Adrian Peterson, Gale Sayers 2007?

If you haven't seen the NFL Replay of Minnesota RB Adrian Peterson romping under, over and through the San Diego Chargers defense, then you may be missing a part of history. Actually, he made history in the game by running for 296 yards, an NFL single game record.

I caught a glimpse of him the other week against Chicago and immediately knew there was something special about him. He's one of those few backs who runs with power, finesse and blazing speed. He sees the holes as they're about to open and is through them by the time the defense even knows there was a hole.

If you watch his footwork you'll be as mesmerized as the d-backs who go left on him when they should've gone right or stayed put. He has a way of skipping by defenders while theiy're trying to adjust to his change of speed and direction.

They say he's had injury problems in college and that he may not be able to handle the pounding of the NFL. Well if you ask me its the NFL that may not be able to handle Adrian Peterson. He's so fast and agile that defenders never really seem to get a clean shot on him. Add to that his power running and he's just one versatile monster of a weapon that you don't wanna face come Sunday.

I've always thought of Gale Sayers as one of the most exciting and eye-popping runners ever to play in the NFL. The first runner who they said must've had eyes in the back of his head. But injuries forced him out of the game way too soon. Sure Barry Sanders had that Sayers knack for knowing when a defender was blindly approaching and readjusting his run, but Barry had a lot of negative yards while juking defenders out of their shoes. O.J. Simpson was another who had the moves and was fun to watch, but I can't remember O.J. running over defenders or straight through them, he either ran around or past them after juking his way down field. He also had some pretty good line blocking.

Funny that Ladanian Tomlinson, a proven great in today's game, was on the San Diego sideline to witness Peterson's record running day. I'm still in awe after watching the replay of the game. Peterson didn't just have a few nice runs, he had many sensational romps. If what I saw was real, then we may be witnessing a running back who comes on the scene once in a blue moon. And many of these blue mooners don't stay around long due to injuries. So when you next hear that the Minnesota Vikings and Adrian Peterson are being televised in your local network area, take the time to get a glimpse of him. Then pick your jaw up off the floor and have someone pinch you. It wasn't just a dream.

A fan's answer to the question of who is the better running back, L. Tomlinson or A Peterson:

With the injury history it's hard to say
posted at 11/5/2007 11:39 AM EST

SeanW
First post: 10/22/2007Last post: 11/5/2007Total posts: 20
If Adrian Peterson stays healthy then I would say without a doubt yes. LT is a great back, however I think Peterson has a power to him we haven't seen in a very long time. However his health is key, we all know how his running style wears on running backs. He might not have the longevity of an Emmitt Smith, but it doesn't make him any less spectacular. I watched that entire game yesterday and had to constantly pick my jaw up off the floor. Even on the relatively short runs.

Bay Area's Own - Adrian Marcel

You know how it is when you recognize a talent, you just wanna share it with everyone.  Seems this young man has the sound and style to blow up the charts someday very soon.  His sound has the mix of ol'skool R&B with that 90's crooning flava.  

Good things sometimes come to those who are late.  Hopefully the SF/Oakland Bay Area don't sleep too late on AM. 

Raider Nation Knows:

Adrian Marcel Links

Exclusive Interview

Raphael Sadiq Presents

Discovery: Adrian Marcel

Mixtape Tracks : 7 Days Of Weak

It's Football Playoffs Time

With two teams from the AFC West representin' in the NFL Playoffs, I should feel better about my Raiders 7-9 regular season. It means they had four divisional games against teams good enough to make the playoffs, not to mention the four non-divisional playoff teams they played (bengals, steelers, vikings, packers). The Raiders will be back in playoff contention next season; I guarantee it! (thanks Broadway Joe)

I'm not sure who to cheer for in this year's Playoffs. I suppose for the AFC I'd like to see Peyton Manning get another shot at the title.  Of course I'd like to see Cam Newton and the Panthers get there also for the NFC, but something about seeing Vikings RB Adrian Peterson doing his thing in the Super Bowl excites me. 

Speaking of AP, there was an interview where he acknowledged Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch as being the best running back in the league today, " hands down". 

