Back to Back Wins for the Raiders!

The Raiders are winning against the teams they should beat and they're doing it in a convincing way, by beating the opposing teams in every phase of the game.

I'd give the patched up defense the game ball as they dominated the first quarter, then rebounded after a poor showing in the second and third quarters to shut down Steve McNair and the Titans. The Defense also sacked McNair 6 times for 43 yards, causing 3 fumbles in the process. Our much improved Warren Sapp can boast and proudly wear his old title of "QB Killa" again after having 2.5 of those sacks.

One crucial roughing-the-passer penalty on 3rd down kept a Titans drive alive. It would be the only penalty first down the Raiders would give up in the game. That's a big improvement for our Defense, or maybe the Referrees actually saw the bad calls made in the World Series last week and gave the Raiders some slack. Not.

Rookie Fabian Washington broke up passes and played like a first round pick. Rookie Stuart Schwergart did some hard hitting, one of which caused a fumble. In the end the Titans 10 minute advantage in time-of-possesion wasn't a factor.

Our Offense did it with varied and creative play calling such as Lamont Joran screens and a wide receiver reverse that gained 24 yards for a first down. With Jerry Porter being the star reciver of the day having two touchdowns, big play Randy Moss was not missed. Moss did contribute but not in his usual spectacular way. Offensive blocking at the line and downfield was awesome. Kerry Collins was well protected and sacked only twice for short losses. I saw collins interception as possibly Kerry shedding his cautious ways. Maybe he learned that he can overcome making a mistake in a game.

No team win is can be called complete without the special teams contributing. Rookie Chris Carr is still returning kicks with a hunger for the end zone. Carr returned one for 31 yards today. Shane Lechler's three punt average of 52.0 yards is indicative of his pro bowl player status, though the coverage did give up a 39 yard return. We'll ignore the Tennessee kick return for a touchdown that was called back. I'm sure had the Titans not held our player we would've tackled the return man.

Finally, a game ball to Norv and his coaching staff, Offense, Defense and Special Teams. This week they implemented a plan that suprised the opposition. Then they made the necessary adjustments to fight off a comeback.

It's our first ROAD WIN since that snow filled classic in Denver, which personally is my favorite game of the past two seasons. How can any Raider fan get tired of seeing that stunning one-handed touchdown catch by then emerging wide receiver Ronald Curry. I've replayed that game at least twice during the off season. Boy, it's almost mid-season with us and Indianapolis as the only teams in the AFC with a winning streak of two or more games. We got momentum, keep it going into Kansas City next week.

Final
Raiders 34
Titans 25

Raiders Fan Documentary Now Screening

Wanna know how I'm planning on spending my Friday night? Attending the screening of a short 23 minute documentary about tailgating Raider Fans, that's how. I need to see if the makers of the film do justice to our Raider Nation image. I'm a bit suspicious of persons who've never been to a Raiders game all of a sudden thinking their the Jack Cousteau of fandom. Don't let the costumes and tatoos fool you, we all have jobs and families just like anyone else. Takes money to attend a professional football game these days.

The film maker, Jason Blalock, says he was inspired by a Heavy Metal documentary. Well I don't ever remember seeing infants and grandparents at a Heavy Metal concert, do you? Sure, the Raider Nation has elements of heavy metal types, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. There's so much more in what I consider one of the most Diversified Nations on earth.

I guess I'm hoping that this film shows more than the "wild side" of tailgating with Raider Fans. With reporting there's responsibility to show and tell all. Unfortunately, Jason may have bought into all the negative hype about drugs and alcohol being the theme of tailgating with Raider fans. Well Jason, if you're going to show the ghetto of a city you should also show the palace.

We're a Nation that welcomes everyone. The only requirement to becoming part of the Raider Nation is pledging your loyalty to the Oakland Raiders, through good times and bad. Our only prejudice is against the opposing teams and some of their obnoxious fans entering our perimeter. And against wanna be documentarists looking for a "shock and awe" type story to pimp. Especially someone from SoCal who's never been to a Raiders game at the coliseum. My question is, who sent you? Jim Rome?

Stay Tuned!


Interview: Jason Blalock


The first time SFist went to an A's game (back when they were only $1 on Wednesday nights) we were struck not by the impressive management, nor the players themselves, but rather by the fans. Not the A's fans, mind you, but the Raiders fans. Yes, Raiders fans at the A's games! We knew that there was something, uh, shocking and aweing about this motley crew.

Jason Blalock combined inspiration from an old SFist fav, Heavy Metal Parking Lot, and his shock and awe-induced state from encountering the Raider Nation, and turned this all into art. Jason's film Oakland Raider Parking Lot is well, amazing. It takes you into the depths of the so called 'Black Hole' of the Raider Nation. Turns out some of those costumes cost THOUSANDS of dollars to make. Make sure you check out Jason's flick while you can at the SF Independent Film Festival.

Oakland Raider Parking Lot screens before 24 Hours on Craiglist and can be seen on Saturday. An additonal screening is TBA, probably on Monday.

Champion Chicago White Sox

Congratulations Chicago White Sox, you're on top of the baseball world winning the MLB 2005 Championship. Although they swept the Houston Astros in four games, each game was a fun, tension filled battle to watch.

For myself, I had nothing invested in either team. I just wanted to see a competitive series and I did. If only the Astros could have batted in another runner or two the series would have been longer. I credit White Sox pitching and defense for winning the close games.

And move over Eric Gagne (aka "The Beast), the baseball world saw the emergence of rookie closer Bobby Jenks. He's big, he's bold and he throws a mean 99mph fastball. I haven't checked his stats from the series but I only remember him giving up hits in one game.

Just so happens that I watched the movie "Eight Men Out" this week. The movie depicts the 1919 Black Sox Scandal. They were called the Black Sox because of their conspiracy with mobsters to throw the 1919 World Series, which the Cincinnati Reds won 5 games to 3. I believe it was the only year the world series was the best out of 9.

Eight Sox players were charged with conspiring to throw the World Series, including their star Joe Jackson. All eight were acquitted of charges but the tough judge and future first commissioner of baseball, Judge Landis, banned all eight players from ever playing major league baseball again.

