Big Chet Gone Too Soon

Former Raiders pro bowl lineman Chester Mcglockton has passed away at the age of 42.

Always A Raider Chet, Always A Raider!

Philly Fan Frustration

Hey Nnamdi, Tell Me How Last Tastes

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid adjusts his glasses during the second half of an NFL football game with the New England Patriots on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, in Philadelphia. The Patriots won 38-20. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

Actually my heart goes out to former Raiders pro bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. Nnamdi left our beloved Raiders for what looked like greener pastures in Philadelphia. Now the so called "Dream Team" Eagles have spiraled so far down that assistant coaches are arguing on the sideline, players are playing not to get hurt and Philly fans are chanting for the head of head coach Andy Reid.

Nnamdi, suffering from a hyperextended left knee, played sparingly yesterday in their (38-20) loss to the New England Patriots, but I'm sure the chants of "Fire Andy! Fire Andy!" echoing throughout the stadium brought back nightmares of the Jarmarcus Russell boos that shook the Oakland Coliseum to it's core a few seasons back.

The Eagles, thought to be a Super Bowl contender by just about every football analyst, are a disappointing (4-7), tied for last place in the NFC East. It just goes to show that the team predictions you see on paper at the start of the season, are good for nothing more than wiping butts after a hearty Thanksgiving meal come late November.

Hey Eagles, Tell Me How Last Tastes!

A Win Is A Win

Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski watches his 42-yard field goal against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011. Janikowski had six field goals as the Raiders won 25-20. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

Almost every team this time of the season is pretty banged up. It was apparent today with the Raiders running game sputtering and the Chicago Bears passing game limited much of the day. The game would be dominated mostly by defense and special teams.

Raiders pro bowl kicker Sebastian Janikowski broke his own record by kicking six field goals in a game. six-time pro bowl punter Shane Lechler was consistent in pinning the Bears back near their own endzone. Lechler also had a phenomenal punt that traveled eighty yards in the air, going over return man Devin Hester's head and bouncing into the endzone. The biggest Chicago threat, Hester, was contained.

The Oakland Raiders are 7-4, have won their last three games and still lead the AFC West by a game. Today, the Raiders were the better team. They limited the penalties to less than a handful and QB Carson Palmer looked the part of an all-pro quarterback.

I question some of coach Hue Jackson's decisions on plays and strategy, like calling a time out which allowed Bears coach Lovie Smith the challenge and win a reversal on a catch by Darrius Heyward-Bey ruled complete. Yeah, there were a few negatives I saw with the Raiders today, but the positives outweigh them by a landslide.

RB Marcel Reese (unstoppable as a receiver) M. Bush honorable mention

Kickers Lechler & Janikowski (this game was riding on their legs)

LB Kamerion Wimbley (game changing interception return)

WR Chaz Schilens & Louis Murphy (clicking with Carson) DHB honorable mention

A Bend but don't Break Defense

Us Raider Fans are going to ride this winning high like a Warrior going into battle atop his War Horse, aware of our weaknesses yet trusting in our ability to reach our objective by any means necessary. Strength and Honor comrades, Strength and Honor!

Final Score

Bears 20

Raiders 25

SF Mission High School Wins Turkey Bowl

Mission Bears Tasting Turkey Bowl Victory

I couldn't be at Kezar Stadium this Thanksgiving for the 88th San Francisco AAA Championship game, where the (9-3) Mission Bears defeated the (9-3) defending champion Washington Eagles 12-7. The game was historic in that Mission High School hadn't been represented in the annual football title game since 1977 and hadn't won it since 1954. Washington on the other hand has it's share of modern day appearances and championship titles.

The last two Thanksgivings placed me out of town eating meals cooked by a five-star chef. Ever seen hot juices dribble down the slopes of a Prime Rib Roast as it's being sliced? Or Chicken Marsala smothered in a mouth watering mushroom gravy? It's christmas to any appetite I tell you.

With all the good foods topped off with delicious desserts, I still found time to check the results of the Turkey Bowl game online, and boy was I surprised that the Mission Bears pulled off the upset. A team that had to cancel their season two years ago because there weren't enough academically eligible players now sits atop the city sports landscape as a champion. That takes not only great coaching but commitment and mentorship. Coach Joe Albano and his staff deserve championship praise for turning around the Mission program.

