WHATUP Raider Nation!!!!!,
I told you…as long as you believed, the Raiders would achieve victory….
looks like your confidence was riding high in the big O, Sunday, son!!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, NATION! GREAT VICTORY TREATS AND TREASURES TO YOU ALL!

The Defense has blessed us with yet another exquisite, stupendous, glorified win AND tolerable week!
Force have Mercy, Where do I begin?!?!?!
The Sith award goes to the ENTIRE DEFENSE!! Offense? I’ll get to you in due time…literally. (Enter Lightsaber SFX)

CHRIS CARR: You are absolutely phenomenal! That INT had to be the play of the year! If all of you witness this man on a weekly basis as I do, you’d know that this man was destined for greatness. Week in, week out, he always gathers positive yards with his Kickoff Returns, always brings the heat on Special Teams and ALWAYS makes the most of his time in on Defense. The Force will be with you, CC…always…keep it up, Lightspeed.
BURGESS: Your ability to breakthrough the one on one matchups never seize to amaze me. Why don’t the teams give you the proper respect; honoring you with a Double Team? Hell, they probably think their doomed either way!! 4.5 Sacks in the last 2 weeks?!! Your ongoing, aggressive power absolutely astounds me. You bring the pain every single down! As I said before, you are simply the BEST DAMN PLAYER on our team. Keep astonishing others and I’m sure we’ll be on Mai Tai Island once again..
ASOMUGHA: 9 tackles and a pick to the house? You have grown so much Jedi Nnamdi. I knew it would take a short while, but the force always knew that you would develop into a hell of a player. Who could expect anything less from a CAL BEAR?
MORRISON: Home grown had a monster game as well. This hard worker ALSO had 9 tacks with a INT in his Lunchbox as well. This young player keeps getting better and better…way to protect the house, Captain Kirk. Big ups,FiveTwo!

I say again Nation, my hat goes off to EVERY single player on the Defense! Everyone keeps improving with every single game. All of you made it possible to bring back the magic of the old days….before the dark times.. before the Empire was what it is. The Dark Lord of the Sith, Master of all evil, only can IMAGINE how the fans would react if…..
………….no…..
no, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Let’s take each victory as a victory on its own. Always continue to focus on ONLY the next opponent…like a true player does.Yes, the Darth of Death actually believes we can take the defending NFC champion Seahawks. How is your faith, this evening?

Last but not least, I would like to comment on the Offense….
Sh^%^$ !!! What can I say that hasn’t already been said?
In a Ewok nutshell..
- LINE/TE’s, TRY to pick up that outside LB. This IS the NFL. You should never leave a man unblocked. Former MVP Rich Gannon agrees!!!!!
-LINE/TE NOTE 2: PLEASE Practice picking up Stunts!!!!!!!
- MR MOSS: You know what you did. You are too special of a player not to realize you need some peanut butter and jelly on those damn massive hands. PEANUT BUTTER JELLY!!!!PEANUT BUTTER JELLY!!!PEANUT BUTTER JELLY WITH A BASEBALL …oops, sorry…hungry….
Porter: We didn’t wait all this time just for one damn catch. Call me greedy, but I want more….
Walter: Never loose that ability to stay calm. If the lines breaking down, do not hesitate to scramble eggs, boy.
Running Backs: Keep running hard. You guys are almost ready for another 100 yard game. Fargas and Lamont…love the energy..keep up the high intensity..
Coaches: Can we implement more plays to the Tights and Running Backs? Even Cower commented on how EASY it was to study our bed and breakfast offense. Will we EVER be creative again??? AUGGH!
Everyone: Please consider my main man, Aaron Brooks. I’m beggin’ ya….

Till next time, Rebellion….
Let’s cage and rattle the Hawks!!!

Oh, how very sweet it is….
the sweet scent of victory, the charismatic emotion, the thunderous applause, the laughter and the hunger all came back to the Coliseum, Sunday as YOUR Oakland Raiders grounded the Cardinals 22-9.
Welcome back, my beloved Raider Nation. What it is, peeps?
My, what a great week this has become. It’s funny how much more positive a Fan is after his/her team gathers a long, overdue victory: work becomes a little more tolerable, the nagging Friends are a little more silent, the families talk more often, even the sun shines a little more if you can believe it….every positive feeling is intensified by a billion. It almost feels like a damn drug.
Ah, if we could only obtain this blissful feeling week in, week out. Hey, as long as we concentrate on beating each opponent one team at a time, there is no problem we can’t overcome, my Empire. Just think of this win as step one. We have taken our first step into a larger world…

Offense: you all played like All Stars. The passes were deployed quickly. Padawan Andrew Walter still made a few mistakes, but the Sophomore Quarterback reacted as a season Vet for the most part. Let’s hope the kid carries that similar kind of swagger going in against the Steelers.
The run blocking was more explosive than this Sith has seen all year. Maybe there is hope for you yet, my Mammoths.
All of the Wide Receivers new routes were executed nicely, but still need to work on catching the ball in and out of traffic.(Mr Moss this means you).
The running committee ran more fierce than a Wookie. The combination of Fargas, Lee and Crockett overwhelmed the red birds. The force tells me it might even be more deadly after Lamont Jordon is added to the mix….well, as long as he’s cured of back pain AND turnover sickness..