Based on the movie, "Shoeless Joe Jackson" didn't want to be a part of the conspiracy, but Joe wasn't the brightest apple in the basket and eventually he took the money. The kid in the movie that mouthed the line "Joe, Say it isn't so Joe" did okay, but the scene just seemed a bit too staged, almost anticlimatic. In other words he was no young Ricky Schroeder pleading with his boxer father John Voight in "The Champ." I vote "The Champ" the best sports tear jerker behind the original Brian's Song, (story of Brian Piccolo).

Well, hopefully Shoeless Joe has been given a reprieve up there in baseball heaven. For a man who couldn't spell his own name he was a hero to many fans of that day, young and old. I believe Joe took one for the team when he was banned. He just wanted to play baseball.

So hopefully the 2005 champion Chicago White Sox will raise one of their historical heroes up from the ashes of scandal and give him a proper place of rememberance here in today's baseball world. Make it So Sox, make Shoeless Joe Jackson's legacy one that shows he justed wanted to play baseball. He should be remembered as part of what makes America's Past time so special. Our love for the game.

A Case of Domestic Violence

Well our Park Ranger is off the hook for treating the homicide suspect lightly, but the state courts sure have a lot of xsplaining to do.

Turns out the body in the trunk was the suspects ex-girlfriend whom he'd threatened, attacked, stalked and pretty much told the world he'd kill her someday.

The paper lists the guy's three plus felonies dating back to the year 2000, all involving violent actions toward the girlfriend. He spent less than six months in county jail for all this and lastly was ordered to attend a domestic violence counseling class. They say he'd attended one of the classes just two days before the ex-girlfriend dissappeared.

Guys, let me preach to you about how not to go off the deep end and violently attack the woman you love. Unless you just have a flat out hatred for all women (seek help if you do) you should understand that using physical strength against a woman is easy and addictive. It gives the abuser a sense of power that's most likely stronger than anything he's experienced in his life. Crack cocaine is close but eventually the money runs out. That powerful feeling can make a man feel industructable. When that happens anything is possible. Because once a man feels he's industructible then there's no need for him to respect anything or anyone.

So men, before we allow ourselves to go off the deep end and lose it when dealing with our women, just walk away. She may scream at us, curse us or say the most hurtful things to us that anyone could imagine, still just walk away. Her words are her fists and many women don't know the strength of their words against us.

For us that love sports, watching a game can be an outlet for frustrations in a relationship. Hell, it was the disagreements in my marriage that steered me toward becoming a season ticket holder. We eventually divorced, but she's alive and well and I'm still free to goto the coliseum, eat, drink and scream my frustrations out at my team.

Bottom line, find some way to gain control of that inner monster that we're all capable of becoming. And when all else fails......... get a bigger trunk and put in a false bottom for transporting illegal cargo such as drugs, guns and bodies. Because bigger is better. (tasteless joke I know)

Just Walk Away!

Welcome to the Black Hole

DEFIANCE!

“Defiance” by Herbert Ward 

In sports, defense equates to Defiance. Defying your opponent the freedom to oppress you with their offensive powers and skills. In life, when a person or group is forced to resort to Defiance againt someone or something, they're committing to defending what they believe theirs by right. Be it property, civil or human rights, or the common decency of humane treatment, if someone takes and/or violates another person’s right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, the victim of such unjust treatment owes it to him or herself to Defy the offense and take a stand againt the threatening actions.

What may have once been theirs by right, might require going on the offensive to gain back, if taken. Once taken back, don't just sit back and celebrate, but begin strengthening your defenses so oppressive actions are tackled immediately and revoking freedoms will hopefully never threaten again. Such is a basic principle of sport; defense/defiance. So to are principles of survival in life. 

Revolution for change begins when Defiance courageously stands against or pins down oppression. 

Today I mourn the loss of a woman who rallied black people into taking back what they believed theirs by right; the right to be treated as equal citizens of these United States of America. The lady I honor here today had grown tired of watching her people oppressed by powers and unjust laws, which up to that point were beyond her control. She was forced to Defiantly demand her constitutional right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

It was on a winter day in 1955 that our heroine, tired of being offended, let Defiance overtake her person. She took a stand in defense of what she believed to be her right to sit in a seat on a bus without having to relinquish it because someone with white skin was entitled by an unjust law to uproot her black body and take over the seat. Though it may sound like a trivial triumph to persons unfamiliar with racial history in the U.S., to us in the know, it was and still remains Huge.

This one act of Defiance by Mrs Rosa Parks changed the course of history for Black People here in the United States, as well as, oppressed persons throughout the world. Her act of Defiance signified to all oppressed peoples worldwide, that a single voice, a sparked action, committed to a righteous cause, can restore broken hope and bring about real change; change that proves all can enjoy pursuing the fruits of this world equally, if we stand strong together in Defiance to the wrongs of oppression in society. 

Mrs. Rosa Parks 1913-2005 

A Defiant Patriot Against Oppression and Injustice 

TWENTY-THIRD PSALM My Shepherd is the Lord my God,- There is no want I know; His flock he leads in verdant meads, Where tranquil waters flow. He doth restore my fainting soul With His divine caress, And, when I stray, He points the way To paths of righteousness. Yea, though I walk the vale of death, What evil shall I fear? Thy staff and rod are mine, O God, And Thou, my Shepherd, near! Mine enemies behold the feast Which my dear Lord hath spread; And, lo! My cup He filleth up, With oil anoints my head! Goodness and mercy shall be mine Unto my dying day; Then will I bide at His dear side Forever and for aye! By.Eugene Field, 1889

Female corpse found in trunk of man's car

Article 1
U.S. Park Police were questioning a man Sunday after finding the body of a young woman in the trunk of his car parked on Conzelman Road in the Marin Headlands.
A park police officer first came to the aid of the man, who was in a white Honda Civic, about noon Sunday because he looked ill and was vomiting, according to Christine Powell, a spokeswoman for the National Park Service. She said the officer decided there was cause to search the car and in the process discovered the body of a young white female in the trunk.
The man, also white and young, was first taken to Marin General Hospital and later released into the custody of the park police, Powell said. He is a suspect in the case, and authorities were questioning him Sunday to try to determine what happened, she said.

