Raiders Win with Defense

Did you see the Raiders Defense today? Well I almost missed it all. I vowed to attend church and pray for Kerry and Norv. So while I was in church praying like a sinner, the Raiders were stinking up the first half with penalties, turnovers and what I hear a missed Jano Field goal. But you gotta give credit to us sinners who still believe in Raider Dominance.

I arrived home from church to see Kerry Collins being blessed with better decision making. He'd thrown an interception in the first half that was run back for a touchdown, memories of last weekend against the Broncos. However, in this second half Kerry made at least five straight completions on a drive that culminated in seven Raider points. Then the Defense got down right nasty and Derrick Burgess showed pro bowl style pressure. The defense held the Redskins to a few three downs and out series allowing our offense to use the clock and make plays.

Jerry Porter and Doug Gabriel made back to back big gains on passing plays that should have culminated in a touchdown. But Norv's play calling on first and goal at the two became very suspect and predictable. I still question some of Norv's offensive play calling. It seems he may be calling plays that limit collins decision making, which is a needed evil unfortunately. Granted, Zack Crocket should have caught the badly thrown ball from collins for a touchdown, but in the end the field goal held up, so Kerry's off the hook.

The Raiders may not make the playoffs this year, but they'll definitely be feared by those teams they'll play who have a shot at the playoffs. We finally have a defense that can pressure a quarterback. Now it's just a better offensive game plan and a confident quarterback.

final
Raiders 16
Redskins 13