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Thoughts from the Dark Side
Optimism in short supply for the Raider Nation
The Raider Nation once considered a Super Bowl bid its birthright. Five dismal years with four coaches and a total of 19 wins have dampened the optimism of even the most hard core citizens of the Nation. 2008 is a new year, with the JaMarcus Russell era slated to start on opening day, along with the supporting cast of Darren McFadden, Javon Walker, and DeAngelo Hall having just joined in. These additions make the Oakland Raiders look a lot better on paper, but it seems like the Raider Nation is almost resigned to hoping that the team will not notch double digit losses, yet again.
The tumble for the heights of the early part of this century was as abrupt as it was cataclysmic. The Raiders morphed in one season from a Super Bowl contender to a laughing stock. The Raiders stayed in this morbid state through the terms of Norv Turner and Art Shell. Lane Kiffin who brought instant optimism last season ended up not faring so well, leaving the Raiders with yet another double digit loss season.
After beginning this offseason in uncertainty, it was settled that Kiffin would return to coach the Raiders for a second year. The fact that there is a semblance of coaching stability should haven been enough to get the Nation to believe in the teams fortunes for the coming year.
Al Davis also went on a free agent spending spree, bringing in a fresh infusion of talent. He drafted the consensus best offensive skill player in the draft to add a dynamic scoring talent. Despite this, there are still so called citizens of the Raider Nation who are publicly hoping that Davis dies.
The Raider Nation is sick and tired of all the losing, and it has cut to the core of the Nation. The frustration was evident as early as the second quarter of the opening game of the 2007 campaign when the home crowd started booing Josh McCown and calling for Daunte Culpepper to be put in. It wasn’t even halftime yet, and the crowd has already turned on the starting quarterback. McCown had to be wondering if he had signed with Philly.
The Raider Nation wants to be optimistic about the coming season. The problem is the ghosts of optimism past that hang over the House of Thrills like the foul stench of a local tallow plant on a summer day. There was the 6-0 start in 1995 only to fall off and miss the playoffs. There was the acquisition of Jeff George and the promise that the “Vertical Game” was back in Oakland in 1997. Even in the salad days of ‘00-02, there are the ghosts of the Siragusa belly flop, the Snow Job, and the Gruden Bowl. In ‘05 the Raiders acquired Randy Moss and LaMont Jordan who were going to turn the Raiders offense into a machine in 05. In ‘06 Art Shell was supposed to bring back the nasty, but the only thing that was nasty was the rancid play of the offense.
Is this the light at the end of a long dark tunnel for the Raider Nation? The AFC West could be ripe for the taking, as the Chargers are due for a fall while the Broncos and Chiefs are in transition. Will J-Money and Run DMC be able to carve their nicknames next to the greats like the Snake, the Tooz, and the Mad Stork? The magic 8-ball’s answers are fuzzy. the history of the NFL says that teams other than maybe the Cards can’t stay down forever, but the recent Raider History shows a lot of optimism that has been trampled.
A Dream Deferred
by Langston Hughes.
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore–
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over–
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
Granted, the dream that Mr. Hughes was referring to was something more than sports, but it shows the impatience of a goal repeatedly denied. The Raider Nation is primed and ready for that winning season, but the sense of it being right around the corner has started drying like Mr. Hughes’s “raisin in the sun.”
The Raider Nation needs to see wins, for the optimism to return because the games are not played on paper.
This entry was posted
on Monday, May 5th, 2008 at 3:50 am and is filed under JaMarcus Russell, 2008 Offseason, Darren McFadden, Raider Nation, Raider History.
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57 Responses to “Optimism in short supply for the Raider Nation”
May 5th, 2008 at 3:54 am
[…] in short supply for the Raider Nation Thoughts from the Dark Side | MVN - an Oakland Raiders blog Blog Archive Optimism in short supply fo… __________________ "While there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a […]
May 5th, 2008 at 4:54 am
There is light…i can see!!!!
May 5th, 2008 at 5:38 am
[…] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | […]
May 5th, 2008 at 6:10 am
The Raiders have never been 6-0, not even 5-0.
Get the facts right.