Article 2
A woman's body was discovered Sunday in the trunk of a man's car parked in the Marin Headlands.
A National Park Service ranger approached a man parked on the side of the road on Hawk Hill around 11:45 a.m. because he was vomiting off the side of his car, said U.S. Park Police spokeswoman Christine Powell. After briefly questioning the man, the ranger searched his white Honda Civic and discovered the body in the trunk, she said.
The 25-year-old man, whose name has not been released, was taken to Marin General Hospital, where he was treated and released. Powell said she didn't know what he was treated for.
U.S. Park police held him for questioning late Sunday.
Authorities said the body of a 21-year-old white woman appeared to have been dead for 12 to 24 hours. An autopsy was planned to determine the identity and exact cause of death.



My Comments:
How does a park ranger find a man with a corpse in his car trunk and not immediately call in the authorities to investigate? Based on one article in the paper this morning the gentleman discovered with the corpse in his trunk was taken to the hospital for illness then released into custody of the park rangers for questioning. Another article just states that the man was treated and released. What I want to know is not why the man was riding around with a corpse in his trunk, but what’s the protocol for Park Rangers when discovering such an individual? Should I be found in the same situation, this is still a fictional piece, would the Park Rangers treat me like a cousin who’s just a bit ill and maybe confused or because of maybe my skin color will I be handcuffed and thrown into some cold barracks cell puking my illness all over myself while they wait for the “Real Authorities” to arrive to question me?

I try very hard not to read racial tones into stories such as these but I can’t help but wonder how someone with a corpse, not a dead dog or a stolen palm tree, but a corpse, be given such courteous treatment by anyone wearing a civic badge? If there was suspicion enough to search the suspect’s car, then why wasn’t there precautions taken to apprehend him first and treat his illness later as practiced with so many other arrests? Nowhere in the article does it say why the corpse was in the trunk. So either there’s a language barrier or the suspect is taking the 5th amendment (refusing speech), which would definitely be cause for apprehension and containment.

The tone from the article doesn’t even seem alarming. At first I thought that maybe the Park Rangers, familiar with handling dead animal carcasses, determined the corpse to be that of someone long dead. But then I read the second article and it states that the corpse had been lifeless for 12 to 24 hours. Shouldn’t homicide detectives be called in immediately? Don’t all the homicide television shows say that the trail of a homicide murder is hottest within the first 24 to 48 hours of the crime? But for some unexplained reason the Park Rangers are heading the investigation and that’s what bothers me.

When I Think Park Ranger I think of a friendly guy named Bob dressed in green and wearing a green trooper type hat. You know the type, the outdoorsman with the scraggily mustache. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a park ranger with a firearm or even a pair of handcuffs. They tend to move slow, again probably from their experience with the handling of wild animals. Let’s face it, when was the last time you heard of a Park Ranger breaking open a murder case? Yeah, that’s what I thought, never. If anything it always seems like the Park Ranger is the one that screws up the evidence or fails to take precautions that would’ve caught a criminal sooner. How often do we hear of the Park Ranger stopping a suspicious vehicle only to say a few kind words to the killer behind the wheel, maybe give directions, and send him on his merry way? Only later, when the criminal is caught three states away, do we learn of the terrorized crime spree he’s committed and the lone Park Ranger that could have possibly prevented the carnage had he “called his suspicions into authorities.”

I guess I shouldn’t be so harsh on our Park Rangers. They’re job is to watch after our beautiful parks and remaining wildlife, not take on tough guy roles or play detective whenever humans go bad in their neck of the woods. So we’ll just have to wait and see where this story goes. It’s been a week of sad stories in the bay area with the mother who flung her three children into the bay and the teenager who brutally killed a woman because he needed money for his marijuana venture. How much of this behavior is due to economics and how much of it is just selfish needs? Or is the country just losing it's damn mind I wonder?

Oh, I almost forgot to share my final guess at why the suspect is being treated so royally, he’s related somehow to George Bush. That poor Park Ranger should’ve just given the bad human directions and kept his mouth shut.

Touchdown Raiders!

The fat lady hasn't sung on our season yet. You may have heard her humming last week against the Chargers, but this week she done sat her fat azz down after succumbing to watching a revived Raiders team win.

Finally, the running game came to life and the Raiders offense clicked like it was meant to. Five touchdowns, Ball Control, Red Zone Success. Hell, even Kerry Collins took off running for some good gains. Norv made the right calls at the right time. A game that started with a competitive Buffalo Bills team ended with a Dominating Raiders team.

Randy Moss showed his toughness in playing hurt and catching a touchdown pass, but it was a one-handed catch by Doug Gabriel that put the stamp on our offensive showing today. That and Lamont Jordan's three touchdowns. Zack Crockett was also key in the running game.

Defense stepped up big after losing Charles Woodson and Derrick Gibson to injuries. Another goal line stand that showed the talent of our young defense. Sure, there were some breakdowns, but they played a great, smart defensive game. MacGahee didn't run like he claimed he could and we put pressure enough on their QB, Kelly Holcomb, to cause havoc in their passing game.

Our Special teams deserves much praise for giving us good field position most of the day. Chris Carr still looks like he's one step from breaking one loose for a touchedown.

An all around descent outing for these 2005 Raiders. Just ask the fat lady. Commitment to Excellence was restored to the Raider Nation this week. A winning attitude was evident in our players today. Let's keep it going into Tennessee next week.

final score
Raiders 38
Bills 17

Missed Opportunity

I missed out on an opportunity to be in the Will Smith movie. Long story, but I'll try to keep it short. Remember the pictures I took for the modeling/talent agency? Well, I now receive in my email updates and listings of not only model shoots but also movie parts, commercials and other talent related advertising jobs.

I replied to one requesting a Tai Chi practitioner. It may or may not have been the Will Smith movie, I'm not sure. Anyways, I received a text message on my cell phone on Saturday asking me to reply if interested in a paramedic part where I draw blood from Will Smith. They were shooting the part in San Leandro that day and needed my immediate reply. Only problem is I didn't know it was a text message and thought my cellular voicemail was having problems. I've been stumped by the mail envelope that's been on my cell screen since saturday.

