Miller Time
By Charles Ybarra
Friday, December 5th, 2008 at 12:08 am in Oakland Raiders.
The bad news was the obvious…
The bright side? The Chargers have no Super Bowl wins and are still not making the playoffs while we still get a higher draft pick…
end of story!!!!
Lord, is this one another painful game to remember…
so I won’t.
Ok, just for the sake of this damn blog which I occasionally hate to write…
Tomlinson scored on a 3-yard run against his favorite opponent and Philip Rivers threw three touchdown passes, including a 59-yarder to Vincent Jackson, to give the Chargers a 34-7 victory against the Oakland Raiders on Thursday night.
The Chargers beat the Silver and Black for the 11th straight time in a series dating to the birth of the AFL in 1960.
The Chargers (5-8) snapped a three-game losing streak and won for just the second time in seven games. Once considered favorites to reach the Super Bowl, they’re still in deep trouble, trailing Denver by 2½ games in the AFC West. The Broncos have four to play.
“It was desperately needed but it was one win for us,” Tomlinson said. “We don’t want to make it more than what it is.”
Good philosophy, LT. I also know what it’s like to drink too much of your own team’s spiked Kool-aid…
Last Sunday, Tomlinson was held to 24 yards, the second-lowest total of his brilliant eight-year career, in a listless 22-16 home loss to Atlanta.
“After the showing last week, I think we wanted to prove to everyone that that wasn’t us,” said Tomlinson, who’s having the worst season of his career. “It’s good that it was a short week. We got to show people who we are as a group.”
San Diego’s Darren Sproles caught two TD passes. His 87-yard touchdown on a punt return in the fourth quarter was called back after rookie Antoine Cason was called for an illegal block in the back.
Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell was intercepted twice by linebacker Stephen Cooper and also lost a fumble, leading to 17 points for the Chargers. Russell sprained his right ankle after his second pickoff and didn’t return. X-rays were negative, and Russell left the locker room on crutches.
Andrew Walter replaced Russell at the start of the third quarter. Walter was intercepted by Matt Wilhelm late in the fourth quarter.
The Raiders (3-10) reached double-digit losses for the sixth straight year. They are 22-71 since being routed by Tampa Bay and former Raiders coach Jon Gruden in the Super Bowl in San Diego on Jan. 26, 2003.
“It’s clear that we’re not close,” cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said. “We don’t play good football, we don’t play sound football. We’ve been undisciplined. You just wonder how many people care and how many people are upset.”
Nnamdi, I can honestly say, you and only a handful of players are the only ones who care about this team. Please never leave. We’ll need you when this team finally turns itself around.
I know more of you think that will happen more later then sooner..
but call me a delusional optimist…I don’t really care.
Tomlinson’s TD midway through the first quarter was his 137th, moving him into sole possession of fifth place on the career list. He had been tied with Marshall Faulk, who was at the game working for the NFL Network.
LT had 91 yards on 25 carries. He has 1,906 career rushing yards and 22 total touchdowns, 19 on the ground, in 16 games against the Raiders. They are his most yards and touchdowns against any opponent.
“I think there are always certain teams that you enjoy playing and you seem to match up well against and seem to have a great game against,” Tomlinson said. “I can’t explain it.”
Three plays into Oakland’s first possession, Russell fumbled as he was being sacked by outside linebacker Shaun Phillips, and inside linebacker Jyles Tucker recovered at the 12-yard line. Tomlinson carried three straight times, scoring untouched off left tackle for a 10-0 lead.
Rivers threw an 8-yard TD pass to Sproles early in the second quarter, capping a 15-play, 96-yard drive that took 8 minutes, 29 seconds. Tomlinson and Sproles carried five times each and Rivers had three carries on the drive.
San Diego got the ball back on Cooper’s first pickoff. Jackson got behind two defenders and hauled in Rivers’ scoring pass down the right sideline to make it 24-0.
Russell was hit by Phillips while passing late in the second quarter and the ball went straight to Cooper, who lateraled to Antonio Cromartie for a 14-yard gain. Russell was hurt on that play.
San Diego’s Nate Kaeding kicked field goals of 20 and 39 yards.
After Kaeding’s second field goal, Oakland’s Justin Miller returned the kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown.
Thank you, Justin. 7 is better then a Bagel any day.