The timely play that vaulted the Bears to the league pinnacle was a double reverse that ended with Bears Antoine Porter kneeling in the endzone with 5:48 left in the game. It was what sounds like a fascinating play that finally rewarded the Bears stellar defense, which had caused four Eagles turnovers on the day (two interceptions and two fumbles). Washington's offense did not score in the game.

Boy what I wouldn't have given to witness that play live at Kezar, celebrating with Bears fans. But then again, I've got memories of attacking that prime rib like it was a goal line. I saw where I had to get to and nothing would stop me from crossing the table to reach my juicy reward. Touchdown!

Maybe next year I'll make it out to Kezar for the 2012 Turkey Bowl game, especially if Mission High begins making up for lost time and finds itself in back-to-back championship games. And maybe they'll also replace the bear paw on their helmets with a Bear Slash for beware. Whatever their fate, the Mission High football program plans for the future will have to be put on hold. For Today, head coach Joe Albano and the proud players he helped believe in themselves both on the field and off, are San Francisco Academic Athletic Association champions. Well done coach!

Congratulations Mission Bears of 2011

Final Score

Mission 12

Washington 7

Antoine Porter giving thanks after scoring the game-winner in the fourth.

Are You Sure You Wanna Live Forever?

101 year old Mongolian woman

(from "The"Face of Age Project")

At some point in your life you wished it, thought about it, and you may have dreamed that it actually happened to you. Well, after seeing what people who live past 100 years (Centenarians) have in common, you may not wanna live a day past 65.

Some, like the artist photographing the "Faces of The Aged", might find beauty and wisdom in the craggily, dry lines of a very old face. But most of us, and yes that means 99.9% of you reading this post, wouldn't want to see ourselves in the mirror looking like that at any age. After all, we are such a conceited society aren't we?

And if you've lived a "Picture of Dorian Gray" type lifestyle, you can bet your brittle bones that every ugly and unkind deed you've performed in life will appear on your centenarian face. Yes my friend, justice does have a face, and it can be painful to behold.

I've always found old people fascinating with their stories of past times and life struggles, but never have I wanted to be in their shoes, suffering body aches, blindness, incontinence and a host of bodily failures that comes with aging. So does that make me a coward and those old fogies in nursing homes gripping to the last sliver of life with all their might, courageous warriors? Perhaps!

Then again, maybe it's the price we pay to someday live on this earth in peace, having at least one heartfelt soul kindly looking after our needs, and the only threat to our human person being death by good ole natural causes.

So, still think you might wanna live forever? Well do yah Punk?

Got Tight Ends?

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady took a beating before finally getting on track with his receivers and putting the Kansas Chiefs to bed on Monday Night Football. As much as I dislike the Pats (snowbowl 2002) I had to cheer them on to beat Raiders division rival Chiefs.

I hate to say it but Dammit! the Pats win in so many ways. Other than the little "mighty mouse" of a receiver Wes Welker, there are no star wide receivers on their roster. So what do Belichick and Brady stir into the cauldron? Two rumbling tight ends with great hands, decent speed, field vision and bodies that are like duracell batteries; made to last.

Rob Gronkowski, a 2010 second round draft pick, is the new prototype for tight ends. We've seen tight ends built like him before, but I can't remember an offensive philosphy being built around one. Gronkowski is a beast of a weapon that powers the Patriots offense like pistons do an engine.

I really hate this, giving credit to a coach, a quarterback and a team that the Raiders helped propel into the limelight almost a decade ago. Actually it was referee Walt Coleman and the review booth, but who's keeping score? What the Patriots did to the Kansas City Chiefs last night was proof that durable blue collar parts and a superior game plan can make a good NFL team an elite contender for a championship.

As for Brady, he's 34 years old and hasn't been as "untouchable" since the New York G-Men put a hurting on him in Super Bowl XLII. Heck, the Chiefs were teeing off on him using a three man rush at one point last night.

I wish no ill will to Brady, but with all the quarterback injuries this season, he just may be one hit away from.....retirement. With an undrafted free agent from 2009 (Brian Hoyer) and a rookie (Ryan Mallett) as Brady's backups, we might be watching the end of a so-called dynastic run.

Who knows, coach Belichick might have plans to to run the 6'6, 266 pound big fella, Gronkowski, out of a wildcat position. After all, he hails from the University of Arizona, better known as the Arizona Wildcats.