Now that's one hell of an endorsement coming from a great player like Adrian Peterson.  It shows how much respect Peterson has for the game and the players he competes against.  

Wait a minute; correction. AP called Lynch the second best running back?  Second to AP, I suppose. Oh shucks! Oh well, there's no room for humbleness in football, and Peterson just might've put his arrogant foot in his mouth and awakened a Beast. 

Imagine a playoffs showdown between AP and Beast Mode?  I'd pay Floyd Mayweather Fight money to see it, with money down on Oaktown's Lynch.

Well, tomorrow I get that wish, minus the Money May pay-per-view robbery, as their two teams (vikings & seahawks) faceoff against one another in a wild card game. It's the beginning of the second season as the NFL Playoffs take over the sports world in a last team standing tournament.

Good Luck gentleman, "and may the odds be ever in your favor."


Raiders News: Khalil Mack has made All-Pro history.

Money Well Spent

Come on Raiders; you weren't able to land any big name free agents, you've got monies that must be spent, nothing big added to the offense so far and yet you still have two of your better players in WR Rod Streater and C Stefen Wisniewski unsigned?  

Why?

I understand that top NFL talent may not wanna bring their show to Oakland, so why not keep some of the talent that's already here? Streater and Wisniewski are Raider bred and should be made offers.  I do like what we've added on defense, especially in the linebacking corps, but our inability to add much on offense has me looking at these two young veteran Raiders for some help.

I know we've added the center from KC, but I feel Wiz could give us some depth on that O-line.  As for Streater, you could say he's been our best, most consistent receiver since being drafted, barring the injury.

Time for the Raiders brain trust to stop sleep walking their way through free agency and start making top athletes offers that they just can't refuse. What the heck is Adrian Peterson's situation? Someone make a phone call. Let's hope the Draft goes somewhat hotter than the free agency transactions to date. 

RB Darren McFadden to miss 2-4 Weeks

Coach Tom Cable announced that starting running back Darren McFadden will miss 2-4 weeks with a knee injury. Fan concensus seems to be "So What?"

D-Mac was supposed to bring to the Raiders an Adrian Peterson style of play. So far he's been injury prone, fumble prone and a low impact offensive weapon. Sorry D-Mac but the only threat you've shown us so far is the threat of early retirement.

Here is one fan's comment after hearing the news:

Steeldrum16
o no o heavens no how will the raiders continue to win so much how will they be good without him fumbling on every other run. how will my fantasy team survive with out his 10 rushing yards and fumble in every game he plays. how will that superstar russel throw all those touchdown passes and lead his team with out mcfadden there to sell the play fake. o gosh fellows this is the worst thing that could have ever happened to the raiders.

Think of what they'd say if it had been JaMarcus Russell getting injured. Ever heard of "Crocodile Tears?" I thought so!

Idioms: crocodile tears

An insincere display of grief, as in When the play's star broke her leg, her understudy wept crocodile tears. This term comes from the mistaken notion that crocodiles weep while eating their prey, one held in ancient Roman times. The actual term was picked up by Shakespeare and many other writers after him, and remains current. [Late 1500s]

How About We Just Cancel Christmas!

1. 
   

   Silver linings

   Josh Gordon's suspension has officially been reduced to 10 games. While that is still a lengthy ban, getting the wide receiver on the field in 2014 will be a boon to the Cleveland Browns in the long run. Read

   LATEST HEADLINES

   1. Dolphins' Dion Jordan suspended 4 games for substance abuse
   2. Petition filed seeking protective order for Adrian Peterson's son
   3. Goodell plans to change personal conduct policy | Full statement
   4. McCown to have second opinion, could have ligament damage
   5. NFL scout: Winston a 'fraud,' has hurt draft stock 'significantly'
   6. Gordon ban cut to 10 games under new drug policy | Key changes
   7. Chiefs' Charles practices, to split work with Davis? | Injury report
   8. Stanton will start for Cardinals vs. 49ers | John Abraham put on IR
   9. Fines roundup: Jets' Wilkerson docked $20K for fight, ejection

   MORE NEWS

Maybe the NFL should just cancel the season and spend the winter months rewriting their "code of conduct" policy for players and all involved in the game.  Sheesh!