May 5th, 2008 at 6:42 am
There is no shortage of optimism in the Raider Nation. We were in most games in the 4th quarter last year. With a lead quite often. Just a little more offense or a little more defense, and we would have won a bunch more games. With McFadden and the other offensive additions, we clearly have more offense. With Hall and the other defensive additions, we have more defense. With Branch, I think we may have more Special Teams production. We are going to win a bunch this year. Looking at the schedule, I say 10-6, with 13-3 a possibility.
May 5th, 2008 at 7:07 am
Just coz we question it doesn’t mean we’re not optomistic. In the Nation hope springs eternal. That’s why we STILL feel the Superbowl IS our birthright.
I guarantee you tons of us believe we have a shot at the Superbowl this year so please… go tell that story to the Browns
See, “Cavalrysword” thinks
“We are going to win a bunch this year. Looking at the schedule, I say 10-6, with 13-3 a possibility.”
So do I baby!!!!!
May 5th, 2008 at 7:11 am
All most every raider fan i talk to believes this years team will finish at least 8-8 or better. like cavalrysword said we were just about in every game last year with the lead in the 4 quarter. I know we picked up enough talent this year to win those games we lost last year. Plus with the easy schedule, this team should be in a playoff hunt come december.
May 5th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Another horrible anti-Raider junk blog.
May 5th, 2008 at 8:26 am
We have a lot of potential, but a lot of things have to go right for us to get into the playoffs. Jamarcus is gonna have growing pains but I have faith that Kiff/Knapp will call the right plays and the offense will perform well. Our special teams will have a potential home run hitter if our coaches have the courage to put Hall or Mcfadden in on punt returns. Our pass coverage is the best and our run support, w/ safeties and db’s that won’t miss tackles, will be improved. It’s all on our front four defensively that’s gonna decide how good we’re gonna be.
May 5th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Cut it and tape it, SUPER BOWL bound,enuff of these bronco beat writers.
May 5th, 2008 at 8:50 am
What is this Goon talking about? The NATION lives strong and is always optimistic! The haters are always trying to knock the NATION down. It will not happen. This goon keeps repeating the same article all the rest of the hatin’ writers dish out. I’m not saying everything he is saying is b s but saying the NATION Optimism is down is the biggest load ever! Most fans would turn but thats what seperates a fan of team from a Crew of a NATION!!
May 5th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Hope springs eternal! Realistically, I am expecting an 8-8 season due to our schedule if we can stay relatively injury free. But I am not drinking the Tom Cable Koolaid at this point because Turnstile Harris is just not athletic enough to to pass block at LT. So I do not see us challenging the Bolts for the division as we did nothing to seriously upgrade the “O” and “D” line. DMc was a good addition if we can afford him in the long run, Just sign Baby!
May 5th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Patrick Patterson is a big Raider Fan. One of you said donkey beat wrighter? Someone else said anti Raider junk blog? You all lost your minds! Patrick is of The Nation and just wrighting about some of the Raider fans opinions. He is not even stating that this is his opinion. So I don’t think anyone should be calling him a goon. He puts out an article a day for The Nation to read. What would we all be doing without his and Rob’s articles here on MVN? I’ll tell ya, reading real Raider hater crap on SI and ESPN.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Remember last season, when JaMarcus dropped back, looked off a receiver, then threw a 30 some odd yard dart into Jerry Porter’s sternum for a TD on a frozen rope?
Javon Walker is better. That’s why I’m optimistic.
Remember Fargas gutting it out for 1000 yards last season?
Darren McFadden is better. That’s why I’m optimistic.
Remember Barry Sims at LT?
Kwame Harris is better. That’s why I’m optimistic.
Remember Stuart Schweigert constantly burned?
Gabril Wilson is better. That’s why I’m optimistic.
Remember teams picking on Fabian Washington?
DeAngelo Hall is better. That’s why I’m optimistic.
Remember those two close losses to KC and Denver?
