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