Has America gone mad or what?  These are sports figures playing a game for a living, not catholic priests who minister to our souls.  I just don't understand how in a culture that allows children to play some of the most violent video games, watch the most violent television and movie shows and air some of the most sexist and violent advertisements you could imagine find themselves shocked when a segment of that culture is found displaying the exact behavior found in consumer products being marketed to them.

Some football players are doing what all segments of our society do; they behave badly, make mistakes and are sometimes caught doing so.  There are doctors, lawyers, politicians, priests, policemen, business men and women who have been caught at their worst. Most of these professions hold a public trust in society and are therefore held to a higher standard. Athletes might choose to perform public and charitable service, but most are not required to do so. And seldom are their crimes committed on the playing field. 

And let us not forget that there are a limited number of professional athletes playing in any sport, whereas other professions list hundreds of thousands practicing their craft.  Maybe the percentage of football players arrested per capita is much higher than any of the groups I've mentioned, but I think it says more about the people they attract than the players themselves.  Hollywood is full of actors and actresses behaving badly and yet we as consumers are quick to forgive them their trespasses as we rush out to see their latest blockbuster movie. 

So what is this eyes on the NFL behaving badly really all about?  Money and jealousy; perhaps. Truths and lies; maybe.  Sponsors running scared; definitely.

During football season just about every known product advertised throws in a football angled ad. Everybody gets into the act when it comes to the NFL, because its where the money is at. Here's one aimed at appealing to feminine beauty:

Just in time for NFL kickoff, your nails can now match your favorite team jersey with CoverGirl’s 32 “fanicure” sets. Available at CoverGirl.com/NFL, each set includes two to five nail polishes at $5.49 per bottle. The beauty brand is also making fan-art easy with step-by-step tutorials for extra fanicure flair.

The NFL's mistake was that they started marketing the game as a fun for the family event and became powerful enough to sweep the 'not so family fun episodes' under the rug.  Well folks, that rug has gotten lumpy and bumpy with piles of dirty debris and now the watchdogs, always on the prowl for hidden dirt, are looking with eyes wide open and mouths salivating.  

Has anyone found out how much TMZ paid and/or profited from releasing the Ray Rice surveillance footage?  They should be forced by congressional hearing to reveal their source. You seriously don't think they did it for the good of bringing a domestic violence offender to justice do you? Money. Watching the footage says as much about us as it does about Ray Rice and the NFL. And yes, Casinos have become the great American escape to the land of opportunity. Except instead of poor immigrants traveling to work and worship freely, you have spoiled citizens traveling to party and get richer quicker.

Imagine if the NFL did decide to cancel christmas and shutdown their show for the rest of the season.  How would you spend your winter? How would all those football analysts, journalists, talk show hosts, commentators and others making a living off the talents of these athletes make the money they're accustomed to each season?  

It would probably teach us all a very good lesson about throwing stones in glass houses.  Because to me a season without football would be a dead and dry season. Basketball and Hockey would have a field day as other entertainment would vie for the consumer's idle football Money. Money that became available when America got a peek at itself and didn't like what it saw in the mirror.

Raiders Family - Glory Awaits Us

The Godfather, one of the most amazing family sagas ever put on film, highlights the life of a family leader and his successor son. The story of the Oakland Raiders might just be the most amazing family saga ever featured about a football team. This silver and black saga also features the loss of a family leader and the rise of his successor son.

The Oakland Raiders are on the brink of busting out of their twelve year slump.  Owner Mark Davis, son of the late, legendary Al Davis, is sticking with GM/Consigliere Reggie McKenzie's plan, and there's light shining through the tunnel.

Through all those years of misery there was one thing that was missing and has now been found; a quarterback.  Derek Carr, quarterback of the new Oakland Raiders, has exactly what the Silver & Black have been missing in their return to glory; consistency and leadership on the field. More parts are still needed but it seems much of the blueprint for success has been assembled. A strong foundation has been laid.

I see a stronger defense, a reliable offensive line, an experienced and proven coaching staff and just flat out playahs ready to play.  Questionable are receiver and running back positions, but that can be remedied with one draft or trade. I really do like the linebacking corps for this upcoming season and love the pickup of defensive coordinator Ken Norton, Jr. to head that corps.