Our team got better. They didn’t. That’s why I’m optimistic.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Die Hard Raider fan here. Personally, I’m optimistic every season. The talk of letting Kiffin go earlier in the offseason had me down, I’ll admit. But Kiff is still coach and the Raiders have made some great acquisitions. Russell may have some growing pains so I’m predicting 9-6 going into Week 17, needing a win against Tampa to squeeze into the playoffs. Although, I can see winning more games depending on how the team comes together and depending also on injuries. Can’t wait for the season to begin.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Some of you tools should pay attention to posts like Mad Road Dog above.
He’s realistic.
He’s not running the “Duh..we’s duh Raiders…we’s going to win the SB. I KNOW IT!”
It’s asinine, Raider fan, to keep setting yourself up with that silly whine.
You KNOW you have zero chance in hell of winning the SB. How in God’s name can you not expect to be laughed at, and dumped on, when you post that same silly whimper about “THIS IS OUR YEAR”??
Just for fun? Try being realistic. Try making sense. Actually state some FACTS, because facts are, as Mad and others pointed out, you have too many questionable players.
Harris SUCKED with the Niners. Ok for run blocking..for pass blocking? Was a “No Chit Required” turnstyle. When not allowing rushers to crunch the qb, he’s the HOLDING champ..twice with the Niners he had back to back to back holding calls..IN SUCCESSION.
AND he’s guarding your rookie qb’s blind side?
And you all just want to pretend that this alone doesn’t concern you? A rookie qb, who obviously is learning, and no one can say one way or the other how he’ll do, who’s now been given the reins, who’s also going to be getting some vicious blind hits he didn’t even see coming..and you all just think “He’ll be ok”??
That’s not even taking into account your 31st rushing D is actually worse now than before. (Yeah, when Kelly was ON the field, Raiders gave up 5.4 ypc, when on bench, injured, you improved to 4.7 or so ypc.
As far as “optimism”??
Running that “We’re always optimistic” means you’re a lemming..incapable of making your own decisions..going with the flow, regardless of what’s on the field.
Wanting your team to do well is what we all want.
Stating “WE’RE GOING TO WIN THE SB” when you have a snowballs chance in hell makes you appear to be an easy mark.
Why is it the least informed fan feels saying “We’re the best fans. We’re going to win it all. You all hate us” masks the fact they, in fact, know squat??
That’s not smack..that’s a fact. Look on any Raider board. The ones who speak the LEAST football run the most “F you all. We’re duh Raaaiddderrs.” hoping bravado>knowledge of the team.
It doesn’t.
Never will.
Carry on.
May 5th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Realisticly we have indured losing season after losing season, and until this year HOPE has sprung every year. This years disapproval is merely some people trying to prepare themselves for the worst. In their hearts they bleed Silver and Black, but have lost their way, the way a preacher loses his faith in god. The truth is we are better. We not only have improved on talent, but are allowing our talent to play in the positions that made them what they are. There are still questions at some positions, but with the hope around them maybe these players will grow some heart and leave their sweat, blood and tears on the field and not in the looker room or on ESPN or SI. Raider Nation unite and bring an end to these doubters that live to bring us down. Patrick I know you are a member of the Nation and bleed S&B, but the article does come across with the wrong Fans as being the majority.
May 5th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Patrick, great article. You and I have both heard it when we are “drinking the kool-aide” so to speak. When we are optimistically stating a great season for the Raiders, many in the Nation are telling us that we are being ‘overly’ optimistic.
To everyone calling Patrick a hater - You need to read more TFDS before doing so. I wage that you won’t find a bigger fan of the Raiders or Raider Nation than Patrick. If you guys only knew how much time and effort goes into this site, you’d slap yourself for those ignorant remarks.
Mike49er, it’s great to see that you are still reading TFDS. When will you be changing your moniker to RaiderMike?
May 5th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Maverick STFU. You wouldn’t know a good article if it smacked you in the face. Something that you are probably well due for.
This article was very well written and if there weren’t so many ignorant idiot “fans” like Maverick you might actually understand the point Rob is making. It is not “Anti-Raider” in the slightest. Optimism IS low. And it should be. 5 straight terrible seasons should cause a bit of anger or you are just not paying attention. Hope is not optimism. I can hope I win the lottery but do I really think it will happen?
And anyone who says they expect a 13-3 season is either a complete moron or is lying. I would bet the same guys have been predicting 13 win seasons every year the past 5 seasons too. If they are wrong well then they were just being “optimistic” like Raider fans are supposed to be right? How dare Rob of accusing Raider fans of being rational human beings.