Final Score

Chiefs 3

Patriots 34

Rihanna Talks, Ellen Flirts

Okay sports fans, just to set the record straight, I do not sit around waiting for the Ellen Degeneres Show to come on before every Monday Night Football game. Just so happens I was flipping through the channels killing time before the game when I came across a sexy Rihanna talking about being single. Rihanna Single?

So what do sexy single stars do? They go on talk shows looking hot and talk about why they're single and what it's like. While waiting for Rihanna to stand up.......Let me try again. While waiting for Rihanna to open up to Ellen about types of men she prefers, I got a bit of a surprise.

You can watch the clip below but let me at least get this out. I am convinced that Ellen Degeneres is, for all intents and purposes, a man. Why? Because only a seasoned gentleman can be in the presence of a sexy woman talking about her "kitty cat" and come back with a sly one-liner like the one that Ellen Delivers:

Next Up For The Raiders

Yes, a Cutler-less (7-3) Chicago Bears team is coming to the Coliseum to take on the (6-4) Oakland Raiders. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who was a former Raiders rival with the Denver Broncos, broke his thumb yesterday in a win over San Diego.

Cutler, accused by Da Bears fans last season of cowardice in the line of duty, hurt himself in a courageous play where he saved an interception from being returned for a touchdown. Of course it was Jay who threw the interception, so in a Bears fans world Da Bum had it coming to him.

We Raiders fans know what it's like to lose a quarterback. Fortunately for us we replaced an injured Jason Campbell with a resurgent Carson Palmer. With each game you can see Palmer getting more and more comfortable with his offensive line and receivers. Though the Bears come to Oaktown without starter Jay Cutler, Da Bear defense, led by pro bowler Brian Urlacher, will be in "mission critical" mode, and that don't bode well for the Raiders offense.

This coming Sunday will be a true test for the AFC West division leading Raiders. Can they run the ball against a stubborn run defense ranked #10? Can the young offensive line continue their stellar play against a suspect pass defense? Can receivers exploit the weak Chicago secondary? I say the Raiders can win this game, and win it convincingly. Monsters of the Midway Dis Bears defense is not. Simply don't kick anything into the arms of phenomenal return man Devin Hester and the game is ours.

One thing Bears fans won't be able to do after a Raiders win is blame the man with the target on his back, Jay Cutler. Cutler is out!

Oakland Raiders Bend

#33 Tyvon Branch

Today on the road, the Oakland Raiders scored 27 points in three quarters to the Minnesota Vikings 7. QB Carson Palmer and RB Michael Bush led the way for Oakland. Then came the fourth quarter and a scary injury to wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey.

The Vikings would score two touchdowns in the quarter and force the Raiders defense to step it up a notch. After three quarters of offensive consistency the Raiders offense had gone a bit flat. Maybe the Heyward-Bey injury played a part in it, maybe not.

DID U KNOW: The Raiders have not scored in the final quarter since a Janikowski field goal with 10 minutes to play at Houston…on Oct. 9…five games ago.

Read more: Raiders stave off Vikings in Minnesota 27-21

What did play a huge roll in getting the team back on track was the defense. They played aggressive all day while accumulating 12 penalties for 117 yards, many questionable, but penalties wouldn't derail this bunch. Their sack attack (5) was still going strong, even without DT Richard Seymour. They also forced four of the five Viking turnovers. Today, unlike previous seasons, they refused to break under pressure.

With Vikings running back Adrian Peterson sidelined in the second quarter from an ankle injury, Minnesota would ride the arm and legs of rookie quarterback Christian Ponder. Ponder did a decent Tim Tebow impersonation rushing 5 times for 71 yards, but the Raiders defense had seen that show before and would not allow an encore.

My "Play of the Game" with under two minutes left and Christian 'Tebow" driving his team toward a go ahead score:

4th and 8 at MIN 46 (Shotgun) C.Ponder pass incomplete

Raiders Tyvon Branch broke up a pass to Harvin on fourth down to preserve the victory.

The Oakland Raiders may not have played an all around complete game today, but they did what coach Hue Jackson has been asking them to do; THEY FINISHED!

Final Score

Raiders 27

Vikings 21

note: There was a Chaz Schilens sighting today. The wide receiver caught 1 pass for an 11 yard touchdown. Get well DHB!

Let's Have A Feast & Celebrate Together

Who knew during the NFL lockout that our San Francisco-Oakland bay area would field playoff potential teams, much less Super Bowl contenders.