So this morning I'm telling my roommate about the problem with the mail envelope appearing with no voicmail message. Of course my cellular guru roommate then takes a look at my phone and immediately checks text messages. And there, in clear text communicato, was my calling for 15 minutes of fame and glory. I'd missed not only my calling but a chance to make a few hundred dollars for a few hours work.

In the famous words of the late Florida Evans from the sitcom GoodTimes: Damn! Damn! Damn!

But I still have this wonderful blog to express my many talents on. And you wonderful fans out there to share in my daily adventures of life. After seeing the movie "On the Waterfront" for the first time last week, I now understand Marlon Brando's character when he said:

"I could've been somebody, I could've been a contender."

Happy Birthday Mom

I lit a candle for what would have been my Mother’s 71st birthday. Here is what I wrote to my mom for her birthday.

I saw your face in a picture taken of me recently mom.
I knew I carried traits of you but never had I seen those traits reflected so clearly.
The resemblance was all in the cheekbones and smile.
It warmed me so to see you again.
The blessings just keep coming don’t they?
To receive such a gift just a day before what would’ve been your 71st birthday is priceless.
So here I am today at the Cathedral about to light a birthday candle for you.
A candle that represents the path you illuminated for me in life and in death.
“I follow wherever I am led knowing so well thy father’s hand”

Happy Birthday Mom

Sunday Whupping!

I'm flat out tired after sitting through another Raiders Loss. What hurt so much this time was just how completely beaten we were.

I wouldn't say that San Diego is a better team than any of the other teams we've played so far this year. What happened was the Raiders chose to play their worse game offensively today. Their inconsistency and lack of creativity on offense was the leading cause for no offense at all. Kerry Collins once again showed why he's not a good quarterback. If I had to put blame on someone for this one it would be Kerry Collins and the Offensive Coordinator.

It's obvious that Collins is playing not to make mistakes. When he did take a chance it was not a well advised one. He tends to lead his receivers into heavy defensive traffic and still throws passes too high. One throw to an open Courtney Anderson in the endzone would have been a touchdown if it were say maybe five feet lower. Mind you Courtney is six foot seven with basketball jumping ability. How a quarterback misses a six foot seven tight end open in the end zone is beyond me. Granted, the throw was aligned properly and Courtney did have some defensive backs in the vicinity, but unless he'd grown wings in the huddle he wasn't going to come down with the high thrown ball.

I hate to say it but it's possible Moss's groin injury sustained while trying to catch a deep Collins pass in double coverage, might have been avoided with a better pass. Collins was overthrowing today when maybe underthrown balls would have benefited his receivers and the team.

Lamont Jordan plowed into the offensive line for little yardage much of the first half. The defense broke at times but considering they were on the field for long periods of time in the first half, I'd understand their fatigue on this 80 degree day.

Even in playing their worse game of the season to date the Raiders gave themselves opportunities in the final quarter to make it a game. But those ugly penalties at critical times, some questionable, cost them yet again. The penalties were lessened from previous games, but they still reared their head just when the defense was making a stand. There's no way around a personal foul roughing the passer penalty. It's the referree's call whether we agree or not.

The only solution I see to this problem is possibly throwing in Tuaosusopo to give us a rushing threat, or admitting to ourselves that we're not as talented a team as we thought and our coaches are lacking when it comes to game planning.

Something must be done to stop the bleeding caused by Ladanian Tomlinson and the stellar play of the San Diego Chargers this weekend. They whupped us today, period.

I must give credit to Tomlinson, he is truly an exceptional running back. He cuts on a dime, uses his blockers effectively and has plenty of fight for every yard. He's tough, sweet and elusive like Payton. He didn't run over the Raiders today, but he sure put his mark on the game.

Enough said. Stop the bleeding NOW Big Al. It can't go on like this. I'll go down with the ship if I have to, but I want to at least know that I took a few enemies with me.

Let's Go Raiders!

White Sox AJ Perzenski's Controversial Strikeout

Regarding the controversial call, or non-call on AJ Perzynski in the 9th inning of game 2 against the Angels. The supervisor of umpires explained it perfectly. Two reasons why AJ was safe.

1. The umpire never called him out

2. Replays show the ball moves another direction before hitting the catchers mitt

I must have watched a good ten replays after immediately following the play. There was one replay that was shown maybe twice which clearly shows the ball either bouncing up into the glove or moving in another direction as it's caught. Maybe it was the same angle enlarged, but the ball clearly looked as if it rattled into the catcher's glove.

The question I have is why did the network only show that enlarged replay I saw only twice and continued to show the replay that was so inconclusive over and over?

I believe if the replay where the ball seems to bounce into the glove was shown more, the controversy wouldn't have been as one sided per the media. Remember, the network welcomes controversy. Controversy gets more people to watch upcoming games, adding to the viewer ratings, which amounts to more dollars. By not showing other replays and/or enlarging the tape, the commentators can only comment on what they saw.

Expect Radio talk show hosts as well as television commentators to talk about this for the next few days, getting paid big bucks to talk about it, the Controversial Call.

But don't get too caught up in that call. It didn't cause the Angels to lose the game. The following two plays cause the Angels to lose the game. The stealing of second base by the pinch runner. And the RBI double by Crede which won the game.

I try not to be a conspiracy theorist, which is hard when you're a die hard Raiders Fan, but when you tally up how much time is spent on talking about this call in the upcoming days, and the salaries of the folks in media who will be talking about it, I wonder if maybe something is being withheld from us poor fans to keep us asking the question.....was the ball a caught out?

Somebody someday will analyze the tape and come closer to the truth than what's being given at this time. In the meantime, Congratulations White Sox for a heads up play and winning game two of the ALCS. Maybe it's time for a "Tuck" rule in baseball.

Ready for the Lightening Bolts

The San Diego Chargers are coming into the Coliseum this weekend off of a bitter loss to Pittsburgh. The Steelers took advantage of the chargers with a good passing game. It seems the Raiders should follow the Pittsburgh formula which is to establish the pass to open the running game. Did you see how easily the Steelers passed their way down the field at times?