On the website Bleacher Report there's a telling article titled "Returning to Glory Days" by Nick Costos.  The article talks about where the Raiders have been, where they are currently and how far they need to go in order to return to greatness.  Based on Nick's assessment, the Raiders aren't that far off.  

Like a storybook saga that has its up and downs, that's what the silver and black team has resembled since returning to Oakland in 1995.  Such is life, a path of cycles that every living thing must journey. This coming NFL season I see the losing cycle ending and one of winning with consistency beginning for the Raiders.  

Its time the pieces come together to produce what was once a Team of the Decades franchise. Just give me those two or so remaining pieces to fill the roster. Gimme an Adrian Peterson at running back or an Odell Beckham type receiver out of the draft. 

Give me a chance to show the rest of the league that the Oakland Raiders are again a family and football team who'd "rather be feared than respected." Give me a silver and black return to glory. Then, get me a another championship!

Was The Fix In On The BCS Pinstripe Bowl?

author Brian Tuohy

Of course this could only happen in New York or Chicago, where organized, or disorganized, crime is still alive and well with both hands still in the sports cookie jar. Just ask Kansas State's football organization who were the unfortunate recipients of a questionable referee's call in the BCS Pinstripe Bowl played in the Bronx, New York.

The Excessive Celebration, that brought about the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty called by one of Todd Geerling's officiating crew ,was a military style salute by Wildcat Adrian Hillburn after scoring a touchdown. Come On Man!

No wonder it was named the Pinstripe Bowl. Never mind the Yankees in stripes, its the referees in zebra shirts who put their historic stamp on this stadium. Expect to see the black lines on Referee shirts become thinner next season.

Forever to be known as the "Bronx Salute," the penalty is a true stain on the sportsmanship of NCAA college sports. The call did not necessarily lose the game for the Wildcats, but it forced them to attempt a 17-yard two-point conversion instead of a two yarder. The Wildcats failed on the extra point attempt and New York's Syracuse Orangemen would go on to win the game 36-34 in the first football game to be played at new Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.

For you geography-challenged sports dunces, the Bronx is one of the five boroughs that make up New York City. How Convenient for the Orangemen and the New York bookies!

Youtube interviews with author of "The Fix Is In":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3sYMISTsPU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUw9FGCAEIY

Armageddon In America?

When former President George W. Bush established the Homeland Security organization after the attacks of 9/11/01, he probably didn't expect a terrorist threat from "Christian Militiamen" born and raised in the American heartlands of Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

As we uncover and learn more about the creation and mission statement of the Hutaree Militia, I find myself giving thanks to G-Dubya and his staff for diverting my terrorist concerns away from our homeland and keeping it focused on middle eastern Islamic fundamentalists for so long.

As of this week though the Matrix of Terror has been unveiled on the shores of America and we Americans must face the deadly reality that has been stirring beneath the surface for years; the annihilation and destruction of a great nation begins from within.

As Malcolm X so controversially put it some forty-seven years ago after JFK was assassinated; this is the result of "the chickens coming home to roost." Meaning this is the result of the climate-of-hate.




This combo of eight photos provided by the U.S. Marshals Service on Monday March 29, 2010 shows from top left, David Brian Stone Sr., 44, of Clayton, Mich,; David Brian Stone Jr. of Adrian, Mich,; Jacob Ward, 33, of Huron, Ohio; Tina Mae Stone and bottom row from left, Michael David Meeks, 40, of Manchester, Mich,; Kristopher T. Sickles, 27, of Sandusky, Ohio; Joshua John Clough, 28, of Blissfield, Mich.; and Thomas William Piatek, 46, of Whiting, Ind.,. Nine suspects tied to Hutaree, a Christian militia. There's a lot of anger out there. But the alleged plot by Midwestern militants and violent outbursts by scattered individuals don't signal any coming wave of extremist violence, federal investigators say.There's more fizzle than fight among self-styled militias and other groups right now, they say, and little chance of a return to the organized violence that proved so deadly in the 1990s. (AP Photo/U.S. Marshall)

Not Impressed With Raiders 2020 Roster

After today's NFL team cutdowns to 53 man rosters, I'm hoping the Raiders have something up their sleeve to pull out before kickoff next Sunday. Because right now, after such promising draft day and off season signings, their roster looks a bit suspect. 