In committing what many Raider Nation fans will call a crime against humanity, I cheered along with 49er fans as their team handed the (6-3) New York Giants their third loss of the season. I realized while watching the game with Niner friends of mine that the Bay Area is big enough for two champion-caliber teams to co-exist.

Raider Nation, we need to stop hating and start relating to our sports brothers around the bay. If nothing else, recognize that the Niners have more in common with us than any other team in the league; new head coach, old stadium, proud history, 9 year playoff drought, current division lead and best place on earth to live in northern California.

The bay area has two shots at bringing home a Super Bowl trophy this season. It's been 15 seasons since we've been able to lay claim to a NFL champion here. With the way both teams are winning this season it would be wise and self-fulfilling to applaud the success of each and be ready to welcome the Lombardi Trophy to northern Cali..

When the prodigal son returned home his brother was jealously hurt by their father's joyous welcome-home feast in honor of the returning son. I say to Raider & Niner fans what the father said to his older son: "My son, you are always with me and all that I have is yours." (Luke 15:11-32)

When the Lombardi Trophy returns to the Bay Area we should all celebrate it's return regardless the team who brings it home. We can rejoice in knowing that what's been lost to the area for 15 seasons, has been found.

Let brotherhood and fellowship reign supreme, at least for one Super season. wink, wink!

Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. "Your brother has come," he replied, "and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound." The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, "Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!" "My son," the father said, "you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." (Luke 15:11-32)

Nebraska Defeats JoePa-Less Penn 17-14

(19) Nebraska 17

(8-2, 4-2 Big Ten)

(12) Penn St 14

(8-2, 5-1 Big Ten)

#19 Nebraska took a 17-0 lead in the third quarter before allowing #12 Penn State to score in the quarter then close to three at 17-14 in the fourth. Penn had a chance but was stopped on 4th and 1 at their own 38 with 1:49 left in the game.

After a week of shock and awe at Penn over the Jerry Sandusky/Joe Paterno debacle, resuming football today seemed to be a welcome relief for some and an added curse for others. Folks are still angry with Penn State for the actions and non-actions of a few. The innocents at the University would like to move on from the issue, but there's too many people still wanting to know "How the Heck Joe Pa or any of those who'd heard about Sandusky ignore and overlook the abuse of children on their campus?" With nobody immediately coming forth with an honest answer, it paints an accusing picture of all those involved as guilty of conspiracy to ignore and cover-up the crime.

I understand the innocent community of Happy Valley, PA. wanting to leave this ugly controversy behind, but I agree with those who wanna hold the university accountable and get to the truth about who knew, when they knew and why they did nothing to stop a serial child abuser from repeating offenses on their watch.

It's sad to say but I think this case will get a lot uglier before the answers are pried out of Penn State. One commenter on Penn State playing the game against Nebraska today had this to say:

Dr van Nostrand III

Joe Pa should have been watching this on a TV hanging on a prison wall, while toweling off from a shower session of his own...more

User ID:http://sportsnation.espn.go.com

First Place

Denarius Moore makes a fingertip catch of a Carson Palmer pass in front of San Diego's Quentin Jammer on Thursday. Moore had two touchdown catches. AP Denis Poroy

Read more at Sacramento Bee - Oakland Grabs The Lead

Thanks to the "Bruising" running of Michael Bush, the lightening strike pass plays of Carson Palmer to rookie Darnarius Moore, the "Ferocious" quarterback feeding frenzy of Kamerion Wimbley and the defensive line, the Raiders ended a Thursday Night Football feast with first place in the AFC west fully bloating their belly.

The Oakland Raiders, injury plagued and all, showed nothing is going to stop their return to greatness this season. These are not your faithlessly led Art Shell/Lane Kiffin Raiders. The Raiders of 2011 are coach Hue Jackson's revival meeting Raiders, and their belief in their leader strengthens their belief in themselves. It really is a most beautiful fellowship to behold.

Michael Bush, you and your 242 yards from scrimmage, fourth most ever by a Raiders running back, are the banner under which all silver and black clad soldiers march today. You stood tall while leading a Raiders assault in enemy territory. More comrades would fall, but you did not let the team colors waver while keeping all eyes on the victory prize.

For courage in the line of silver and black duty, Michael Bush we salute you!

Final Score

Raiders 24

Chargers 17

Raiders Chargers Thursday Nite

It's Only For First Place!