Rivers was 10-of-22 for 214 yards. Jackson had five catches for a career-high 148 yards.
“I’m sick of losing, especially like that,” Raiders tight end Zach Miller said. “We never really got going on offense and when we did, penalties and interceptions and fumbles killed us. As an offense we were inept again.”
No sh%$?
The Raiders gained 163 yards, 59 of them in the second half. … Raiders T Cornell Green left with a knee injury. …
Kwame Harris? I think I’ve said enough about you this entire year. I think you and our slow receivers are the main reason our Raiders lose the way you do.
Anyone have any liquor??
Coincidentally, It’s Miller time, Mutha F#*%ers!!!
Have a good weekend without Football (THANKTHELORD!),
-DR
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
December 5th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Darth,
can we get rid of Ryan, his defense just sucks and that will continue, defense doesn’t care, listening to Sapp and the others, last night no discipline, no assignments or if they had them they didn’t take responsibility for them!! can they call something on offense besides a 4 yd pass pattern, of course no can catch the damn ball!!!
December 5th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
ryan must go no question but that is just the begining.it is my opinion that the most important thing we can do is not related to who we draft or who we bring in to play and coach the most important thing is who we kick out.we must clear house regardless of reputation we must cut the cancer from the locker room get rid of the dead meat regardless of what contract they may be on,find players who will fight and scrap and show pride,develop a more blue collar attitude a steeler like attitude. we must have a coach who will rule with an iron fist and get our penaltys done get a coach who only cares about performance and not reputation and a playcaller who uses what weapons we have. the raidernation will rise again we will be great once more but the cancer must be cut out. and as a foot note, sapp is a fat buffoon his comments were pathetic much like his play as a raider even lt looked uncomfortable at the postmatch interview sapp is an arse and just wants the air time to increase his hall of fame chances the same way that x donkey td is doing fuck all non residents of the raidernation
December 5th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Why in the hell are we not handing the ball off to McFadden????? Why in gods name isn’t the ball touching his hands 15 - 20 times a game. Unbelievable!!!!
December 5th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
this is one of my points we need a playcaller who will use what weapons we have i mean for fuck sake do not tell me we drafted mcfadden to be a 3rd down scat back we need him getting at least 20 touches a day he is the one horse we have and we must ride him hard
December 5th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
nothing is going to change until Al Davis gives up his power and hires a GM.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
al giving up power does not change the attitude of the team no matter what people think ,its too easy to blame al for everything that is wrong with the raiders .we have brought in talented players we have talent on the roster but put a raider uniform on these guys and they play like arseholes this is not als fault this is the fault of the mentality of the aformentioned players loseing is acepted by this team and that is one thing we know al does not tolerate
December 6th, 2008 at 12:46 am
Good stuff SK.
I grow tired of the people who say its ALL Al’s fault
when I know for a fact they were the same ones who
complimented Al for finally signing pricey free agents at the start of the season…
People, in reality,Al will be here next year, so tell me honestly? Who do we let go?
My AX list currently:
Cable as HC..bring him back 2 line coach.
Kwame Harris
Cornell Green
ALL of the recievers..
possibly keep Higgins, maybe Ash
Tommy Kelly
Terdell Sands
Mike Huff
anyone else? I’m thinking I’m thinking…
December 6th, 2008 at 12:53 am
I’m mean don’t get me wrong, Al HAS f*cked up pretty bad and has already taken responsibility for most of this BS..so fine…where can the old man now get more help?
Fassel?
Tim Brown?
Reminder: It’s easier to hate then 2 find a solution…
So Nation? Enough of the crying..FIND ME ONE NOW!!!
December 6th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
fassel is not a strong enough personality to control our team or change the culture of losing ,my dream situation would be jim harbaugh leaves stanford and comes to us as hc marvin lewis gets the boot from the bengals and replaces that idiot ryan as dc and mike martz comes in as oc .i like martz because he puts his skill players in a postion to make a differance and we have not seen that in a long time in oakland it may not always work but it creates excitment and energy and this we need.
