Raiders Run Over Red&Gold 49ERS

Oakland Raiders
248 yds Rushing
2 Fumble Recoveries
2 Interceptions
1-53yd Punt Return For TD

49ers
2 FG's

Final Score
Raiders 18
49ers 6

The San Francisco Chronicle called the game "Sloppy Play" and commented that both teams should keep this opening preseason skirmish in proper perspective. Obviously, the SF media is in denial about the domination of the Oakland Raiders over their pampered media darling 49ers. But that's okay, we of the Silver and Black world didn't expect the crowning of the Battle of the Bay Champion Oakland Raiders to get print copy in San Francisco, its too soon and much too painful for them. Our crowning was actually done on the field last night in front of a hungry bay area football fan base of Raiders fans peppered with some brave 49er souls wearing their Red and Gold. Or as I heard it said after the game, Gold and Pink!

The three outstanding performances as a team were the Running Game, Defense and Special Teams. How is that for a three-headed monster. Speaking of which, it was the running game that electrified the Raiders fans and gives promise to a much improved team. Seems we have the blocking schemes to open up running lanes for all five of our featured backs. Johnnie Lee Higgins punt return for a touchdown highlighted the solid special teams play. With kicker Janokowski out, the fill in free agent Aaron Elling did a heck of a job kicking. Shane Lechler is still doing his Ray Guy impersonation and looks to be ready for the season.

I will try to keep in perspective this game as being an opening exhibition game, but I can't deny to myself what my eyes witnessed last night at McAfee Coliseum; the Oakland Raiders football organization fielded a disciplined team with a game plan that dominated their cross bay rival San Francisco 49ers.

Battle Of The Bay 08

__Champion__

Oakland Raiders

Undisputed!