I'm not here to promote the Bay Area rivalry. It's too late for that one. The Oakland Raiders didn't take care of business when they faced the San Francisco 49ers in the regular season last year. Tomorrow's game will get personal at times but this is a preseason game that players get looked at by their teams. There will be players in the game playing for roster spots and others playing to earn an important role on the team in 2011. Then there will be players that are playing to keep an important role on the team for the Raiders in 2011. I have my eye on the players ...
The Oakland Raiders take a quick jaunt across the Bay Bridge to take on their rivals, the San Francisco 49ers. Both teams are in the same boat though, and that is a treacherous thing to be in. More than players, there will be question marks all over the field on Saturday as the Raiders and 49ers renew their rivalry. They may also be renewing their claims to ineptitude along the way. Both teams followed up dismal campaigns in 2010 with losses in the first week of the preseason. If they are to right the ship, it needs to happen in ...
With the second preseason game after a long break, the Raiders hope that their injury proneness doesn't escalate.As of August 18th, several high value guys are sidelined for the foreseeable future: WR Louis Murphy (Out for season opener—Hamstring) CB Chris Johnson (Hamstring—Should be back for opener) WR Jacoby Ford (Broken Hand) In comes Denarius Moore to the picture. The rookie wideout has been wowing folks throughout the month with his domination over starting cornerback Stanford Routt during scrimmages. As Hue Jackson mentioned, it's not just one play. He dominates the entire practice.Jacoby won't be gone long, but Louis Murphy's "procedures" ...
Several years ago, I began a mission to get Washington Redskins legend Chris Hanburger inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Thanks to the letters and quotes from his NFL brethren, "The Hangman" was finally inducted this season. Shortly after I began my cause, I created a series called "Crazy Canton Cuts". It was to not only pay respect to the greatest football players not yet inducted, but to remind the reader of the true greatness these players posses. I have profiled a lot of great players over the years. Enough to put together a team that could take the field ...
There are a few teams that are pretty excited that Terrelle Pryor has been cleared to enter into the NFL supplemental draft. Pryor’s eligibility for the NFL was in question because of his role in the Ohio State improper benefits scandal, but he NFL has officially declared him to be eligible for the draft, It’s interesting to note that it seems as if the NFL will honor the NCAA’s original decision with Pryor, and he will be suspended for the first five games of the season once he signs a contract. While I don’t necessarily agree with the NFL’s decision ...
The Oakland Raiders are now pressing on after losing the services of Zach Miller and Nnamdi Asomugha. There are many that see the two losses as devastating to their chances of building on last year's 8-8 record. I don't see it that way. Asomugha is the best corner in the game today, but the Raiders handcuffed themselves with his large salary. The rest of the team has to be good in order for a corner to have an impact on a team anyway. I guess that's why Asomugha is in Philadelphia. Miller is far from the best at his position and wanted ...
Everyone knows that the Oakland Raiders have been weak for about seven years, but this year they have the potential to prove themselves as a stronger, more talented team. In a few days, the Oakland Raiders will clash against the New Orleans Saints. Looking at the data below you can see the sad truth about how these teams have performed against each other over the past nine years.Take a good look at the total wins per season from 2002 to 2010:
Year Saints Raiders Diff
2002 9 11 2
2003 8 4 -4
2004 8 5 -3
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Oakland departed with my favorite player, Zach Miller, over the off-season, leading many to think Oakland may be heading in the opposite direction from last year. Kevin Boss lets us know that this isn't the case.After watching the first preseason game against the Cardinals, it's clear to me the Raiders look like a team focused on improvement. You can see it in the coaching staff, Jason Campbell's tone, and in the fans scattered around the bay area.Is Kevin Boss an upgrade?Yes.There are three reasons which lead me to believe that Boss will pave the way for a more balanced attack. Begin ...
The Oakland Raiders.There is so much that comes to mind when one mentions that name. Al Davis, Silver and Black, dirty, nasty, champions, losers, dysfunctional, greatness, etc.Without a doubt, the Raiders are one of the most storied teams in the NFL, with a history that is similar to the stock market. Depending on your age or knowledge of the game, your understanding of the Raiders will vary.One thing is certain, there is something developing in Oakland that we have never seen before.Begin Slideshow
The Oakland Raiders are one of the most difficult teams in the NFL to predict.For example, in 2010 the Raiders did not seem that impressive on paper, but still managed to sweep their division. At the same time they did that, they still failed to make the playoffs because the Chiefs had a better overall record.For the 2011 season, the Raiders will play their normal divisional games along with the NFC North, and AFC East. They will also take on the Browns and the Texans in the AFC. Because they have such a difficult schedule, I don't see them winning ...