If the offensive line can protect Kerry Collins the way Ben Rothlisburger was protected (minus the leg injury), we should have a good day passing and scoring. Courtney Anderson is no Antonio Gates, but with Randy Moss taking on double coverage other receivers should be open. Lamont Jordan should have a fullback blocking for him on running plays inside. I hope to see more passes and screens thrown Jordan's way this weekend.

Shorter passing routes is key to ball control for the Raiders. Defense should look better against a familiar opponent. Our defense needs to pressure Drew Brees all day. Look out Drew, Sapp is attacking like a revived monster.

So all that's needed this week is an attacking short yardage pass attack with the threat of Moss deep, Lamont Jordan mix of non-vanilla plays, Pass Protection for Kerry and quicker reads by Kerry. If only Kerry had a half decent pair of running legs. Defense just needs to attack the quarterback and not let up. Stack the box and double gates. LT will get some, but he can be minimized as we saw in Pittsburgh.

Come on Norv, show us you can out maneuver Marty Shottenheimer with good play calling. Put the players in position to win a game that's there for the taking.

Us Fans will try to do our part in the noise department. I expect the Raiders to do their part and get us our first divisional win of 2005.

WE MUST PROTECT THIS HOUSE!

Defense Bends But Holds for Raiders Win!

Goal Line Stand! Warren Sapp is Back! Defensive Pressure Improved overall. The day was made for defense and it held. Other than two big plays by the Dallas offense, our Defense won this game for us today.


But before I give defense it’s due let me tell you something about Moss. Randy Moss has the grace of a Gazelle and the hands of a pediatrician delivering a baby. I was seated at an angle that revealed his wide open hands clamping down on a hard thrown spiral and his fingers encasing the the ball pulling it into his body without losing stride. It was a thing of beauty to watch it live. I’ve only seen Jerry Rice make catches like that. Graceful!













But that defense was awesome and held at a crucial time. I remember seeing 1:49 left in the game with us calling a timeout. Dallas only needed five yards for a touchdown or three for a first on 4th down. That old friend tension returned for another Sunday at the Coliseum. This time our defense brought the pressure and the pass was hurried and short. Us fans were relieved first then ecstatic when the referee ruled incomplete, Raiders football

With many penalties but less at crucial moments in the game, the Raiders got their first win of the season. Lamont Jordan ran to daylight thanks to his offensive blockers clearing the way. Janakowski has gotten back into his rhythm and is kicking stronger (touchbacks on kickoffs) and more accurate in making two field goals of 40 plus yards with ease. Special teams rookie Chris Carr is still learning and you could see Doug Gabriel educating him after an impressive kick return where he could of cut it to the outside for a touchdown. All in all it was a game of relief. There's still room for improvement but we go into our bye week with a much needed win.

It was a hot day for all fans in the stadium. The Coliseum was packed more than it was for the Kansas City game. Anytime you see and smell herbal indulgence after the game you know it was a productive day. Many Dallas Cowboy fans were out representing their team. For some reason the Dallas fans weren’t harassed that much. Only one threat of a fight near our section and by the time security arrived all had been forgiven. The Raider fans had tailgated too hard for a hot day and it showed in the two fans taking knaps in my section. My friend Big Lar said they’d arrived at six o’clock this morning and the jello shots started at sunrise. But he’d limited his afternoon drinking to sierra mist on ice.

It was Hispanic Heritage day at the Coliseum and the half time show featured mariachi performers with little senorita dancers. Jorge Santana did an admirable job at singing the national anthem though many afterward stated that Jorge was no Carlos Santana.

Our one weakness on offense was the Red Zone. We must begin scoring touchdowns in the Red Zone. We seem to do okay between the two twenty’s but go flat in the Red Zone. I blame the play calling and Kerry Collins. We cannot play inside the twenty like we’re outside the twenty. A change in formations and strategy are needed for those plays. Kerry must change from a deep passer to a short yardage master during red zone execution.

Lamont Jordan went over one hundred yards for the first time as a Raider. He ran hard and was rewarded. The play action pass worked to perfection just as it’s drawn up to work. Kerry ran the play action with perfection at times. Some of Kerry’s passes are still floating and he could use some work on pump action and looking off receivers.

Defensive Line Day with a dose of Moss is what today’s game was. We didn’t give it away in the final moments. For that I can feel promise for the rest of the season.

Final
Raiders 19 Cowboys 13

Tribute to Mr. Raider

Brown helped Raiders grow up | From www.bayarea.com

By Monte Poole

THERE ARE NO snapshots of him in handcuffs in a squad car, no photos of him wearing a silly mask on the sideline, no tales of him walking a lion, holding a cobra or swinging a switchblade.

He did not drink, smoke, cuss or dive headlong into the nocturnal pursuits.

He didn't even wear shades indoors.

How on earth did Tim Brown manage to stay a Raider long enough to challenge Al Davis as the team's reigning icon?

Maybe it's because Brown was the mainstay, producing at a high level for a long time. Or because he spoke softly, thoughtfully and almost always with a purpose. Or because there was a dignity to his carriage.

In any case, it is profoundly appropriate that when Brown announces his retirement this month, he will do so as a Raider.

Not to be lost here, though, is the acknowledgment that Tim was a leader in the movement to get the Raiders to grow up.

The Raiders built a reputation during the 1960s and '70s by doing and saying things that create images. They partied as hard as they played. They were mean and nasty and they'd kick your butt all over the field, laughing at the sight of blood — theirs and yours.

Ted Hendricks and Tom Keating, on the field and off, were wild men. Gene Upshaw's nickname, Uppy, was in lights above a Jack London Square nightclub. Fred Biletnikoff waspart-owner of a bar-restaurant off Hegenberger Road. Ken Stabler prowled pubs from San Jose to Santa Rosa.

Dare we mention the treacherous exploits of John Matuszak and Warren Wells?

The Raiders were a motorcycle club in shoulder pads, defined by swagger, villainy, night life and an assortment of free spirits.

And along came Brown to slowly strip away this Animal House of ill repute.

The kid from Notre Dame wasn't alone; he had help from devout teammates like Steve Wisniewski and Jeff Hostetler. Of the three, though, Brown was the first to wear the uniform, donned it the longest and maintained the highest visibility.

