So the saying seems to go every year, “There’s always next year” At least we can take some solace in the fact that once again San Diego has yet to make it to the promise land and succeed. That at least could make us all smile.
So here we are once again playing the waiting game 8 months of wonder. If what is being mumbled around the media waves is true, Cable will stand to see another day. I do not want to see yet another coaching change but at the same time we should have paid attention last year and not hired Cable in the first place. He does not have the mental capacity to take us all the way. He wasn’t able to control our Offensive line and with the O-line being such a huge part of the offense, how do you feel you can control an entire game when you can’t control just one element of it? Yes our record improved from the time of Kiffin to when Cable took over, but yet we ended up with the same record this year as we had last year. I guess...
The last two weeks we have shown our “Tale of Two Cities” coming out with fire, heart, passion and dedication against Philadelphia and coming out with confusion and nothing else against New Jersey.
It’s no longer a situation where we need to learn to play all 4 quarters, it has come to the point to where we have to learn to play all 16 games! We do not get to pick and choose which ones we play and which ones we let slide, we are not at that level on the food chain. If we expose just one of our weaknesses one week its exposed for the rest of the season.
We came out with fire for Week 1 in our battle against San Diego on Monday Night Football and barely won in Kansas City and from there it was a progressing down fall. The fight in someone doesn’t change that drastically in that amount of time. Something else is going on that is coming down from the play calling. The players can only play with what they’re given at that point the blame lies higher up...
The last two seasons those who have not been able to make it out to the coliseum have noticed this growing trend. No its not blacking out the coliseum by everyone getting in their black attire, It’s what those at home trying to watch the game call a “Black out”. The NFL and their lovely team of overly paid employees came up with a scheme to black out all home games for teams that do not reach their quota of tickets sold per game. Which is only suppose to extend to a 75 Mile range, yet those who are outside of that are still finding themselves viewing the game selected and not the game that is usually in their market. The point to this? Well we all ponder that same question…
During these times and our struggling economy it is ridiculous for the NFL to expect sell outs especially when not only are you raising ticket prices but the venues are raising the money for parking due to their contractors or whatever the case. People who drive from out of town and surrounding cities are paying higher gas prices. These...
FIRST PUBLISHED ON BLEEDSILVERANDBLACK.COM ON OCTOBER 5TH, 2009 AT 11:59PM
On Sunday September 27,2009 The Raiders took the field with every intention to win as they did on October 4, 2009. The only problem was that only lasted for about 60 minutes COMBINED. It is no secret that for as long as we can remember now our biggest adversary is... OURSELVES. Winning the big games while losing the games that we seem to be a bit over confident on. We have stars emerge out of the most horrendous productions, and then slack off when it comes down to the wire. Football is a 4 quarter game, 60 Minutes of PURE PLAY. Maybe you have to be home watching on television to see that, or playing on Madden to realize this, whatever the case someone needs to wake up and realize this.
Defense has come out and played hard and when they are on the field for 85% if not more of the game you definitely have to give them credit for that. They played hard against Houston and other than a couple missed plays (big plays) they did way better than I would have expected. The players...
Depending on who you are and what category you fall under two things come to mind when you hear the word “Committed.”
If you are an outsider looking in on the Nation the census points towards some sort of mental disorder. How can you be a fan of something for so long in regards to a team that has had a losing season for 5 years? Why take the time to dress yourself up for a team that has yet to prove itself in the last decade?
For those of us within the Nation have a very definitive answer for that. We, the fans of the Nation are COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE. We hear Committed and to us that means dedication, nothing less. As a fan we may come off as eccentric but in reality we just have something in our blood that runs strong, some call it passion… I call it faith.
We have this infamous reputation of being the NFL’s most notorious fans, some would say heathen like. The same as with anything one projection can influence the view of an entire culture.
As the Preseason Jumps off to a HUGE start with a 31-10 win over Dallas, a bitter sweet loss of 21-20 to San Francisco, and now a loss of 45-7 to the Saints and one game left to play against Seattle, some are left wondering if the Raiders will have a repeat of last season’s Monday Night Football opener against Denver.