December 6th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
now as who must be kicked out.curry walker harris green huff stanford warren kelly walter sands ,i doubt we would get much trying to trade any of these players and i use that term losely but get rid of them we must. i like the idea of trading bush i dislike his attitude but he has value and we should use it on the market and get something for him .with the exception of special teams all coaches must go we must clear house
December 6th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
I hate to say it but I think all of you Raider fans that are still loyal to Al and defend him are either: A.) Old and wanna remember him for what he use to be. OR B.) Entirely full of shit!!! I’m 27 years old and in my life time Al Davis has done nothing good for the Franchise! Time and time again Al’s super-ego has dictated most of his personnel moves, both on and off the field. Everything from the firings of Shanahan, Gruden and now Kiffin to the bullshit lawsuits he’s always fighting are what ale the Raiders, all are controversies caused by him and his impaired judgment! To the folks that make the argument that he doesn’t play and lose those games, that its the players fault I say this: You have obviously never played football at any level!!! Anybody who has ever played the game knows that this is a game of leadership and unity, that there are no individuals (or at least there shouldnt be). Thats what AL is and thats who he hires=individuals; who are often as ego-centric as him. So if you say its the players, you are just making excuses for the underachieving coaches, managers and general staff who fail to execute their jobs correctly; who coincidentally enough were hand-picked by the lord of the sith himself-Al Davis. Darth Raider I say to you: Break away from your wretched master, over power and dethrone emperor Davis…come back to the silver side…”I sense there is still good in you.”
December 6th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
do not make assumptons about me .my opinion is as of much value as yours. al davis is a hall of fame owner who 6 years ago had us in the superbowl all you al haters need to grow up and stop spitting the dumby out and bitching about al every time a raider coach or player fucks up listen he is not god allmighty or jesus or buddha he cant control how we cover or tackle he cant control how we pass or catch all he can do is bring talent to the team and this he has done the fact that that talent has failed can not be put at als door so grow up and show some loyalty for christ sake
December 6th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Well, that’s certainly another opinion, BAW.
Reminder, Al got Scary Collins here..( a current divisional leader)
Moss here…(lets face it..we know he still has skill)and also got us to a Super Bowl in 2002. Any further evidence that this old guy is an ok owner?..look into the Hall of Fame and see if you see his name.
But at time same time, I still think he did dictate what the O and D did on special occasions..
for that, I DO want to throw him off the hanger while saying “It is too late for me, my son..”
BTW..I played Football for 5 years and still do during Thanksgiving/Vacations….never did I blame Coaches or owners of Schools for the lack of effort or losing…
I always thought the ones that did were just whiny bitches..
WE NEED PLAYERS!!!! GIVE ME IDEAS!!!! Al is staying for a while so get used to it..
December 6th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
One more thing, if we wanna turn things around in Oakland, Al has to surrender most power to a wise GM and a coach that’s a disciplinarian…I got 2 names: Mariucci as GM and Cowher as Head Coach.
December 6th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Me and u against the world, Stu.
Hey, we’re all friends here…just friends with different opinions.
Enjoy the Weekend!
December 6th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
thanks for the support DR fighting the corner for al has become lonely work its nice to see some of the raidernation understand loyalty and by this i dont mean blind devoution what i mean is not turning on the man who has given his life to the team we love because his players fail to perform al deserves better
December 6th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Darth Raider, will all due respect, you can’t see past your own light-saber…Al is the problem and will always be the problem, until he becomes “one with the force”. I, like you hate whiny bitches, guys who have no business talking and do. So does that mean Nnamdi is a whiny bitch or Zacnh Miller is a whiny bitch or for that matter former Raiders like Jarrod Cooper and Warren Sapp? No! they aren’t they are just being honest. the infrastructure of the franchise is a joke! Al Davis being the GM is a joke! Drafting players that are busts’is a joke! Acquiring Moss and letting Kiffin (Al’s former protege) trade him for a 2nd round pick is a joke! Yeah we got to the Super Bowl in ‘02 but look at how that turned out: we got humiliated by the very same coach that had returned the raiders to greatness, the very same one that had been TRADED by none-other than Al Davis. All of this falls back on Al, why do you not hold Al Davis accountable for his mistakes? Did you also not blame W.Bush for the state of our country? Did you not speak out for change? Im pretty sure you did and that my fellow jedi, doesn’t make you a “whiny bitch” it makes you a true believer. Face it, we could hire Vince Lombardi himself but it wouldnt make a difference if Al wont remove himself from the picture. Next year we might have another great draft pick and surround JaMarcus with a good O-line but nothing will change if Al remains GM. Darth raider you want a solution when there is no solution, there is no reform within the Davis Regime, this mess requires the out-most change. I leave you with this: “A reform is a correction of abuses; a revolution is a transfer of power.”-E.G Bulwer-Lytton
December 6th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
BAW we must agree to disagree agreeably regards stu
December 7th, 2008 at 1:05 am
My letter to Al Davis -
Al,
It’s time.