Drafted on the first round in 1988, while the Raiders were in Los Angeles, Brown entered a place annexed from hell. The players openly disrespected first-year coach Mike , mocking him until Davis stepped in and replaced with Art Shell.

Brown, the polite and devout fellow from Notre Dame, observed the madness and took note. As he grew into his career, he presided over a locker room with its share of clowns — none of whom lasted very long.

By the time the Raiders returned to Oakland in 1995, they were barely recognizable. There was a distinct shortage of influential characters. They were a football team, nothing more, seeking respect in a new NFL.

Brown, by then 29 years old and a four-time participant in the Pro Bowl, was the epitome.

He was the team's primary spokesman, in baseball cap and uniform before practice and always — always — in a suit and tie after games. He generally was about as open and honest as good judgment would allow, whether offering an assessment of Davis or administering a

velvet-hammered lashing to the broad backside of wayward kicker Sebastian Janikowski.

Immaturity or inattention among his teammates was an affront to Tim's sensibilities.

Unless there was a specific inquiry, Brown made no more than veiled references to his Christianity. He's the guy who once reminded former teammate Napoleon Kaufman that it's fine to read the Bible, but he also had an obligation to study the playbook.

Don't get me wrong. Even if by established Raiders' standards Brown was downright saintly, he was not perfect.

Though he could twist cornerbacks into the turf with his footwork, he also could drop the easiest of passes. Like many stars, he could be transparently self-centered. He also could be sensitive to slights; we've had numerous discussions over some of the more critical content of my columns.

And though he deserves induction into the Hall of Fame, Brown never got his elusive championship ring.

Almost never, though, did Brown drop his core professionalism. Guys like Brown and Wisniewski made the Raiders a more palatable destination for dedicated pros like Lincoln Kennedy, Rich Gannon and Jerry Rice.

An old Raiders slogan refers to "pride and poise." No Raider ever symbolized these virtues to a greater degree than Brown.

He was not, however, the Ultimate Raider. He was his own man, conceivably the first and most enduring of the great anti-Raiders.

It happened over a week ago and I'm still sore

Agony of defeat September 18, 2005

Oh the pain the pain. Here it is less than an hour after watching my Raiders lose to those hated Kansas City Chiefs and I can’t shake the agony. The grief in me is like a hunger pang that makes one bend over and hold their stomach in agony. The reason the pain is so agonizing is not because we lost but how we lost. Many share in the blame for this one. The Refs, Raider coaches, quarterback Kerry Collins and maybe a few too many dumb penalties at the most devastating time.

As much as I want to focus on the positives of our performance at this hurting moment I cannot. My attention is being held hostage by a grueling agonizing pain that keeps kicking me in the stomach causing me to exhale exasperatingly.

How close were we you may ask? How about first and ten at the KC thirteen yard line with two time outs and one minute fifty eight seconds to work that Raider magic. The good field position being a gift from our highly challenged and exhausted young defense. They bent all night but never completely broke. A few cracks in their dented and dinged Silver and Black armor maybe but when it called for a big play they delivered by creating and recovering a KC fumble with minutes left in the game.

With the Coliseum on edge our unproven leader, QB Kerry Collins, runs three offensive plays and we find ourselves in a fourth down and six to make a first down, eleven for the touchdown. Every single Raider fan had the jitters as our fearless unproven leader lined up the offense for what would be a do or die play. A part of us wanted to believe that our destiny to win was written in that pearly white full moon lounging over the thinly clouded east bay hills like a London streetlamp piercing through fog. Others probably felt that we were due some luck this one time tonight after having two touchdowns called back due to questionable penalties on our offense. Either way, every Raider fan foresaw prematurely that we’d be hollering in ecstasy after the success on this upcoming fourth down. How else are fans of one of the winningest franchises in sports history supposed to think?

After we took a timeout our team huddled up and planned what could turnout to be their final battle cry. Probably an all for one and one for all type huddle hype. Many of us fans paced in our aisle and nobody was sitting. A few glances at one another spoke what none of us were truly willing to say out loud. We were scared! Scared that our yet unproven leader may not be ready to display proof of leadership skills in the clutch. All night we’d been coming close in the clutch and all night we came up just inches short of our goal. Sure there were big plays made and points scored but KC seemed to be just a step ahead of us in all categories including that all important edge, Lucky Breaks.

When the Raiders Offense breaks the huddle and walks up to the line of scrimmage you can hear a group inhale from the crowd, a crowd I estimate to be around 58,000 plus a few stuffed life-size KC dolls for fan stress relief. Our fearless leader lines up behind center and begins yelling out signals. I realize the gum I’ve been chewing for hours is stuck on my upper palate due to loss of saliva, the dryness being a result of tension. I dare not wedge it free and lose focus of the play. My body, along with all the inhabitants of upper deck section 322, tensed simultaneously as the ball is snapped. Immediate yelling from everyone began as it was evident we were running a pass play. Notice I say “we.” At that moment of spontaneous yelling, everyone felt that they were the quarterback and knew just where the ball should be thrown. With the defensive pass rush being held at bay QB Kerry Collins has ample time to make the right choice and complete his throw.

What felt like minutes lasted no more than ten seconds? I’d pretty much lost all analytical offensive coordinator skills and was in prayer mode by now, hoping and praying that we’d score or be angelically granted a first-down. In the next instant we would know whether God and his angels were smiling with us or crying silver and black tears for us all. It never even crossed our minds that KC may also have a direct line to God for divine intervention. To us KC was child to the anti-Christ and we’d surmised that any luck granted on their side was conjured up by no other than Satan himself. Proof being the gruesome blood red color in their uniforms signifying their commitment to Hell.

In the moments it took for Collins to spot WR Jerry Porter streaking across the back of the end-zone and to throw the football those eleven plus yards, us fans had dreamed up a lifetime of winning scenarios for this game. We all peered towards the end zone as Porter, covered shrewdly by a KC defender, reached back and got his fingers on the short thrown ball. Flashes of that juggled short yardage completion to Porter earlier in the drive ran through my memory bank, but I didn’t let it spoil my hope for the moment nor my imagined dream.