So let’s get something straight. I am a Raider fan. I fully expect the Mavericks of this world to think that because I am not spouting how the Raiders will win the Superbowl that I am a fan of another team commenting on the Raiders site simply because I called your ignorance into question.
My prediction for this season: 9-7. There is your optimism.
May 5th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Same goes for you “Raider#1″ (for whom I have never seen on this site before. That is why you don’t know Rob is a TftDS writer moron.
May 5th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Oops, sorry Patrick I said Rob wrote this article. Either way same applies as far as what I said.
May 5th, 2008 at 11:03 am
I think patrick patterson is retarded. I really do. I have never seen anything on the contrary.
May 5th, 2008 at 11:07 am
This article sucked. No real Raider fan is short on optimism. No real Raider fan would wan’t Al Davis to seriously die. A new season is coming up and we are all optimistic about improving on last years record. We added alot of new talent which should make our team better. Try writing about something usefull. How about some information about the undrafted FA’s we signed or anything about football. You do not speak for the Raider Nation. This article is your opinion, not the Nation’s and your opinion sucks. I am tired of some of the things that have been going on the last few years also but it’s a new season so let’s hope for the best and to hear that someone want’s Davis to die is just disturbing. You are lucky enough to be able to write an article about the Raiders, so why don’t you show me some football knowledge. Talk about schemes, technique, coverages, personnel or any information somebody can use or learn from. This article tells me nothing.
May 5th, 2008 at 11:31 am
I was going to prepare a defense for Patrick but thankfully Rob and LDizzle did it for me.
I’m not rooting for our GM to die, just retire.
May 5th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Optimism is down. However, it is our pride that fosters hope. Just the mere fact that a busted ass niner fan can find the audacity to pop off shows the true state of the Nation. Numbers, contracts, players darft pick yada yada yada so what! Everything from my socks to my Audi is silver and black! I still hold my head up! The problem is lately I havent had a reason to! I remember what it felt like to be on top- so does Al Davis! When RAIDERFAN is in the house all others hold there manhoods cheep! We bleed it! Pride! Optimism is down! So what! It doesnt change a thing! Ever year is our year win or lose!
Mike49er you can eat a dik up till you hicup!
May 5th, 2008 at 11:43 am
There are all sorts of Raider fans. Some have been around since the early 70’s, some are new. Some endured the loss of Oakland Raiders to LA Raiders and then endured the PSL-fiasco after the “return”. Some jumped on the wagon when Gruden and Gannon were doing their magic.
Yes, some of us, like me, can no longer stomach the rise and fall. I have been watching the Raiders since 1972 and have been an avid fan until they moved to LA. We used to hang out at the Coliseum waiting for the players to come out heading to a local bar. My father would come chase me home but we sneaked out anyway. In those days, the Raiders were “the people’s team”. After they came back, the PSL fiasco kept me glued to my TV. The years of “almost” good enough, playing-to-lose, 3-puffs-and-out, long-gain-followed-by-penalty, have worn us thin.
Am I still a fan? Yes, after a long hiatus from watching the team self-destruct every season. I am so good at it by now that I can almost predict how a Raider play is going to develop. Hike! a sweep to the right and wam, LT just speared our running back in the backfield. Ora sack! YAy! scream at the top of my lungs and then wait! There is a flag! Pass-interference! C*$p. Fourth quarter? with a lead? a chance to win one? Here comes the prevent, 3-man line, everyone drops back, opposing QB has all day, always makes a completion and they march down to win by a FG or a TD. Predictable, foreseeable, repeatable, consistent and absolutely obvious to all who love the game.
And an owner who let go of Gruden? The one coach who turned the team around? Now rumored to be threatening to get rid of Kiffin, another coach who seems to be turning the team around? You all may be blindly loyal to Mr. Davis for his past, I am paying him good money to see a good team right now and he has been doing as much self-destructing as anyone could in the league.
Other teams used to dread playing us in the Coliseum and they knew the Raiders was a tough team. Now they love playing us because they get to beat up on a laughably soft team.
