Raiders Defense Grabs Buffalo By The Horns

With the Buffalo Bills (8-6) playing for the playoffs and Oakland Raiders (2-12) playing for pride, it was the hometown pride that won out in a hard fought game at Oakland Coliseum.  Buffalo came in needing a win to stay alive for the post-season and it appeared, after a first quarter touchdown bomb to rookie WR Sammie Watkins, that they just might make the coliseum their playground.  Then Sir Charles Woodson and the defense took charge, limiting the Bills offense to a total of 13 rushing yards for the game. Sir Charles 1st quarter interception ignited a fire under the Raiders defensive unit and sent a game changing message to the opponent; Not Up In Here!

#24 Charles Woodson after intercepting Bills QB Kyle Orton

QB Derek Carr and the offense did enough to take a lead and the defense made sure it stuck.  Running Backs Latavius Murray and Marcel Reece gave us some electrifying moments along with Darren McFadden, who it was good to see get pass a few initial tacklers.  Receivers Kembrell Thompkins and Andre Holmes pulled in enough passes to give kicker Sebastian Janowski decent field position for 4 of 5 field goals made. 

Best news of the day was rumor that the Raiders are about to sign a 1-year contract to play next season at the Oakland Coliseum.  Heck, we'll take whatever we can get when it comes to making sure the Raiders stay in Oakland. 

After seeing the San Francisco 49ers squander a brilliant 28-7 half-time lead and lose in overtime to the San Diego Chargers yesterday, I can say that today's blue collar Raiders win leaves silver and black football fans with a bright outlook for bay area football. And if you saw rookie LB #52 Kahlil Mack putting hits and pressure on the opposing quarterback today, you'd understand our enthusiasm.

Final Score                                  

Bills 24                                        

Raiders 26                                   

Shout outs to defensive players Antonio Smith, Justin Tuck, T.J. Carrie, Miles Burris, Brendian Ross and Ray Ray Armstrong. 
Good Job Soldiers!