Well… Not this fan, or any other fan that has paid attention to the Raiders Preseason. Preseason is the time we weed out the men from the boys. Who is going to stand tall and who’s going to fall. If we are winning how are we going to see where we need to improve? Not to mention the fact that if we’re winning we get this false sense of security and set in our minds way. Preseason is the time to lose. If we’re losing it gives the players a chance to stalk their pray and earn their position.
I’m going to say what I’ve said the last two seasons. Russell is our...
Most people do not think preseason matters, honestly winning is being able to say, “Our third string is better then your third string.” But for Raider Fans every game matters and every win counts. Raiders 31 Cowboys 10, Raiders win in last night’s expedition game.
To be able to see the silver and black on the field is a rush. Raider Football is a necessity for fans. I must say the anticipation for yesterday’s game was electric. My cell phone was non-stop with Raider chants and fellow fans counting down till the game. Even though it was, a preseason game and it is still early to tell anything, Raider Nation had a lot to look forward too. I myself wanted to see how QB Jamcuss Russell handles himself on the field, and I was very satisfied with what I saw in the two series that he played. He had a quick release, great movement, playing smarter, it showed he did take use of his off-season and studied the game. We all know he has the...
In this day and age with technology we are all locked and tuned in to what the daily update is. With the season just about to begin as fans we want any and everything we can get our hands on.
On the brink of a new season and a new way of life as it seems, Kirk Morrison is not only ready but determined. With Morrison and Howard as the obvious standouts at the LB position, they have refused to settle there. Workouts and preparations are a part of their daily routine. Quotes from Morrison via twitter have been swarming around as preseason approaches.
Statements such as;
“Rise & Shine. Off to go get right this AM. Not looking forward to tire flips and med ball throws. But I got 2 pay the cost 2 be the boss.”
“Monday morning. Time to start the week off right. Working to become great, not just average. 8 days left. The anxiety is starting to build.”
And probably the best quote by far:
“If I see another Steelers ring I’m gonna throw it in the trash. I gotta get one of those ASAP. Raider Nation its time.”
We’re more than ¾ of the way through the off season and how quiet it has been. With the organization keeping things under wraps and not doing things according to usual practice, they’ve made it a bit difficult for some to do their jobs. Only the season will tell but I’m presuming that will pay off in a big way. The Championship is in our sights, in 8 months we’ll be standing atop the biggest stage there is in sports. Second guessing that statement? If you’re a Raider fan there should be no second guessing that. Now of course reality must play into that, but at the same time if we don’t believe we can achieve that goal we’ll be an under achieving team forever, and I’m sorry but think what you want over the last few years but the Raiders are NOT under achieving in any way. Circumstances happen and we may have preformed lower than expectations but we do not aspire to be less than perfect. If you do, what’s the point? Why even go out there? Why risk their bodies? Why as fans support? Because regardless, at the end of the...
The Nation came together all over the country for one common theme. Gatherings extended past Northern and Southern California. Draft parties stretched across the country from the Northern United States down to Texas and up through South Dakota. All different themes with different people from different walks of life flocked to witness who would follow Russell and McFadden to complete the trilogy.
Cincinnati's time is is up and with the 6th pick they choose Andre Smith and the Raiders are now on the clock...
The Nation at a stand still eager with anticipation, Goodell makes his way to the podium and with the 7th pick in the 2009 Draft the Oakland Raiders select...
Silence and Confusion hit the minds of the fans as Darius Heyward-Bay's WR name was announced. Many different thoughts running wild. Most of us knew before Saturday that Crabtree would more than likely NOT be a Raider but with that the many opportunities were endless. With Darius Heyward-Bey being projected to go 29th overall, most fans did not exactly see this pick coming to Oakland.
When the camera panned to Heyward-Bey via video, he sat in his living room awaiting the announcement, although a little different than...
How do you put into words what exemplifies Commitment to Excellence? Easy... you dont.
This year two men from the last two seasons have put their hard work, hearts and existence out there to prove they're committed to not only excellence but to the fans as well as everything that molds the Raiders.