The season ending injury to possession WR Tyrell Williams was a big blow. I like the addition of veteran WR Nelson Agholor, but 7 years experience among the remaining 5 wide receivers makes me uncomfortable. Maybe a 4 tight end set will be a goto more often this season. At least they have 31 years of experience among them and know the tricks of the trade. And Darren Waller is a beast!

I thought defense was much improved, definitely in the linebacker corps, but seeing some of the cut names makes me wonder if Raiders scouts just got it wrong or got gun shy after training camp. Questionable cuts at all positions has me second guessing the Raiders commitment to excellence this coming season.

Can they afford to kick the wheels on a 35 year old Adrian Peterson for depth at running back? I'm just thinking out loud because RB Josh Jacobs is the current star of the show, and if he misses any playtime the Raiders become sitting ducks for another losing season. 

This season  kind of reminds me of the saying from the great sports movie 'Field of Dreams', "If you build it, he will come." Except, the Raiders built a new stadium and guess what? due to a pandemic nobody's coming. The stadium will be as empty as signature shows on the Las Vegas Strip because Coronavirus is still lurking and taking down American lives. We as football fans are definitely in unchartered territory.

I'm thinking for the first season ever that maybe this is not the Raiders year. With BLM, Covid-19, Election 2020, Unemployment, Recession, Wildfires, Locusts, and a gun-toting nation ready to blow each other away for wearing or not wearing masks, this Raiders season should maybe just be wished into the cornfield son. Then again, maybe not.

It's just so hard to Keep Hope Alive when questionable decisions are made by those steering the ship. Win, Lose or Tie, I am Raider.

Let's Go Pillaging Raiders!

note: The Biblical Locust Plagues of 2020

Beast Mode or AP

It's a dilemma I'll definitely take this time of year for the Raiders. If the rumors are true, we could see either Adrian Peterson or Marshawn Lynch suiting up in silver and black this upcoming NFL season. With RB Latavius Murray running off to Minnesota, we're in need of a big, bruising back to fill the void.  AP has been injury prone and turns 32 this month. Lynch will be 31 next month and hasn't played in one full season. The big difference here is injury vs retirement. Factor in the Oakland native kibbit and Lynch is your Raiders starting running back in 2017 hands down.

I've begged, pleaded and prayed on this blog in the past for game-change caliber players to come over to the NFL's dark side that is the Raiders organization. Maybe this time my plea will pay off. Never has there been such an explosive local football player available to join an already playoff caliber Raiders team. Other than maybe getting bay area native Tom Brady as a backup to Derek Carr, the Lynch signing would be a bay area bonanza.

So without further ado, BEAST MODE----------------this prayer and plea is for YOU!

Morning Marshawn, This Is God Calling!

You may not find this letter of spiritual advice immaculate, but if you have faith you’ll understand and receive the blessing.  It’s about more than just a football career; it’s about seeing the gifts of your life unfold in ways you never imagined.  I know, I’ve had my eye on you Marshawn.  You have so much to offer in so many ways, but like many, there’s been some doubt and many distractions along the way.   

The road of life I made crooked and challenging for reasons only I know.  What I’d like you to believe is that every bump, curve and detour placed along your path was put there for your best interest, just as the times your life seemed to be in cruise control, it was I removing some of those worries and burdens.  It’s been like that for you since April 22, 1986 and will continue through all your days.  For I am always with you.

As an adult I must remind you of the Free Will you’ve been blessed with, which allows you to choose what path to take and team to join.  Mind you, your choice will not change what I’ve willed for you, but it will determine the type of experiences you encounter traveling toward your destiny. Either way, by your will or mine, I will be right there with you as I’ve always been.  I write to you in this, your 31^st year of life, to give you this special birthday gift, though you might see it as more of a puzzle than a blessing. 

You are not who you think yourself to be. Know Thyself!

