Much dismay and hand-wringing did, and continues to, occur as a result of the 16 penalties levied against our beloved Raiders. I do not dismiss penalties as something endearing or distinctly Raider but do think we need to look at those penalties more closely and (if you're inclined) consider them in the context of when they occurred.  

First of all, the Raiders are assuming the identity of, for lack of a better term, Bullies (though I'd prefer Ruthless Agents of Dominance and Humiliation) and as such are going to push the envelope a bit. Sure enough Oakland did just that in Denver.

Desmond Bryant - Unnecessary Roughness X 2 

Rolando McClain - Unnecessary Roughness X 2

Matt Shaughnessy - Roughing the Passer

These 5 (of the 16 penalties) I rate as positive achievements to be encouraged and praised (parents should take note of them and instruct their children to emulate them accordingly). These types of penalties are going to happen when a team 'cuts it loose" , assumes the Alpha Dog mode and goes Medieval.   

Next, we have the 5 Gray Area penalties, assessed, perhaps, by overzealous officials performing their duties under the effeminate administration of the Pink Commissioner.

Chris Johnson - Illegal Contact

Stanford Routt - Pass Interference

Stanford Rout - Holding

Stefen Wizniewski - Holding (actually a Greco-Roman take-down)

DeMarcus Van Dyke - Holding

The remaining 6 penalties were admittedly distasteful in that mental weakness was their cause -lack of concentration.

Stefen Wizniewski - False Start

Stephon Heyer - False Start  X 2

Darren McFadden - False Start

Trevor Scott - Offside

Joe Porter - Offside 

And so I ask each and all, do not lump all penalties into the same heap; some are good penalties (clear signs of good health) while others are not. 

Thank you, and God Bless Hue!