Tonight's NFL matchup between the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers is a welcome break from the Penn State Joe Paterno fiasco. With both AFC west teams at 4-4, this game promises to be a battle to the end.

The winner will take a one game lead in the division while the loser will begin doubting themselves and their chances of making the playoffs. Both teams are attemptiong to end losing streaks and with rejuvenated division rival Kansas City in the conversation at 4-4, losing simply is not an option.

My Raiders, hobbling into this game without starting running back Darren McFadden, will need to pull out every trick in the playbook. The offensive play calling must be fresh and unpredictable. I suspect new Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer will attempt airing it out in San Diego. With Marcel Reese, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Jacoby Ford and hopefully Tight End Kevin Boss, Palmer has the targets to throw to. The question is will passer and receivers finally synch-up and produce consistently on the field. Let's not forget newly acquired receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. It could be a breakout game for Palmer.

The Chargers are as vulnerable on defense as the injury plagued Raiders. Raiders tackling must improve and they must get back to playing as one unit. This is not week 2 in Buffalo, it's show-me week 9 in sunny San Diego. Well, show us!

The Raiders will prevail if the defense plays a full four quarters and can get off the field on third downs and avoid penalties. Special teams must contribute somehow. We need playmakers tonight in all phases of the game. You wanna be a bully and dominate your opponent? Then it starts tonight on national television. Be Somebody! Be Raiders! Just Win Baby!

"JoePa" Relieved Of Duties At Penn State

It's been a long week at Penn State. But we must remember that the pain and shame the University of Pennsylvania feels is miniscule compared to the pain, shame and suffering felt by the young men who were mere boys when sexually assaulted on the Penn State campus by a trusted Penn State assistant football coach.

Yes, Joe Paterno was "relieved of his duties" as football head coach along with university president Graham Spanier. However the decision was made and carried out, it was the only acceptable decision. Again, no hurt, shame or loss can compare to that of the victims, none!

My prayers and blessings go out to the young men who showed courage in coming forward with their stories of victimization as children. These young men have shown more courage and integrity than anyone at the university who either knew or heard rumors of assistant coach Jerry Sandusky's actions.

The victims, who came forward after many years of suffering in silence, are true heroes to many unsuspecting parents and their kids. The predator has been exposed as a cowardly lion and has been banished from the Land of Oz.

The Penn State football program will heal and the university will continue to patch up it's image, but the young men are sadly sentenced to a life of cloaked pain by sexual predator Jerry Sandusky and his enablers at Penn State.

Child Abuse is a social evil that effects our roots - "children".

Young Men, We Salute Your Perseverance and Courageous Stand For justice.

Money Earnin Mt. Vernon Loses Heavy

Ole Skool Rapper, record producer and actor Heavy D has passed on at the age of 44.

Rest Well Heavy

Damon Bruce Delivers

Yesterday I listened to KNBR radio host Damon Bruce report on the "Sodomy" accusations surrounding Penn State's former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. Trust me when I say, the topic of discussion was gutwrenchingly brutal to listen to.

With his masterful breakdown of six pages from grand jury testimony, D.Bruce surgically removed any doubt from my mind that the infamous Pennsylvania college shares in the guilt of crimes against children on their campus; crimes that the university enabled through their silence and possible cover-up. Whatever happened to behavioral accountability and moral obligations at our institutions of learning?

It's not only the shocking information D.Bruce delivers in breaking down the Penn State silence, it's the way in which he methodically covers every angle of the neglect and failure to act. Bruce does it better than any prosecutor would dare. He does it by calling a spade a spade, and has the eyewitness testimony to back it up.

Bruce begins with warning listeners about what they're about to hear, then he gives all the incriminating details and ends it with an educational tip to parents and/or their listening children, urging them to immediately report anything in their own experiences that sounds familiar to this horrific story. He reiterates the fact that the actions Jerry Sandusky's accused of performing against a minor are criminal.

Mr. Damon Bruce, today you've won my honorary citizens award for speaking directly to the matter, providing fact-based information and giving hard-nosed advice to our society on the importance of bringing this particular "sexual predator" and those who enabled him to reign for decades, to justice.

As D.Bruce so aptly states, this is "Much More Than A Sports Story!"