You, my faithful servant, at heart are a Raider.  Go West and discover those treasures awaiting you.  Pledge to choose a path based on your soulful needs over financial desires, trusting that I am always with you.  What might at first seem unwise and foolish to agents and those who’ve profited by blessed talents bestowed on you, will be revealed as the link to your fulfillment as a man in touch with his destiny.  The gleam of life, which you’ll surely discover in this new journey, will eventually become evident to those who might’ve doubted, including yourself. 

Again, be mindful and watchful of distracting forces.  This time, choose not only with the hungry head, but practice using the other decision-making instrument of which I’ve blessed you with; a humble heart. Do not be deceived, for a humble heart sees what a hungry head is sometimes too full to discern.

Oakland, California needs you my servant, as much as you need Oaktown.  Seek not what you’ve found in Seattle.  Go where you can feel my Pacific waters calming the summer air around you at night.  Go experience the California sunshine splashing down reminding you of my presence before, during and after the dark, threatening storm.  Awake to the winds of autumn blustering in from sea, greeting you to a new day in My blessed bay. A place where past transgressions are forgiven and no stone be cast should new ones arise.

"Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened for you.” In giving of yourself you will surely receive tenfold.

For I promise this and more to all those of faith.  I Am always with you Marshawn.  And win, lose or tie, I Am a Raider!

silverblackministry

A Great Running Back Passes

Today it was announced one of the best running backs in football history passed away. Orenthal James Simpson played professional football nine seasons for the Buffalo Bills, during which he executed some of the most amazing, jaw-dropping runs ever recorded by NFL Films. He was the first running back to rush for 2,000+ yards in a season and is one of only nine Heisman Trophy winners to win an NFL MVP.

I grew up in New York State watching #32 O.J. run around and through defenses as if he were a sleek cat gracefully alluding wild dogs. He was built to run in the mode of a Gale Sayers before him, and a Barry Sanders to follow. Throw in Adrian Peterson down the road and you have the gift that is a once in a generation running back. 

And we're not talking unstoppable power and size like Earl Campbell or Derrick Henry. We are talking juke-spinning, tackle-slipping quickness and finesse. There's no real name for it, but you know it when you see it. Call it field vision with instinctive presence. They had moves! And the guys I'm talking about consistently delivered those moves.

To watch these athletes create spectacular, escape artist runs on the football field was like watching poetry in motion. I'm sure there are others who could and should be included, but these four, playing mostly on bad teams, were undeniably the most entertaining and untacklable (if such a word exists) running backs to ever step on the gridiron. 

Thanks for all you gave us on the field of football OJ. 

Rest Juice, Rest!

July 1947 - April 2024

Was OJ Simpson THAT Good? - Heisman Season USC Football Highlights - YouTube

Buffalo Bills player will wear O.J. Simpson's No. 32 for first time in more than 40 years | Fox News

Football Legend Gale Sayers Passes

 

Gale Sayers, An NFL Legend

NFL Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers has passed away at 77 years old. All I can say to today's young football fans not familiar with the name is..........Google It!

In a career shortened by injuries, Sayers became the measuring stick by which future great running backs with shifty moves would be judged. O.J. Simpson, Walter Payton, Marcus Allen, Barry Sanders, Adrian Peterson and all those greats not included here were preceded by the man who once scored six touchdowns in one game.

They said he ran like he had eyes in the back of his head. Just as a defender approached for a sure tackle from behind, Sayers would cut away to his left or right, leaving the hapless tackler grasping at air. In one interview he explained this uncanny ability of his as plain old instinct. Yes, an instinctive runner who was fast, shifty and downright untacklable, if there is such a word. That was the great Gale Sayers. A few with like skills have come after him, but none left their mark on the game of football with such permanence.

Gale Sayers made an impression on me as a young pop warner football player watching the movie "Brian's Song" in the early 1970's. It's the story about Sayers friendship with Chicago Bears teammate/ Brian Piccolo, who's diagnosed with terminal cancer. It was the first movie that made me cry and at the same time taught life lessons in friendship and teamwork (selflessness). I'm proud to say I never forgot those lessons learned from Gale and Brians' friendship. 

