FanPost

POLL: "We Suck!" Now, Hit The Road! The Lighter Side

Imagejpg1_zps05fadf12_medium

via i28.photobucket.com

I have a confession. I had to wrestle with my emotions about writing this week’s Fan Post. Like a few other Raiders fans at S&B Pride, it was difficult to find many bright spots from the first two games of the 2014 season. The vast majority of Fan Posts being thrown up since Sunday have been justifiably critical of the team and, specifically, the coaching staff. However, it occurred to me, instead of burying my head in my hands and pretending the last two games didn’t happen, I decided that if there ever was a time to write a light-hearted Fan Post, this was it. When the going gets tough, the tough write a Fan Post. So, undaunted, here is a small piece to bring a little cheer, and maybe a few gratuitous pics, as well, to S&B Pride bloggers and Raider Nation…

In the wake of a Week 1 loss to the New York Jets, many Raiders fans were left searching for answers. Explanations ran the gamut from starting a rookie QB to the team’s inability to exorcise its East Coast demons. In the end, a loss is a loss and everyone moves on. However, Week 2 is providing its own unique level of discomfiture for the fans and their team.

In what is fast becoming a ubiquitous video clip, Raider great Charles Woodson wowed reporters with his candor when asked about his feelings after the Houston game. It has garnered attention because few athletes, and fewer coaches, speak their minds for fear of being reprimanded. Woodson is one of the few players in the NFL that carries enough cachet to freely speak his mind without reproach (more likely for being beyond giving a sh$t, actually).

A conversation I can see taking place this week between C-Wood and DC Jason Tarver:

C-Wood: "Hey, man, I know Brady is gonna run like 75 plays Sunday, right"?

Tarver: "Uh huh..." (staring at C-Wood blankly)

C-Wood: "Well, uh, you think you could draw me up some special blitz packages?"

Tarver: (Smiling back at C-Wood coyly) "Uh huh, how many you want?"

C-Wood: (Giving Tarver his flat, I'm NOT phuccing with you, Death Stare) "Like 150!"

Will the team respond to Woodson’s assessment and come out swinging next Sunday? Only time will tell, but what is certain is what’s ahead, and in a word, that is: TRAVEL.

First up, a 3,000-mile flight back to the East Coast and a date with none other than the New England Patriots. When I think of the Raiders playing in Foxboro I always think of a team that seems to be cursed and bewitched… 7a5b90ae-0104-461f-bbd1-6c38d1b89f72_zps490ef567_medium

I can’t imagine why. My understanding is that the coaching staff’s answer to an East Coast curse is to get there early. Hell, that just gives the lovelies in New England more time to succor and then seduce our boys. I don’t like it. No wait, I do like it…no, I don’t, dammit!

How have the NFL schedule makers elected to reward the Raiders, in their infinite wisdom, for two trips to the East Coast by Week 3 of this nascent NFL season? With a 3,200-mile trip across the pond, of course, to engage the Jekyll & Hyde Miami Dolphins in London. This could only feel like a "home" game if the team gets the proper support they require overseas. Happy-hour_zps136a2295_medium

Stay hydrated, my friends. Cheerio.

As of this writing, my informants tell me that CBS is still in the process of selecting the reporting team to cover the game at Wembley Stadium. The good news is early reports indicate CBS would like to include newly acquired Jenny Dell as an ambassador of the NFL and CBS. Oh, I'm sorry, you're not familiar with Ms. Dell? Let me acquaint you.

634768_320x320_zps74ec6c4d_medium

What? Not impressed? Um, ok...Ah...More.Plaid.Skirts.

Jenny-dell-41_zps964564d1_medium

Look for Ms. Dell possibly trolling the sidelines in Foxboro as she was a mainstay in Boston sports in her earlier days. More on Ms. Dell and her entourage as I get more pics, I mean, information... 1335935149_c93fd16e42_zpsfde880bc_medium

So, by my count, when the Raiders touch down in Oakland and head in to the ‘Bye’, they will have flown roughly 18,400 miles by the end of Week 4. If you’re doing the math and find the obvious flaw in my numbers it’s because my understanding is that the team is NOT coming home after the New England game. If they do indeed come home, that will change the mileage. No one said this season was going to be easy. Buckle up! Lean your seats back. Enjoy the flight! It could be long...

After what will surely be a long and tedious flight back home, it seems to me the fellas could use a proper welcoming home committee. Silver & Black plaid skirts anyone...? Girls-in-kilts_zps9fefcefd_medium

Oh yeah, we need a poll.