Special Teams: Jano, the force was with your already powerful Foot. You kick the ball so hard I can hear it scream from the Dark Side. The blocking was superb and Chris Car still works wonders on Kick and Punt Returns. One day, you’ll break one to the house. I can feel it, number 23.

Defense: All of you get the Golden Lightsaber award. Nnamdi was like glue to Anquan Boldin. Kirk Morrison swarmed to the ball. Thomas Howard made great tackles while Poole, Rookie Mike Huff and Sands made the defensive plays of the season (so far..). Of course that first tackle was a Safety, but if you can’t get the correct play call the first time, there’s always the next down. Both plays made the crowd of over 60,000 scream and yell like there was no tomorrow.
And last, but definitely not least, I want to mention the best damn player on the team; Mr Derrick Burgess.
You brang the pain to Oliver Ross. You lead the team in tackles AND sacks. You caused an Interception. You are everything the team has has ever wanted in a Defensive Lineman. I only now ask this of you Master Jedi; NEVER STOP YOUR BRAND OF EXECUTION! Hawaii is a just a couple handful o’ sacks away. The force will remain strong with you as long as you want it to..

Nation, the next in line hails from mighty Pittsburgh. Ben Roethlisberger (probable), Willie Parker, Hines Ward, Joey Porter and Troy Polamalu all are pissed from losing against the elusive Atlanta Falcons. They expect a stomping. They are not impressed in what they have seen in game film.They think our Fans lack the kind of passion and dedication their crowd gives to them. They’ve said so.

So I say to you Oakland Raider Nation, how do we respond?
How do we help our team continue to gain furious momentum????

Be there, at the Coliseum, put your hard hats on and let’s go to work. Bring your big mouth and the game face.
Victory is ours as long as you all believe…

Inner Strength and vengeance,
-DR

0-5 …who would have thought? I would of…
but hard to see the dark side, is!!!! (in my favorite, annoying Yoda impression)

I would like to start off mentioning that it could always be worse, Raida Nation.
How, you ponder? In another area of this great Country, there lies a team with no Super Bowls, sub par players throughout the years, an unenthusiastic fan base tormented year after year and only a few mentioned division titles. What team? take your pick..Detroit, Cleveland, Arizona…at least we HAVE titles..Super Bowl experience..great coaches..great players…a history…blahblahblah….ughh…
Ok, that Oakland history is starting to bore even Darth Raider…just trying to cheer you the hell up, Black Hole.

Let’s concentrate on the here and now. There is no other way, Oaktown Faithful.
It seems as if this once hopeful Padawan, Andrew Walter loves to give more gifts away than Santa Claus. It’s ALWAYS the interceptions that kill us! With every ball I see thrown, I see a duck waiting to get in the hands of a Cornerback or Safety. His long ball IS somewhat impressive, but the Dark Lord believes he has quite a ways to go. I see greatness in the future for this Quarterback if he gets adequate time in the pocket, but unfortunately, it might take him the whole year. (see A. Smith/E. Manning’s progression). Too bad that would be all great and damn dandy if we were the type of team that actually waits for a Player to progress…but Emperor Al Davis wants results now!!! To hell with 0-5!! Stick in a player who can win!!! Just win, damn it! Are we the type of team to have patience?????!?! (As the Fans and Mr. Davis shrug yet again….)

This question does seem to be on the minds of a lot of Raider fans lately: Should the team A) Proceed towards the rest of the season seeing what this young Quarterback has for the future, or B) Observe a healed Aaron Brooks and see if he has what it takes to muster up a win (or wins) and hopefully carry that over for the next season..
This Sith Lord thinks the answer is fairly obvious. Brooks aka Jimi “Dynamite” Walker is currently the better of the two….for now. In my mind, the guy never got a fair break. (see previous blogs) Hey, I like Good Times..I just hope the former Pro Bowler still has something left in the tank at the ripe old age of 30. You never know Nation, the force may shine upon this soul once again.

