Webster’s Dictionary defines Bittersweet "as something pleasant, but including or marked by element of suffering or regret". An example at work would be; you’re excited for a much desired promotion, but then you realize your social life is going to take a dive with the extra work. Or maybe you’re enjoying the noticeable cooler fall weather, but then you realize, you have to put your favorite pair of open toed heels away until next summer. (Okay, maybe that’s just me). At some point you will be happy to move on from being an apartment dweller to finally becoming a homeowner, but then you realize lawn needs to be mowed, every freak’n week! You get the point, it’s all bittersweet.

It’s not a hard concept to grasp. And if you don’t relate to any of the above and still need a refresher, just take a look at the Raiders last two football games.

Week 6 Raiders vs. Falcons This game was bittersweet for me in more than one way, as Matt Ryan and Roddy White are both major producers on my fantasy team, but I won’t go on about that. The sweet parts of this match up were seen in several forms. Let’s talk about first downs (Raiders 22, Falcons 16) and time of possession (Raiders 36:26, Falcons 23:24). For the first time, it didn’t feel like the Raiders were suffering from the 3 and out syndrome throughout the entire game. The total yards for the team seemed to spike (Raiders 474, Falcons 286), which always makes a game more interesting and exciting to watch. See, that’s what happens when the Raiders are able to keep the ball in their hands. We can’t talk about the game without talking about the defense, stingy with the run and three picks in the first half. All are signs of a team finding itself, a team turning the corner. A team that doesn’t dream playoffs, it expects it! Where does the bitter part come in? THEY LOST. Need I say more?

Week 7 Raiders vs. Jags There was so much bitterness to this game; I don’t know where to begin! Was I the only thinking the Raiders were going to roll over the Jags? I thought this was going to be a for sure win. As Jones-Drew left the game followed by Gabbert, I thought we had it in the bag. I was wrong. McFadden struggled to find yards, while Palmer struggled just to stay on his feet. The offensive line just looked ugly; did they have a 3 hour practice before the game? With everyone trying to create a spark for the team, the turnovers came at the worst times, a step forward and 3 steps back. I would say the most bitter part of the game was just the overall feeling on the field that was pouring through the TV. It felt ……….. BITTER. They were a mess! Now, with all that said, here comes the sweet part, THEY WON!

"Just Win Baby!" Isn’t that what the Raiders and all of us fans live by? Who are we if we can’t support and be proud of our team for a win in any way shape or form? So pick up those low hanging heads, forget those ugly flashbacks, and take a look at that "W" we added to our record. 2 weeks from now, will you really care how we won, will you even remember? An ugly win is still a beautiful thing.