Oakland Raiders No Joke
Oakland Raiders Hold Their Heads High
For years the Oakland Raiders were the punchline to any NFL joke. Al Davis’s itchy trigger finger for his head coach earned Oakland the reputation of being a nightmare job where no one wanted to go. The rotation of quarterbacks that have taken snaps for the black and silver during this 7 year drought can make a list as long as most NFL rosters. And while you have to add the 2009 year into the losing category, respect has to be given to a team that is making huge strides at becoming better.
The Oakland Raiders have knocked off the following playoff contending teams this year: Denver on the road, Pittsburgh on the road, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia. All have winning records, and all faced a Raiders team that controlled the game from the first snap. A few bad turnovers did help in the Cincinnati game, but overall these were earned victories.
In week 15 JaMarcus Russell came into the game in relief and led the game-winning, 58-yard touchdown drive to beat the Broncos . Russell hasn’t been great this season, but baby steps need to be made with the 1st overall draft pick. He might not be the answer at quarterback, but time is on his side and big performances like this one should give him more game time. Michael Bush also ran for 133 yards, the second 100-yard effort by a Raiders running back this season. There is talent on this team, it’s just a matter of building on it. The Raiders need to address a few more holes but for the first time in years Oakland Raiders fans can go to work Monday morning with a smile on there face knowing their team could have ruined a divisional rivals playoff opportunity.
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