Seeing Porter falling while the pass defender swatted at his outstretched hands and snatched the ball was a lesson in time and space warp illusion. I swear it looked like the play was in slow motion and my screaming along with the 58,000 other sellout paid fans was echoing thickly in the coliseum void. Like trying to run toward or away from something in a dream. Or watching a glass of milk as it’s knocked off a table and your reaction impulse is triggered as you watch the slow descent of the glass falling, falling, and falling. A moment in time encapsulated in our memory banks and on video to be replayed over and over if we so choose. Chris Berman style maybe.

But what would have, could have and should have been just wasn’t to be. Not for those 58K watching with their 116K puppy dog eyeballs glued to Porter lying on the turf without the pigskin. Half of us didn’t even notice that the KC defender had intercepted the ball and was sprinting across the end zone in celebration before taking a knee. Our Silver and Black prayers and hopes for the day died there on the cool evening turf along with the hopes of a dejected number 84 Jerry Porter.

This moment frozen in time ended for me when that gritty hunger pang I mentioned earlier started gnawing at my insides. I choked back the pain, stuck my chest out and lifted up my chin doing as I’d been taught to do when adversity strikes. But a person knows when he’s lying outwardly to himself. All it takes is that quiver of pain to remind us that we may fool others but we can’t fool ourselves nor cheat the devil. For all the festive energy invested in a Raider Nation day, the moment of truth had finally come and we wept internally for our fallen team and our crushed dreams of grandeur. I guess someone has to pay the piper for the party that began at sunrise.

Our team had fought back from their earlier foibles and came up just eleven yards short of their goal today. But the loss cannot take away the love and pride we all demonstrated for out team on this day. A day of recaptured pride and poise for our team’s first home game of the 2005 season. And our Silver and Black Soldiers looked every bit as much committed to achieving excellence through their battling effort today.

Old friendships were reunited and new ones were made on this beautifully bright day in the Northern California sunshine. With food being grilled for gobbling and suds soaking the smiles of many, it was a day of Raider Nation Glory. Though we’d all drag ourselves out of the coliseum in a state of shock and awe on this ESPN taped Sunday evening, we’ll relive this day of fun in the sun and a night highlighted by a Randy Moss 64 yard TD for years to come. The Moss grab was a thing of beauty and I myself felt I got my money’s worth after seeing his spectacular jump, catch and run at our end of the field. Pure Beauty Homey!

So I’m back home trying to put a smile on a face that’s had a permanent scowl since the loss. I’ve been at it writing out my pain for about an hour and though I still have light pangs I know tomorrow’s another day if I can make it until then. I’m sure things could be worse.

There, I’m actually feeling better about the future of my team. Maybe I’ll volunteer some of my time for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts tomorrow. But right now I still want to sulk for just a little longer. Damn we were so close to pulling off a win tonight, so close. And it aches so because I invested all my heart and emotions today. So excuse this man for being such a sore loser for this one evening. I can draw no lessons from this loss. To some it’s only a game, but to me at this moment it’s like losing a world that you spent a day creating. Tomorrow’s will be a new creation and with it a new promise.

This would never ever happen at a Raiders home game!

We Raider fans are loyal and committed to the silver and black. We live and breathe that Raider mystique that so many write and talk about. And though some of us truly hate those whiners across the bay, most of us just feel sympathy for the fair weather fans that follow the team. I myself am neutral when it comes to the whiners and their fans. Those Montana days were special and I'll admit I watched in awe the magic that team displayed, even if they questionably minipulated the salary cap. But that was before the Raiders return. Before Chucky grimaced and sneered on the Coliseum sidelines. Before the Raiders return to the Glory of Divisional and Conference Championship wins.

So when I read in the newspaper today about the tough losses both teams endured over the weekend I felt anger for my Raiders of course, but for that other team across the bay I felt pity after reading what took place at Candlestick Park. My team may be 0-3 as of this Monday, but never will you see anything in print about a Raiders home game like you saw today in the demoralizing article that reflects whiner fan loyalty. I feel for those players in red and gold and I wonder just what went through their psyche when their offense had to scrap the shotgun formation because of the Dallas Fans zealous screaming in the stadium, The stadium that Joe built. Joe would be ashamed.

Thus here's a portion of the article by chronicle staff writers Kevin Lynch and John Crumacker:

DALLAS FANS MAKE THEMSELVES AT HOME

When the 49ers were driving Sunday for a possible game-winning touchdown or game-tying field goal, it was unclear whether the team was playing in San Francisco or Texas. Fans clad in Cowboys blue and silver were in such full throat that 49ers quarterback Tim Rattay had to abandon the shotgun formation and go under center because his teamates couldn't hear the signals.

Defensive tackle Anthony Adams admitted it was strange to see so many Cowboys fans at Candlestick, and 49ers coach Mike Nolan even made an appeal to fans before leaving his post game news conference.

"I would like 49ers fans to keep their tickets," Nolan said. "That would be nice."

Canine Morning Glory

Lexi Lisa and Linus
September 25, 2005


Sunday morning greetings between two canines and a dark eyed lady

Lexi has taken her owner Lisa for a walk in the park this beautifully bright Sunday morning. There are meditative exercises being performed by a group of early rising seniors. The la terrazzo style fountain is gushing volcanic-like with sparkling clear water. The sound of splashing water gives a feeling of serenity to the morning setting.

Lexi is a small white puffy haired dog with a pink collar and a reserved attitude. She’s curious about her surroundings and loves initiating conversation with other pedigrees. She’ll tire quickly of her newly found friends and seems to always be in a search and discover mode.

A small pug looking canine was the first to witness Lexi’s cunning self-serving ways. Lexi’s owner Lisa spied the little pug as he eyed Lexi from across the plaza past the fountain. The pug, whose name is CornNut, strolled confidently over and introduced himself to Lexi. After much sniffing and canine communicating the two frolicked underneath the bench that Lisa sat on. The male owner of CornNut conversed with Lisa for a bit as we all enjoyed watching the two canines interplay.

While in the middle of playing with CornNut and appearing to tire of his macho ways Lexi senses another male canine eager to communicate and give attentions to her feminine fur. It’s obvious that Lexi has already tired of CornNut and is giving this new plaid sweater wearing male interest her undivided attentions.