Another question is how do the Raiders handle the Receiver situation now that the trade deadline is over? Jerry Porter is a lost cause and is suspended for 4 games for disrespecting Art Shell at practice while Randy Moss can’t stop commenting on the negatives to the media. Is there no end to the O’s torment??!?! Apparently not, Ronald Curry is now on a Milk carton, Lamont Jordon now has a knack for fumbling and the Line regressed to their earlier selves in giving up 4 more sacks.
The answers?
Force choke the Soldiers, it works every time for my personal Empire…but somehow, I don’t think even harmful torture will suffice for THIS crew..
If I had to make a decision now, I would say to ride it out. A team will hopefully offer the Raiders good value for No heart J.P. near the end of the season. It might not be what they paid for him (which was way too much originally) or the right amount of Draft picks, but it will be something. Randy Moss will stay as long as he sees promise in Drew or Brooks AND the penalty cursed Offensive line. Lamont? After chewing towels and beating himself up, I believe he’ll get back on the path to doing what he does best..gather productive yards. Always keep your head up, kid. There’s a lot more to learn from losing than how to eat cloth.
Defense? The Master of the evil envies you. Every single one of you showed a lot of heart. I know it must be frustrating seeing the Offense lay another egg series after series… game after game, but please know that people see how hard you’re all working and that you all soon shall be rewarded. Just make sure to run near the Dark Side End Zone after a sack or INT…I usually have a Beer somewhere near by my side.

Until next time Oakland Empire….Let’s whup that Cardinal arse and keep that bird grounded.
-DR

Thinking in retrospect Nation, at least there are negatives that are more troublesome in the world; North Korea comes to mind, Iraq, Global warming, Terrorism, African poverty, lack of good Rock and Hip-Hop music, your weight..
Hey, I’m just sayin’….
ANYTHING that will take the Lord of the Sith’s mind off of Football will make this present day a better one.

Hello Raider Death March, how are all of you this Week? Quite a performance last Sunday, eh?
It is now quite clear to me that our 2006 team does not know how to finish. Wouldn’t you agree? When you really look at all of the games closely, you’ll notice the Raiders have a tendency to give the game away in the 3rd quarter. It doesn’t matter if we’re down 13-0, up 21-10 or 13 to 7..our team eventually caves in faster than Sand trap inside of the 2nd half.
The sad thing about it all is the team knows it, expect it and wait for the tragedy to happen.
The fix?

To remain positive and try to gather knowledge through each loss and hopeful victory.

I know a lot of you call me a clueless dolt for thinking the way I do, but thinking as an Athlete is what I do best, for I am one. You can hit me a billion times and I still will never quit.Yes, there might be a few Raiders on our team and MANY fans out there that don’t carry this mindset, but it’s not like the strong willed will change their way of thinking if other’s don’t share their same philosophy. Who are these Athlete’s? I thought you’d never ask….
O-Line: I am putting you back in the winners circle this week due to the fact we only surrendered minimal sacks. The INT’s were more of Walter’s fault than yours.Every week you guys get a little better…
Lamont Jordan: Yes, he made a stupid mistake, yes he takes a while to hit the hole, yes he gained some weight back, but I do not question the man’s heart and character. This is a man who gained 1000 yards last year and looks to beat his own record. However, it appears that he only runs hard after the next player listed gets the rock in his hands..
Justin Vargas: This man is hungry. He is more hungry than Warren Sapp at an In and Out…more exciting to watch after every carry, more evasive than a Pod Racer on Tatooine. The Lightsaber goes up to you this week Huggy Bear jr. You have come a long way..
Ronald Curry: You were a beast last Sunday, brother. They could not stop you after you looked for open spots in the zone. Keep it up, son and I’m sure Coach Shell will have no choice but to list you as the #2 WR. For Emperor’s sake, Whitted does not seem to be making the plays the Raiders have hoped to see…take the spot away if he doesn’t want it, spicy Curry!!
Derrick Burgess: Even though the Niners gave up no sacks, you still gave Smith pressure. Sometimes it’s the others job as well to close the weak side of the pocket..ughh!! If only Darth Raider had some shoulder pads that weren’t made of plastic…..
Warren Sapp: I know deep down you still want to be successful as you were a few years ago. Yes, you also didn’t receive any sacks, but hard tackles were made and I commend you. Next time let’s try to hold the running back to under a 100 yards, shall we?
Randy Moss: I had a tough time with this one. After our favorite star player tried to belittle the Hall of Famer Howie Long, I wasn’t sure if you were more concerned about what others say about you rather than caring about your Team…but I truly believe when it’s all said and done and you are lined up against any Corner or Safety in the league, that you do try to make a difference. Yes, you take plays off occasionally, yes u whine to the wrong people and yes, you’re stubborn as all hell ,but you’re also one of our Leaders on this team. Please act accordingly. Make this team a better one and please never stop trying to improve yourself…sometimes a player’s faith is all you have. Who gives a flying f#@@ who says what about you?!?! Believe me, there are more people than the infamous Jedi Master Howie Long spewing criticism. Why give them the satisfaction of a heated response? Remain silent to the media; it’s what you are good at. DO NOT remain silent to your team. The team is all that should matter.Believe it, Moss.