11/7/2011 - Damon Bruce Show Hour 2

note: Where is the outrage against the Penn State University? The Protests? Media and Human & Animal Rights organizations were ready to "Lynch" Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick when the story about his involvement with a pit bull fighting ring emerged.

related: State Officials Blast Penn State In Sandusky Case

Integrity

Robert Lee Carter 1940-2011

in·teg·ri·ty/inˈtegritē/

Noun:

The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. The state of being whole and undivided: "territorial integrity".

What a coincidence that on a day that I sat with the ashes of a special friend, I'd be using the biblical quote from his obituary in a post for Boxing Legend Joe Frazier.

My friend Bob Carter had also done some amateur boxing and won a championship or two himself. He'd been a Marine and was a man that truly enjoyed life. A humble man who felt obligated to make sure those inside his circle as well as outside it were comfortable. A trusted and loyal friend loved by so many.

Bob simply was a champion in more ways than the fingers can count. I'll miss you Bob, but I'll never forget you Bob. Peace Be With You My Friend!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

Legendary Boxing Champion Joe Frazier Passes

Smokin Joe Frazier passed away today. He was the first American heavyweight to win an olympic gold medal (1964). He'd also won Golden Gloves championships in 1962, 1963 and 1964.

He became Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion in 1970 with a knockout of WBA champion Jimmy Ellis.

His signature punch was a crushing left hook that came out of nowhere like a heat seeking missile. Legend Muhammad Ali would go down after tasting that left hook with his jaw. Frazier would go on to win a unanimous decision. That was the first meeting in 1971. They'd meet two more times in the 70's, and as the saying goes;the rest is history.

Without Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali would've just been another flash in the pan fighter. Frazier and Ali made each other great, that's what great competitors do. Ali might've marketed himself as "The Greatest," but if you ask many from that early 70's era of boxing, Joe Frazier was the Champion most feared for his punching power in the ring.

The Bell Tolls 10 Times for a Worthy Champion

Joe Frazier

1944-2011

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

Raiders 2nd Half Flop Against Broncos

*Opening ceremony American Flag & Jets Fly Over

*Raiders 17-7 Halftime Lead over Broncos

*Halftime Surprise Reunion on Field with Military Father & Family

*Second Half Raiders Offensive, Defensive, Special Teams Flop

*Tim Tebow & Broncos Walk Away with A 38-21 Final

With a chance to take over the AFC western division lead the Raiders failed miserably. Something is seriously broken in Oakland, besides the collar bone of QB Jason Campbell. Who knew just how much the injured starting quarterback meant to the team. Seems the Defense has also gone on an early Holiday, being out-smarted by Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos much of the day.

At this stage of the season, the Oakland Raiders might still be in a 3-way tie for first place in the division, but the way they've played these last two games against division rivals Kansas City and Denver there's no way they make the playoffs.

Granted McFadden hasn't played in the two losses, but the problem isn't necessarily a running back problem, it's a "Team" problem. Coach Hue Jackson needs to handle it quick, or find himself losing hold of this young team. The future is truly beginning to look Silver & bleak.

Halftime Surprise-

A special military family reunion was held at halftime, a father returned from 10 months of military service in Afghanistan. The reunion was disguised as a field goal kicking challenge and the soldier was in a Raiders uniform complete with a helmet with a dark shield to hide his identity. The reunion will be featured on an upcoming episode of Lifetime’s Coming Home.

Steve Jobs Tribute

Steve Jobs

Feb. 24, 1955 - Beyond

logo design by Jonathan Mark

Without his creative mind, the world would surely be a smaller, boring place. Mr. Steve Jobs, the Thomas Edison of our time, we salute you!

Quote of the Day

"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress."


Frederick Douglass
American abolitionist, lecturer, author and slave, 1817-1895

Wide Receiver Housh is in the Raiders House

The Oakland Raiders signed wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh today. Great move. I was hoping they'd get him last season. (TJ Housh Available)

Hoosh brings experience, familiarity with QB Carson Palmer as well as leadership to a young receiving corps in need of a spark plug. Of the three former Bengals receivers (T.O., Ocho Cinco & Hoosh) I feel that Housh is less disruptive to a winning Raiders squad. He can still play.

I'll admit, the Terrell Owens workout had me chewing at the bit, but I knew signing him carried a heavy price for coach Hue Jackson. Better at this stage of the season to bring someone like Housh in than an Owens. Maybe!

Besides, although his contract is only one year ($910,000), the name Houshmanzadeh is worth investing in to wear on a silver & black jersey come Sunday.

Welcome to the Raider Nation T.J. HoushMANzadeh!