They try to say, “It’s the pre-season, it doesn’t matter.” That’s true to an extent. However, it’s very hard to justify a shutout. This is the time of year when the 3rd and 4th quarters can be physically painful to watch. I’ll focus on the first half of the game; because as Lane Kiffin shared in his post game report, a lot of the guys who played in the 2nd half will “unfortunately, not be with the team much longer.”

Raiders vs Cardinals, 24-0 LOSS

• I knew when I hopped on BART an hour before the game it was going to be a light crowd. My trip to the Coliseum is usually a close personal experience with my Raider brethren, including spontaneous cattle calls of “Raaaaaaaaaaaiders.” Continue Reading »

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We lost Gene Upshaw this morning to pancreatic cancer. He was only 63 years old.

The Raiders drafted Gene Upshaw in 1967, the year before I was born. I was lucky enough to see him play several times when I was a little kid. I wish I could remember more about his field presence. Just going to the games was a stimulation overload, in the best possible way. His image, however, is ingrained in my memories. Not only has our Raider family lost a large and influential man, the NFL has lost one if it’s greatest ambassadors.

Gene played during the days when Raiders lived among us middle class folks. They weren’t millionaires. They didn’t live in mansions or exclusive communities. Their kids went to school with us. Their wives shopped at the grocery store with our moms. While they gave Continue Reading »

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We’re two games into the pre-season, so I feel comfortable enough, based on what I’ve seen thus far, to submit my official game-by-game predictions. I’ll be honest, I’m leaning towards optimism. Now this isn’t like me. I usually lower my expectations to protect myself from the pain of disappointment. However, there is something about this team that has me excited. I honestly feel that if things click, and we get a few lucky breaks here and there, we could be on the good side of .500. I’m rolling with that.

Oakland Raiders, 2008-9 Season
9-7

Monday, September 8 – Denver Broncos
Win. We open the season at home on MNF against our arch nemesis. The stage couldn’t be set any better for a season making win to get Continue Reading »

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I cannot tell you how good it felt to be back in my seat at the Coli. Playing the Niners at home always brings the eyesore of red jerseys popping out against our sea of black. It’s unnatural, and the only way to remedy the situation is to beat them early and send them streaming up the isles before the game clock expires.

We succeeded.

Here is the first of my game reports from the Coliseum for the 2008 Season!

Raiders vs 49rs, 18-6 – WIN

• The Offensive squad was introduced by name for the first time since I can remember. The last two players announced were Justin Fargas and JaMarcus Russell, loud ovation for both. Surprisingly, Javon Continue Reading »

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