In fact, it’s way past time.
Hire a GM.
Hire a real Head Coach.
Remove yourself from day to day operations of the Oakland Raiders and let them do what they have to do.
And save your legacy as a living legend of the game of football.
Show all of Raider Nation, the NFL, and the City of Oakland that your commitment to excellence isn’t just another worn out slogan.
And you might get that new stadium you seek.
Sincerely,
Michael Roberson
Raider fan (1963-present)
P.S. Do whatever you have to do to keep Namdi. He’s a class act, a true professional and the epitome of what being a Raider is all about.
December 7th, 2008 at 3:47 am
Sheezus..never compare politics to a game. Please also never mention the Anti-Christ again…Ive heard enough of that ass of a name.
“So does that mean Nnamdi is a whiny bitch or Zack Miller is a whiny bitch or for that matter former Raiders like Jarrod Cooper and Warren Sapp?”
I don’t really recall them (Zack n Nnamdi) saying too much about the owner in public. They do mention to disagree at times and that they talk to him.. that’s good enough for me…
Coop? Eh, I could care less…
Sapp? He’s just trying to make himself popular in the eyes of media. If he really had a problem, you’d think he’d be more of a Leader while WITH this team. F that lazy no neck has been Slug.
”
No! they aren’t they are just being honest. the infrastructure of the franchise is a joke! Al Davis being the GM is a joke!”
Al AND the Coaches draft and are involved in picking players. All past Coaches have already mentioned that.
” Drafting players that are busts’is a joke!”
McFadden, Jam, Gallery,Nnamdi, Kirk,Fargas, Miller are not busts….
yet. So I still believe we’re just average in this dept.
”
Acquiring Moss and letting Kiffin (Al’s former protege) trade him for a 2nd round pick is a joke!”
Kiff? The jury is still out..let’s see how he does at Tenn. Moss wanted to go and was lazy here…we all know that. Maybe we just didn’t have the right QB..
“Yeah we got to the Super Bowl in ‘02 but look at how that turned out: we got humiliated by the very same coach that had returned the raiders to greatness, the very same one that had been TRADED by none-other than Al Davis. All of this falls back on Al, why do you not hold Al Davis accountable for his mistakes?”
I do to a degree and I believe he does too. He also tried to KEEP Chuckie before the trade but Jon wanted a higher price tag. Gruden never denied that…
Gruden also wanted to be near his family in Florida. Hey, what can u do?
“Darth raider you want a solution when there is no solution,”
So, u must also think the glass is half empty? Like I said, I respect your opinion…but I’ll always believe there’s an answer to every question. We won with Al before.. we’ll win with hm again.
” there is no reform within the Davis Regime, this mess requires the out-most change.”
Al’s mom lived to be over 100. Like I said, he’ll be here next year..and the next..and the next…etc.
For all people to wish his death?
C’mon kids…haven’t we all heard of good will to all men?
Cherish life and stay positive…
I know it’s hard but like I said b4, we need better solutions, not more of the same complaints..
Peace 2 U, BAW and the Nation..-D
December 7th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Darth Raider, you seem to have carefully constructed excuses and explanations for all of my previous arguments against Al Davis’ control. Your loyalty and optimism are very admirable and deserve you some credit. When you mention that I am a “half empty glass” kinda guy, a pessimist you are correct. When it comes to the Raiders yes I am not optimistic, can you sincerely blame me? Just look at us, we are the joke of the league…the butt of everybodys jokes. I’m tired of that; one man’s ego (Al’s) has ruined something great. Al Davis is like the mad scientist that out of fate crafted something great but has learned to destroy his once great creation by meddling with it too much. Darth Raider, I don’t wish Al’s death, I don’t know where you got that from, I just want him to disappear into the mist and never tinker with the Raiders, ever again. Is that too much to ask for? For him to relinquish his absolute power over the Raiders…I don’t want him to sell the team, relocate them or change their name! I just want him to go away. As for the politics part, sorry but politics makes the world go round; politics is why Al Davis does what he does, its the root of the issue, if you don’t know that then w/ all due respect: wake up and realize that politics are apart of todays game. Look towards NY and you’ll see it: Plax Burress. Its especially apparent w/ our present commissioner a former attorney- Roger Goodell. Brothers at war indeed…we may disagree on whats best for our beloved team but at least we both love and will always be loyal to the Raiders. Fight the Al Davis machine, salvage the Raiders.