Bear Down, Chicago Bears

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!

THINGS TO AVOID WHILE IN FLORIDA

We’ve all heard the stories; don’t go too close to the Florida swamps after dusk.” Better still; just stay the hell away from Florida swamps period, especially when partying. Why you may ask?

ALLIGATORS!

Flesh-eating Alligators no doubt. One of today’s top news stories drives home the point. Imagine partying on a beach, maybe over-indulging a bit, and then passing out with nobody around. You wake up as you feel yourself being pulled into the water with something knawing away on your arm. Depending on your earlier partying drug of choice you might think it’s a giant gerbil nibbling away or an alien dragging you down toward his spaceship. That is until the hallucination fades and the pain begins to settle in along with reality.

No, it isn’t a shark that's bitten or torn away a piece of flesh leaving enough of the lucky survivor alive to tell a great story to friends and media. Oh no, instead its an alligator, the animal that resembles Godzilla on all fours and unlike the shark, can attack on land or water and eats not in bites but in one bodily chomp-down. You think pit bulls have vice-like jaw strength? Wait’ll you see an alligator chomp down on an arm or leg and not wanna let loose. Marvel as it thrashes about shaking and twisting its prey into submission. Then, if you have the stomach for it, ogle away as the hungry alligator walks backward toward the swamp dragging its screaming victim down to the depths of its lair. The victim’s only chance of survival is usually to cut-off or tear away from his captured bodily limb and let the alligator have his just reward. Hopefully it’s only a limb and not the upper trunk, shudder the thought.

Well here’s a story that may just outdo what you just read above. I just can’t wait to hear the survivor’s story in his own words. And they thought people were crazy in California! Actually, when I first saw the story and heard "crack cocaine" was likely involved, I figured the alligator had swallowed the man's drug stash hidden near the swamp and the self-proclaimed crack addict foolishly tried to get his sh!t back. Maybe we should be more concerned about crack addicts in Florida than alligators, you decide.



Deputies: Man on crack when alligator attacked
Deputies rescue Polk man from jaws of alligator.

Amy L. Edwards
Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted November 30 2006, 2:52 PM EST

LAKELAND -- A man who was attacked by an alligator this morning was naked and smoking crack at the time, Polk County deputies who rescued him said today.

The alligator had the man in his jaws when deputies arrived at Lake Parker in Lakeland about 4 a.m. today. They were called by nearby residents who reported hearing a man yelling for help
The first deputy on the scene was unable to free the man, Adrian J. Apgar, from the alligator's mouth. It wasn't until 3 or 4 of them were in chest-deep water that they were able to pull him free after the tug-of-war.

Apgar, 45, of Polk City, suffered a broken arm, partially amputated left arm and trauma to his left leg. Doctors are trying to reattach the arm at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where was listed in critical condition.

"We don't know whether he'll make it or not," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

According to a news release from the Polk Sheriff's Office, "The very dark conditions and risk of injuring the victim made shooting the alligator impossible, leaving deputies to contend with their own safety after becoming exhausted in waist deep mud. All deputies made it out of the water without injury."

State fish and wildlife officials captured an 11-foot alligator that they think was the biter.

Deputy Billy Osborne first heard the man's cries for help but couldn't see him through the thick brush and dark sky.

"'I have two broken arms and an alligator's got me pinned. I can't move. Please help me,'" the Polk County deputy sheriff related at a news conference today.

As Osborne listened, he followed the voice through more than 20 yards of brush in Lake Parker's murky, chest-deep water about 4 a.m.

Then he saw them: a naked man crouched down in the jaws of an alligator amidst thick cattails in bloodied water.

Other deputies pursued, following the man's cries, Osborne's voice and the sounds of the alligator thrashing around in the water.

Osborne grabbed onto the man's arm and tried to pull him free.

"We were pretty much playing tug-of-war," Osborne, 26, said.

After about 30 seconds, the alligator released the man.

Judd said Apgar told deputies he was smoking crack-cocaine at the adjacent park, but it was unclear why he was naked or why he was attacked by the alligator.

No one answered the door of Apgar's home in rural community and neighbors knew little about him.

Link to audio of 911 alligator attack call!