Who’s next up on the villain list?
The 3-1 Denver Ponies. Raiders, your mind is the only thing that can beat you. We beat this team before, Remember? I sense Ronald Curry and a few others do…in the snow no less!!! Please find a way to get to Plummer, Stop the run and execute on Offense. Walter, grow up and rush back Fabian, we need you!
We have yet to play 4 Quarters of good Football, Oakland..so please, MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!
You don’t want to see my damn dark side…

Well, at least we have our Oakland Athletics and the up and coming Basketball season.

Yes, the feeling we thought we wouldn’t have had to experience this week has returned.That familiar, intolerable Football hangover has been bestowed upon my faithful Raider Nation once again. And while the sickness marinates in our black guts and empty silver souls, one must now wonder how long before we can find the proper cure.

After another dismal performance, I find myself asking the same question to all Raider fans after a loss: “What part of the team was the most problematic?”
It seems like the most common response I get from all Raider fans is silence, followed by a shrug and a nodding of the head meaning: WHERE DO I BEGIN?
Let’s get this constructive criticism over with now so we can focus on our next opponent later…

From the bad, to the worse, to the ugly..

The bad: The Defensive play in the 2nd Half.
In the 1st half, the Defense seemed like it had the entire Cleveland Brown Offense in check. There were hard tackles made, superb sacks and passion spewing from the D-Line,Linebackers and Secondary. The score was 21-10 and it seemed like my team was on their way to celebrating their 1st victory while drinking beer out of their dirty brown, black and green Cleats…

In the 3rd quarter, the Cleveland Browns made adjustments.

I believe the plan of attack was to make quicker throws while spreading out the Defense with 4 to 5 receivers. The plan worked and our noble Knights could never seem to catch up with what the Dog Offense was doing from one play to the next.

The worse: Special Teams. Players, you CAN NOT give up the kind of returns the Browns ran and expect to win. Two Kickers made tackles they weren’t even supposed to have a crack at. Yes, Shane and Seabass made great, phenomenal hits, but they should never of even been in that position to begin with.

The ugly: Our bed and breakfast Offense. Yes, the Master of evil realizes the Zebra’s made the worst call of the year (Master spicy Curry was clearly well past the marker and should have received a First down).Yes, your Lord realizes we had a powerful running attack more fierce than a powerful AT-AT, but despite all of their accomplishments, the negatives out weighed the positives, Sunday. It was made clear to me yesterday that the Offense makes or breaks us and will be the most important factor if we ever achieve victory again.(hopefully sooner than later)
Mistakes? We had plenty to witness: There were a lot of dropped balls, A. Walter was way off the mark, the Receivers had a hard time getting open and the same problem that has been plaguing the Offense from day 1 keeps occurring..
What is it, you ask?!?!? Like you don’t know, my dear brain dead Padawans!!!! Think of crumpled tracing paper, black holes in space or rather a wall made of eggshells….
Ding! Give the man a golden Lightsaber! The pass blocking. Now I can understand with the 1st two menacing teams, but CLEVELAND??!?!!?…
Simply unacceptable!!!! Clone Troopers will be arriving near the O-line Locker Room benches shortly..don’t worry; we’ll deal with your rebel friends soon enough. (Expect the TE’s to be Blaster stunned a billion to a trillion more times)
For what it’s worth O line, you did an extraordinary job in pushing for the running backs that gained over 180 yards…but the Sith of the Sabers wants pass protecting, damn you!!!!
AUGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I’m tired of pointing fingers…
I’m tired of giving empty threats..
I’m tired of patting all of you on the backs after that…

The Dark Lord of the Sith is now just simply tired.
He prays that all of you will get better in time.
He has used the force..
and will continue to use the force until he gets what he wants..
honored victory.
He knows you are all capable and are willing to unlock the power you all wield inside…so please…
unleash your forceful power.
NOW!!!!!!!
Please…
please make it so. Even Darth Raider gets tired of swinging a Saber at your heads, then choking you all verbally from week to week.
Please…. make progress, Empire.
That is all.