For others to call us “not real” Raider fan is laughable. What is a “real” fan? One who stupidly pays all the cash to a team that guarantees to self-destruct predictably every game? Or one who decides to save the cash until the team learns to play as a team and win again?
Don’t forget, this is just an entertainment business like the movies. Why should I pay good money to see a C-rated movie? Why can I not wait until the A-rated shows come on? If I want to spend a Sunday afternoon in the Coliseum, I want a team that at least fight hard, put up a good show and give itself a chance to win. I am not interested in seeing a bunch of high-pay bumbling fools running about on the field getting beaten up by their own stupid mental mistakes.
I love football and enjoy watching the Raiders when they are good, but I am not dumb enough to throw away hard-earned cash.
May 5th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Well said, Patrick1 Great article! This season definately has the potential to be a great one and I cant wait for the season opener against Denver!
May 5th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
MAd Dog,
I understand you…i mean i have some bad feelings about Harris too…but your point is wrong! He is athletic enough!!! He was a first rounder he supposed to play LT so he is atletic enough!!!
May 5th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Tim,
I respect the fact that you are a Raider fan since ‘72 but considering that, I would expect you to be even more loyal to the team. A person must stick and suffer through the hard times of their team and that is what separates a true fan from a bandwagon whatever the team or sport.
I can understand that you may be fustrated with the gruden and supposedly the kiffin resignation letter thing but hey I bet Al had his reasons. Dont forget he was the man that led this team to three superbowl wins, a bunch of Hall of fame inductees and all those division titles, conference finals etc. when this franchise was on the verge of falling in 1962. Just trust in the man that gave Oakland all that.
Evey team has its “Golden Times’ and “Dark ages” & its just a matter of time, development & experience that allows a team to grow and become better. Next season will be different and optimism is in the air
May 5th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Great Article Patrick. I also want to thank Patrick and Rob for the hard work and time you guys put in this site. Dont listen to the negativity. I for one believe we have a chance at making the playoffs. We have the team on paper however I just hope R. Ryan has betterschemes on defense. I feel our offense will score points this year.
May 5th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Im optomistic the Raiders will be 8-8 anything less will be a disappointing season, anything more will be a big ole bloody sausage slammed down mike49res mouth ……satisfing!
May 5th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I’m optimistic, but the biggest worry to me is can Kiffin get this team together and on the same page in time to have a (reasonably) good season? The problem, as usual, is that there are too many ifs. If McFadden can develop quickly enough; if Bush can run inside; if the defensive line can stop the run; if the pass rush will be good enough; if JaMarcus is ready to go; if the safeties can finally tackle; if the special teams can get it together; if the lack of depth doesn’t become a problem; if the chemistry is going to be ok. That’s still a lot of ifs!
May 5th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
49er you use the terms tool and fact often. Here’s one for you: You are a wedge (simplest form of tool)
Cubic Zirconia Jim you have as much chance of being a diamond as a female Shia has of leading Saudi Arabia.
Patrick Patterson is a Silver and Black Faithful who uses his real name on this blog and works tirelessly to set it up for us. He took the article I wrote, hammered it out to make it legal and had it posted in record time. I don’t believe for a minute the article is his opinion, rather I believe he’s frustrated with the nay-sayers (if it’s a word) who want the team fixed in one season. Al, Kif and crew have shown me as a Life-Long Raider Fan ‘76 (6 yrs old) a plan and the only criticism I have of it was letting McCown go if he wasn’t going to be the starter in Miami he should be our backup. Assuming they continue to look for opportunities to improve the team by evaluating O-Line and D-Line and addressing them when possible I believe we’re on our way back to the top. The 49ers appear hopeless - that’s not a shot either. I actually like when they win. We’re going to break .500 and JRock is the litmus for our future. Al, Kif and crew will continue to make good moves over the next two years and we’ll be in the driver seat! No more firing coaches - Kif is the right guy for the job.
That’s my optimism.
Just Win Baby!
May 5th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Raider Blues,
Kiffin may be the right guy but he is going to take the first good college job he is offered.
Ryan is in the last year of his contract and has shown that he is anxious to get out of “Dodge”.