December 7th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
So we agree you’re a pessimist, while i’m an optimist..
We agree Al has made mistakes but does not deserve death..(I was actually talking of others I hear, not you, sir)
And that “W” is the Anit-Christ, correct?
Well, at least we’re on common ground with some things, Autumn.
Man, after 6 long years while NEVER missing a game in Oakland?? I just want to win..
Know this: If AL WERE to leave and others step in? I’d also still be a fan.
Merry X-Mas, brother.
December 7th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Six years is an eternity when all you want is respect…I feel your pain Darth Raider. I am very content in knowing that your loyalties lie with the Franchise and not Al Davis(they are distinct). In conclusion, we can agree to disagree and I respect that. I leave you with this: we both bleed silver and black, we both defend our team in the worst of times therefore we are both loyal to our nation. Merry Christmas and “may the force be with you.”
December 9th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I believe we the fans need to make a bold statement to Al Davis and the Raiders that says “Enough” I suggest we not cheer for the Raiders in the 2nd quarter of the next game. Just be completely silent. We will continue this until change is made. Thoughts?
December 10th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Going into Thursday night’s game against the Chargers, I was finally hopeful for at least a respectable game. After all, they beat the Broncos at Mile High or whatever its called now. Since it was televised on the NFL Network, I was competing for the remote against the Louisville fans. Unfortunately, for these local fans, Louisville was laying eggs and the battle for the remote was resolved quickly…..
Ah, the Raiders were falling apart on national TV again.
Perhaps I should have expected that to happen. I don’t like seeing any player injured but when Walter came in in the third quarter, my hope that he could rally the “team” at least lasted through the third quarter.
It takes time for a quarterback to develop. Kerry Collins was a bum when he played for Oakland. Look what he’s freaking doing for Tennessee now. Russell might develop into a star quarterback, but he does not have it this year. A leader? Maybe when he was at LSU! Even Farve would have make a difference this year. The man is a leader despite his faults.
If the Raiders are not playing together as a team, maybe they should take a day off for some sensitivity training so that they can communicate and function at the level the fans expect. They had better try something different.
DR, I’ll save some Jim Beam for you!
December 11th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Thanks Bob…I’ll take a shot of all the J-wisemen while i’m at it..Jose, Jack and Jim!
It’s been a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong many o’ years..
heh..U think I’ll be an old man by the time we win again?
(raspy voice)
“Heh COUGH! i remember i used to dress up as (HAGGK!) an idiot a long time ago…in a galaxy far, far away… (UGGGHHCOUGH!)
so glad we… finally got to EEEEECHKKKCOUGH!
finally made it back to the playoffs….
there…is..
another…
sky..
walker….
ECHhhhhhhhh!
(dead)
December 14th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
The Raiders need for AL Davis to take a long walk down that dark valley. They need to rebuild from the front office to the water boys we have the talent to challenge any team in the nfl but the calls being made from the booth and i mean AL have killed this team. you never start a 1st year quarterback you dont fire your coach mid season our back up qb’s are horrible.We need a coach thats willing to take full control of this team and tell Davis to back the F up.Why get rid of chucky if we had an option on his contract why sign D.Hall why R.Moss all this calls are costing money that we need to keep good players happy not to bring in selfish pre moddonas Im optimistic for next year like evey year i always say next year is our year its over due and Davis owns it to all of us who get to their job site only to be made fun of our hard hats and lunch pails because they have raider stickers on them my relationship with the RAIDERS is like my marriage It’s painfull but im faithfull
January 24th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Anyone got a Demonoid Invite code? Send to Substantialbeing@yahoo.com