Though he’s not as masculine as CornNut he’s got the spunk and spirit that turns Lexi into a trotting fairy princess. His owner, an older Asian lady with animal doctoring skills, begins sharing with us the history of this playful miniature chihuahua named Linus.

Linus was a rescue from the south bay animal shelter. He came very close to being euthanized upon his arrival at the shelter. Doctors at the shelter believed that Linus had been ill treated or neglected by a former owner or possibly dropped by careless kids. The prior treatment of Linus had left him handicapped in his front legs. Doctors told Linus new owner that it was his lively spirit that told them Linus had a good chance of survival, and so they nursed his wounds and let nature’s way heal the rest. Linus may not be able to walk more than half a block at a time, but he can play within a given range for hours.

As Lexi became the trophy of Linus’s affections CornNut was left to wait and wonder just how a small brown taco bell looking Chihuahua could steal his newfound love interest away with such ease. Once CornNut’s owner saw that the competition had a stronghold on Lexi’s attention he kindly wished everyone a good day and urged CornNut homeward. CornNut didn’t seem to mind leaving and probably would thank his owner later for the dignity saving departure.

So with CornNut out of the picture Linus had a clear unobstructed path to Lexi’s cuddling character. But just as quickly as Lexi turned her attentions away from CornNut she abandoned her play with Linus to seek other canine mysteries. Linus was persistent and wouldn’t let Lexi off the hook so easily.

In the meantime Linus owner continued to narrate the trials and tribulations of poor Linus. For it was only a week ago that a larger dog of cocker spaniel breed snatched up small Linus and tried to eat him like he was an afternoon puppy dog snack. Linus was left with a puncture near his eye and nightmares of his early years abuse. The incident triggered a relapse of Linus’s fear of males both canine and human. But Linus rebounding spirit allowed him to overcome the trauma and bounce back to his loving and trusting ways.

Linus not only displayed his affections toward Lexi but also acknowledged the human hands that reached to pet and scratch at his shorthaired brown body. With Lexi beginning to show a mood of wanting to be left alone, Lisa her owner picks her up and sets Lexi on the bench with her. We believe Lexi was a bit jealous of Linus receiving all the human attention, but whose to say what feelings cross the conscious of such a calculating character as we find in Lexi. Lexi has the cunningness of a cat and the slyness of a snake. But she’s loveable as Lisa attests to when she cuddles her upon Linus’s departure.

A dog lover at heart, Lexi brings a caring parental smile to Lisa that’s proof of their inseparable bond. And so with a kind heart and caring voice Lisa wishes me well as she and Lexi stroll away toward a day of pampering one another. I believe it won’t be the last I see of Lisa and Lexi. When blessings come in ways such as these the recipient of its gift can only look forward to the next encounter and give thanks for being in the right place at a most delightful time.

Lisa being a native of Rhode Island brought a familiar kinship to our morning conversation. After talks of yoga, eastern philosophies and the beauty of San Francisco, we found ourselves partners in receiving the morning magic. Maybe it was her Italian look and traits that produced images of home in my mind. Either way I’ll keep an eye out for Lisa when I stroll around the Italian la terrazzo plaza in mornings to come. For home is where the heart is and where friendships are discovered. But that’s a different story reserved for human relations. Today’s stage was set for canine performers and they delivered to their audience in a glorious way.

An Ugly Raider Loss

Philadelphia beats Raiders with a lousy kick in the final seconds of a 23 to 20 loss for the Raiders. Lousy because the kicker (David Ackers), hobbled by a leg injury sustained earlier, barely got the ball over the crossbars as he crumpled down in pain and part jubilation following the kick.

I said it last week and I'm yelling it this week. How can the Raiders expect to win when they continue to incur penalties at the most inopportune time? Again, we beat ourselves. Again, we couldn't come up with a big play on defense to stop a drive. Instead it seems we have a very bad habit of keeping the opponents drives marching on 3rd downs with stupid penalties.

But I can't completely blame the defense for those penalties as a cause for losing the game. They continued to bend and not break even though their pass rushing of the quarterback was atrocious. Give any quarterback the time they gave McNabb to throw the ball and he'll eventually find someone open. The defensive play of the game was the Warren Sapp interception. Sapp looked better than ever as a Raider today. I must admit, there were times where we brought the pressure but those times were too few. Our offense went flat at times but was able to make the big plays when needed. Our young Robert Gallery had one of his less than stellar performances today when he was called no less than three times for off sides penalties.

Sea Bass is definitely the goat of this game for the Raiders. Missing two field goals that he should have, being sea bass, made. The fifty yarder that hit the upright had the leg strength but not the aim. Makes you wonder if Sea Bass has gone back to his old partying ways while nobody's watching.

Our leader at the helm did a much better job this week in spreading the ball around. Collins had more muscle in his throws and not as many of them floated high as did last week. The pass protection was there against a tough pass rush and blitz. But maybe we should've abandoned the running game earlier. It wasn't working and It seemed we kept finding ourselves in 3rd down and long. That along with the penalties left us in passing mode for most of the day. Suprising no interceptions.

Moss wasn't much of a factor but was great going over the middle. Porter, Whitted and Gabriel all peformed well and Tight End Courtney Anderson was finally involved in the offense after a week's disappearance from the plan. Also, Lamont Jordan was better at the catch and run with a few screens that could have been for more yardage.

So the solution to our losing problems is obvious. Must stop the penalties period. Must get better pressure on the quarterback period. Must keep Lamont Jordan involved in the offense period. Must keep Randy Moss involved and continue taking those shots. Moss was close today to making yet another big play, keep'em coming to Moss. Sebastian Janokowski may be costing us games. Someone talk with Sea Bass quick.

Special teams was a wash. Carr continues to prove he belongs.

I believe we can still compete with the best this year. I believe we can run off a string of wins and be a force come December. We need our team and our coaches to come together and try getting us over the hump with our first win. We need to know that we can win a game be it close or a blowout. It's only been three games. We're probably the best 0-3 team you've ever seen. Let's dwarf those three losses with a string of wins and shock the world.


There's only one nation that can beat the odds and rise from a heap of losses.
The Raider Nation
Let's Win Baby!