For those who may not know the reasoning for the award dinner and concept behind it; the team gets together and vote for who they they think is most committed and exemplifies the true essence of excellence. The money raised during the dinner with things such as silent auctions, raffles and live auctions, Justin designated that proceeds go to a fund for Marquis Cooper's daughter.
Not only is Fargas committed on the field but off. Marquis was only with the team for a short while but you can see the bond the players form. Fargas stepped up to the podium and spoke of his fellow teammates, fellow award winner in Nnamdi (who was unable to attend due to he was out of the country), also spoke of his Program for teen boys "Boys Republic" for troubled teen males out of Chino Hills,...
March 1st 2009, The Raider Nation as well as the rest of the world learned of what has now become a moment in time that will live on in everyone's minds.
Oakland Raiders LB Marquis Cooper and Detroit Lions Corey Smith as well as two other men departed for a fishing trip off of the Coast of Florida on February 28th 2009 at the early hour of 6:30am. Reports came about that the men had not returned from their day trip which sent the Coast Guard in full search of the missing men.
As of March 3rd 2009 the Coast Guard called off the search with many regrets. After locating one man clinging to the capsized boat, the extensive search turned up without any leads that would produce evidence to the where.
As fans we're proud of what our players bring to the field, when an event such as this happens we're left with a different emotion.
Death is one thing but how do you deal with the Unknown? Dealing with the "What If" factor sets a new level of emotion.
Family, Friends and Fans hold out hope that their safe return is possible.
This is the first installment of my position breakdown with the free agency and draft needs for our beloved Raiders. I am starting with WR because I feel that it is a definite need and should be a major priority in the Raiders war room.
Let's start by looking at the current stable of WR's that the Raiders have on the roster.
Arman Shields, Chaz Schilens, Javon Walker, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jonathan Holland, and Todd Watkins are all currently on the Raiders roster. With Ronald Curry being released, and Drew Carter and Ashley Lelie becoming Free Agents the current stable of Raiders Wide Receivers is down to six from last year's nine.
The Raiders have not showed yet if they are going to re-sign either Drew Carter or Ashley Lelie yet, but we do all know how the Raiders work. They can be on hold right now while the war room is working on other positions. This is likely to take place with Drew Carter specifically since he has made it known that he would like to stay in Oakland. I feel that the Raiders will not pursue Lelie.
The off season for the Oakland Raiders officially began with the departure of 3 coaches. The search for the new look of the Raiders begin.
With Surprising changes around the league the market for a new front line has definitely broke wide open. First at hand and really the only one the Raider Nation is concerned about…. Jon Gruden with his dismissal by Tampa Bay leaves the minds of the Raider Nation divided in opinions. Should Al bring him back or should he just let sleeping dogs lie? As far as I’m concerned the way I see it is, his trade was a “Cash for Keys” situation. Gruden had the goods and Tampa was willing to pay out for them. So Al went in a different direction. Now, reports say that the relationship between Gruden and Davis are amicable. No hard feelings and the past is the past. So should we at least try and bring Gruden back? I would love to see Gruden back out on the sidelines. We have a new core, and its obvious that if we bring in some free agents that are known for their attitudes, a coach with authority may be...
To some people they say too little too late, winning the two final games of the season, a surge in the offense, the entire team running all together as one… We ended the season on a high note and there is no better way to start a new season than with 2 consecutive wins! So with that I want to thank the men who came out and played their hearts out for us the fans! The ones who left their hearts out on the field. Everyone left a little piece of themselves out there just as it should have been.
This year was not as we would have expected but through all of the drama and mistakes on the field we definitely had others out there that always give their 110%.
We tend to forget that there are 2 teams out there every week, whether its on the field or its in a Raider Image or different events “Footballs Fabulous Females” are always giving what they’ve got. I want to make it a point to acknowledge the women on the field. These women put their lives on hold for 8 to 10 months (depending on the season) in order to...
The team came out and played just that way... AS A TEAM and got the job done. Russell came out and not only took control of the game but kept it. The entire team came out and did what we've wanted to see this season, come together, focus and put their determination and frustrations into positives on the field. A Home win to close out our season at home was definitely a nice send off into the 2009 Season...