There are no good head coaches that will work for Al. They can’t get enough authority to implement their systems or make the changes that they feel are necessary.
The Raiders are going to be better this year but then what?
May 5th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
With my fingers crossed in hope…
My optimism since it’s the word of the post is Al didn’t want to turn over his lifes work to a kid until he was ready to take the training wheels off. Coach Kif will show up big this year and Al will back off a bit - not completely but enough to reward Coach Kif for his accomplishments and gradually lay off until the kid has it under control. Gruden was a good study but the ego! Kif is more restrained than Gruden and you’re looking at the next John Madden as a coach anyway. Not video games and boom/whap commentary with 11 leg turkeys or anything.
Just Win Baby!
May 5th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Let’s pretend!
Let’s pretend that you own a NFL franchise. In 2003 you hire Al Davis as your general manager. In his five year tenure he wins 19 games for your franchise. Do you:
A) Give him a pat on the back and a big raise.
B) Fire him.
If your answer is A, I want to work for you.
May 5th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
I would love to have a confirmed definition of “fan.” I would like to consider myself a true fan. I will always support and root for the Raiders. But if mistakes are made continuously then I am not going to be the loudest fan. Do I want to see that corner back with speed commit a flagrent personal foul 5 seconds after the play is over? I do not want to see a team advancing down the field on us when we are on offense (false starts, holds, etc). I do not want to see the coach of the year only named that because he has stayed there just one year. I do not want to sit there and watch us lose our lead and the game in the 4th quarter. I have had season tickets since the team came to LA. If I had a restaurant that I thoroughly enjoyed eating at began to prepare horrific meals, I am not going to eat there and I will not sing their praises. The off-season acquisitions have a lot of potential but also a lot of risks. Will DeAngelo Hall keep a good attitude all year? Will Drew Carter reach his potential? Will Kwame Harris be a left tackle or a matador? Will JaMarcus reach his full potential or just play within himself enough for us to win? Will Joseph’s back hold up? Will Kalimba Edwards and Gerard Warren play hard on every down? Will Higgins find the ball? Will Huff take to the move to free safety? Will Sands and Kelly be the studs they are capable of being? Will Jay Richardson step up his game?
May 5th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
I am with Tim and mildog. I’ve been a fan since the 70’s, have season tickets, tattoos, and wall-to-wall paraphenalia, but watching a bunch of crappy players coached by crappy coaches has left me disappointed to say the least.
Fortunately they’re going to be better this year, so I am actually optomistic. I don’t think the SB is in reach this year, but the playoffs are.
And for the record, the reason we boooed the crap out of McNown in the first game was that he did absolutely nothing in the preseason. Nothing. Then he comes in and does nothing? I booed and then left the game disgusted. I pay too much for that kind of BS.
May 5th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Hell with the wins and loses, when are the Raiders going to move again, the Oakland lease expires in 2011, this is more important than wins and loses.
May 5th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Raider fans are suckers who are being cheated out of good times, year after year. Al is the best that there is Right?
May 5th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
This article demonstrated a clear lack of knowledge about the pulse of the Raider Nation. Every year we are optomistic. Why would optomism be in short supply with a returning head coach, an improving line and miracle worker offensive line coach Cable, a new strong arm hard working QB, a stable of backs that any team would like to have (including two studs that we have yet to see DMAC and M. Bush), better receivers, an even stronger secondary who boast two great cover corners, a free safety finally playing the right position (Huff), a superbowl strong safety (Wilson), a way above average linebacking corp (Morrison and Howard should make the probowl) and a stronger D line which added a pass rusher to help complement Burgess? I don’t think a hater would be posting on the Raider Site, but you should get into the mainstream Raider Nation pulse Patrick. Write something that shows more insight.
May 5th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Eternal optimism does permeate through long term fans. While I rant above, I am looking forward to the season as well. It is good to see the Silver and Black take the field, to hear the crowd, to “smell” Fall in the air, nothing more American than that.
Hopefully, as many here have so positively posted, this year will see a better year. Even if we do not make the play-off’s, just putting up a mistake-free tough fight on the field will be good. I will be happy as a clam just to see a scrappy tough team that never gives up; then wIn, lose or tie, I will watch till the end.
