fire and spark that Grad provides saves and wins the game for us. I don’t trust Campbell as far as I can spit when he’s under pressure and guess what? It could be a QB’s worst nightmare this weekend . Remember last year Troy the hair guy wasn’t playing and this year he is- look out! George1957 is right on a few things here. 1: Campbell ain’t gonna lead us to the promised land. 2: the defense is going great but we need more rhyme , reason and strategy – in other words change things up once and a while so your tactics can’t be analyzed . He’s another long time fan such as myself (43yrs) that’s had enough. This season I always have the feeling that we are in it ,and can win it no matter who we play,which is far better than last season. No superbowl maybe , but much better football for sure, and I’ll take all I can get of that from this team. R.F.F.R.
Don’t get me wrong, the Superbowl would be awesome… That said, I’d be stoked about a winning season, and a playoff appearance this year. Next year, I would again expect improvement. That said, the D is keeping us in games, the running game is little shy of spectacular, and the O-line is actually improving. Instead of throwing fits about small things, on this Veterans day, let’s all thank the men and women who make it possible for MJD to make himself look like an absolute jackass. Also, pray Donovan McNabb comes to the East Bay just to infuriate Mike Waaaanahan.
Every Game from Here on out, will be considered a TEST !!!
As our record improves, there’s going to be those RAIDER HATING skeptics, looking for the Raiders of old, to show up. Those DUMB penaties didn’t help, to change the perception !!! Clean those up, THEN, and ONLY THEN, along with continued wins, will this team be able to shut those annoying mouths !!!! They are just that, ANNOYING !!!! We know this team is better, and is PLAYING BETTER, than we’ve seen in the last 7 years !!!!
Coincidence? Maybe not
This Raider team is very similar to the 2001 Patriots, the year of the crappy tuck rule in the snow bowl game and their first championship season. At the begining of that season, the Pats were not supposed to be anything special. They started out 0-2. They would get smoked by crap Cincinnati, then come out and blow out the high powered Colts 44-13, only to get stomped 30-10 the next week by a Dolphin team that missed the playoffs. At week 10 of the season, they found themselves 5-4, searching for what kind of team, and how good they really were. They were playing the Rams, who were “preordained” to win the title that year, and were blowing through teams. Though they barely lost, and were now 5-5, that game showed them that they were good enough to play with anybody, and the rest is history. We find ourselves in the same position against a serious superbowl contending Steelers. I am not saying that we will win the Superbowl, but you better believe these 5-4 Raiders are capable of making some noise.
Jason Campbell
Quick stats on Jason Campbell. In the second half and OT he was 16-23 for 230 yards(not subtracting sack yardage) AND 0 PICKS. 2 of those incompletions were spikes. So technically he only had 5 incompletions. Pretty Impressive. He could have easily fell in the crapper after the first half, but he rose to the occasion and got better. I think that performance is more impressive than his two blowouts games. You Learn alot more about who your QB really is when he is taking fire, compared to taking a walk in the park. I dont think Campbell is the Messiah either, but you gotta give credit where credit is due.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Silver And Black Pride
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- All reports positive after Peyton Manning’s first OTA in Denver
- Ryan Tannehill won’t start right away, according to Dolphins’ owner
- Lions WR Titus Young barred from practice after starting fight with teammate
- Winslow move could be a costly one for Bucs in the short term
- Matthew Stafford spends $15,000 to win auction package, then gives it to a young fan’s family