This week I just want to focus on the accomplishments and accolades announced in the last week.
Beginning with Shane Lechler and NNAMDI ASOMUGHA for being announced to the 2009 Pro Bowl. Not only has Nnamdi finally received the knod (other than 2006 when he was unable to attend) but he will be Starting! Shane has done such a great job at representing the Silver and Black and now with Nnamdi to accompany him, The Raider Nation will be represented with definite and True Pride and Poise.
Nnamdi also has another accomplishment to add to this season and that is once again being an honoree for the Commitment To Excellence Award that he...
The Day began with thoughts of the past. For the Raider Nation, that fateful day in the snow still lingers leaving a heavy weight on the Silver and Black hearts within the Nation. Years have passed circumstances have changed but the rivalry will always remain.
Sunday brought heavy hearts and definite determination. Standing in the stadium looking out over the field, the guys came out fired up. Justin Fargas interacting with the fans, getting himself as well as the fans fired up. The atmosphere inside Oakland-Alameda Coliseum was definitely a great one.
Roger Goodell was in house, he and Mark Davis having conversations on the sidelines. Mark maybe even convincing the NFL Commissioner to address the Black Hole? Mr. Goodell and Amy Trask made their way over, they spoke with fans as well as took pictures. Amy had nothing but great things to say about the Infamous fans who sit in the Black Hole, boasting about the Great fans “The Raider Nation” to Mr.Goodell. He addressed all of the fans who engaged him, saying things such as he’s honored to meet such great fans. He really showed an interest in what we as the Raider Nation love and pride ourselves...
Where to begin and where to end? It’s all in how you view things.
We went against two of our division rivals within the last week and did we succeed? The score to the game would suggest no. To the everyday viewer the suggestion would be no. But, to the person who throughout the years has learned that things are not always black and white. They learn to see the gray or Silver as a member of the Raider Nation would say.
The Media, the rest of the NFL and even at times some of the fans have all asked the question
“Will the Raiders ever have a winning season again?” and to be more specific, “Will the Raiders ever win again under Al Davis?”
Let’s start off with the fact of, YES the Raiders will win again, that shouldn’t even be a question. However the second question is another story. We can run scenarios all we want, but we’d be sitting quite a long time, because of so many different opinions on Al Davis. So instead let’s look into the history.
Rather than sitting here naming off the many historic events the Raiders have not only been a part...
KARMA: 1. Often capitalized : the force generated by a person's actions.
We all know this term, but even more so The Denver Broncos had a nice dose handed to them in more ways than one this past Sunday. With the Monday Night game still fresh in our minds as fans all we could do was have the faith that the team also had the same thoughts and used that as the fire they needed to ensure we did not have the same outcome as September 8, 2008.
As I sat in Hooters this Sunday with one of the Booster clubs here in Sacramento, even some KC fans, we all noticed the awful play calling especially the two calls "Roughing the Passer" Now these were obviously blatant attempts to keep us from progressing... YES I SAID IT... As I was sitting there watching this happen I thought to myself... "Could it be that we aren't as bad as we think we are?? Could it actually be the way the game is being called??" As Raider fans this is something we've all kind of thought, Everyone is always against us... But could it actually be true? Call it wishful thinking... but...
This seems to be the theme to not only this season but the last 5.
I'm tired of sitting here having to write about us as fans. Because frankly I don't even feel that way anymore. I feel there are fans and then there are those who need a past time.
The ones that sit there and claim the Raiders either when we are winning and stop when we're not... Or the ones that feel like it's just something to do and when we lose they have something to complain about later...
This weekend, the Raiders took on the Miami Dolphins, and though the left without the win, a positive did come out of the loss...
I REFUSE to sit here and bash on them for this and that... I will say where the problems are but I am not going to sit here and tear them down... CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM is NOT the same as CRITICISM alone.
It's not like they don't know where they need to improve, because we all do. The Offensive line was definitely working together better than they have, not the greatest but better. It upsets me that just when Gallery is...