May 5th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
BleedIt whined: Optimism is down. However, it is our pride that fosters hope. Just the mere fact that a busted ass niner fan can find the audacity to pop off shows the true state of the Nation. Numbers, contracts, players darft pick yada yada yada so what! Everything from my socks to my Audi is silver and black! I still hold my head up! The problem is lately I havent had a reason to! I remember what it felt like to be on top- so does Al Davis! When RAIDERFAN is in the house all others hold there manhoods cheep! We bleed it! Pride! Optimism is down! So what! It doesnt change a thing! Ever year is our year win or lose!
Mike49er you can eat a dik up till you hicup!
——————————————
Audacity to pop off? LMAO..unlike some of you, I don’t need my team to win the SB to grow a pair of huevos.
You’re the perfect example of the “Raiderfan Clown”. Could be the poster child for same.
You said it perfectly when you said: “When RAIDERFAN is in the house all others hold there manhoods cheep!”
Cheep..as in “about as pronounced as a hen’s “cheep”.
It’s “cheap” clownboy.
Here’s your reality check for ya..it’s been almost a quarter of a CENTURY since Al remembered how it was to WIN.
Since then he’s been on a downward spiral, too damn stubborn to accept the fact he’s not as sharp as he once was, and that even though he’s refused to change, the NFL has left him back in the catacombs, still convinced his way is the best way.
It’s not just a fans right to complain loud and clear, it’s EXPECTED OF THEM. Those that are sick of tired of throwing money at a lost cause are also sick and tired of hearing how “REAL FANS” don’t question.
Reality is it’s the exact opposite.
Let me guess? You stand on the corner, can of Old English in your little brown bag, yelling “Raiderrrs” at cars passing by..don’t you?
May 5th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
RaiderBlues: 49er you use the terms tool and fact often. Here’s one for you: You are a wedge (simplest form of tool)
Al, Kif and crew have shown me as a Life-Long Raider Fan ‘76 (6 yrs old) a plan and the only criticism I have of it was letting McCown go if he wasn’t going to be the starter in Miami he should be our backup. Assuming they continue to look for opportunities to improve the team by evaluating O-Line and D-Line and addressing them when possible I believe we’re on our way back to the top. The 49ers appear hopeless - that’s not a shot either. I actually like when they win. We’re going to break .500 and JRock is the litmus for our future. Al, Kif and crew will continue to make good moves over the next two years and we’ll be in the driver seat! No more firing coaches - Kif is the right guy for the job.
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First off “wedge”???
Ow.
How will I ever recover?
Assuming I do, the ONLY criticism you have is Al letting McCown go?
That’s IT??? lol…damn..you’re easy.
I like the “assuming” part. You “assume” the team will do, NOW, what they failed to do in the draft?
Yeah, that wasn’t a mistake to draft your first two picks in your area of strength, ignoring the holes.
Yeah, that wasn’t a mistake making it clear to Kiffin that he doesn’t make the calls..that Al does.
And of course, that wasn’t a mistake to draw up Kiff’s resignation letter, only to follow it by saying “I’m too tight to let you go, and pay your salary..PLEASE QUIT.
And heck, of course it’s not a mistake to have a lame duck coach running the team..now..is it?
Hell, those idiot decisions I just mentioned are JUST regarding your coach..the list is looooong on Al’s silly decisions..from Shell, to overruling Norv and putting back in Collins instead of Tui, to having an omelette chef run your offense, to letting Moss dog it the whole time he took his paychecks, to Al actually driving his little golf cart out on the practice field, and calling the players over to team them defense.
What’s amazing is Al keeps around a coach who he doesn’t want, and doesn’t want to be there, yet throws out 10 times Kiff’s salary to sign vastly overpaid, not worth it players, where all of the NFL is laughing, knowing they’re ACL rehabs, likely to laugh all the way to the bank with their guaranteed money.
As far as “No more firing coaches”??? Yes, rolling on the floor..laughing my ass off.
How long you been on this planet?
This is Al Davis.
Two things are guaranteed with Al. IF THE COACH sucks, he’s fired. If borderline, is given two years, then fired. If succeeds? After two years, and contract is up, LEAVES GLADLY to go play anywhere else.
This sound familiar??
Gruden, after asked “If Al makes it worth your while, will you stay in Oakland”?
Gruden: “There isn’t enough money on the planet to make me stay and coach for that man.”
Kiffin would be a DAMN FOOL if he did well, and stayed working for Al. Appears everyone knows that..except you.
Sorry to be the one to break it to ya…
May 5th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Mike49er,
Dont you have anything better to do than being on this site critizeing our team. I mean, your team isnt close to a playoff run as far as I know that while Al Davis has actually made some strides to improve upon last year’s performance, SF hasnt done jack-bull to even fulfill some of our your team’s woes (yeah the ancient Isaac Bruce, great job San Francisco!)
From my knowledge, i dont remember the 49ers having a commendable winning season since the days of Young & Rice, which was back… I dont know, say in 1998-99.
You guys give up a first round pick to a team that goes nearly perfect expecting that your team would be good enough not to need that pick this year, you’re right!
You Guys slyly try to negotiate a deal with Lance Briggs and when you get caught, you still dont even end up inking the guy and are left in pathetic humiliation.
About the Kiffin letter resignation thing, as far as I know Kiffin will be with team next season, so just get over it. To me, Lane had a better debut season than your Mike Nolan dude.
Draft Picks?!? You wanna to talk about Draft Picks!?! Draft PIcks!?! You’re draft wasnt any more “helpful” to you than it was for Oakland. Oh yeah, maybe thats because you guys have all those holes to clogg, forgot about that.
You know, enough has been said from both sides of this argument. Why dont you and your pessimistic views wait for next season to come and we’ll see which one of our teams do better. Good Luck by the looks of it! Till then why dont you go on the 49ers site and start writing some articles about WHAT YOUR TEAM NEEDS TO DO rather than blabbering all over this one.
Have a Nice Day, Mike49er!
May 5th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Have a Nice Day, Mkie49er!
May 6th, 2008 at 4:47 am
Was this a real article or was it published by a fourth grader that snuck onto his parents computer and posted it?
May 6th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Come on guys get real football is NOT Life!! To wish death on anyone is purile, especially just to win more football games!! Have we lost sight of what is the meaning of Life ????
Stepping down off the soapbox now, I think AL Davis reign as the Czar of NFL owners has come to an end. His philosophy on how to operate a NFL franchise is outdated. AL is in charge so he is also repsonsible, you can’t take the credit without willing to accept the blame!! I do not think AL should sell the RAIDERs he is the RAIDERs, just let someone come in and control 40% of the day to day stuff…..WE ALL KNOW AL will never totally relinquish control.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
nice job Pat. Good story and realfootball365 noticed you!!!!!!!!!! they took me here nice work!
May 6th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Oh look,
Its Mike40Whiner!! Wow, I’m glad you returned from the defeated hole we sent you too last time. Your comments serve as the perfect metaphor for the state of your franchise in the Bay Area. Your desperate need for attention is telling, and the fact that you would come back to TFTDS to get that attention is very sad. Much like the 49er franchise itself, the fan base, represented here by you, is slippin!
So welcome back buddy, as your comments bring a joy like none other. (Bill Walsh rolls over in his grave!)
OakFoSho
May 6th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
What I don’t get is why is the obvious is such big news here? We all know the recent history and the big moves in this offseason. I can take an honest treatment of the Raiders as much as anybody, but this sounds more like an insult to Raider Nation than anything else. Let me make it clear to the writer, Mike49er, and the rest of the NFL: being a Raiders fan means being a Raider. You don’t take shit from anybody, you grab life by the balls, and you live life to the fullest. Life fights back, but we don’t lose heart or lose hope.
Another thing about this is, so what? Name me an NFL franchise that hasn’t had ups and downs? Well, Detroit and AZ haven’t had much chance to be up, but you know what I’m saying. Look at the Packers. They win the first two SB’s and then suck for years and years. I watched a game after Bart Starr took over as HC, and they were playing so badly that he called the whole team to the sidelines and tried to pump them up enough to just finish the game like pros. You get the point.
Optimism does not mean being blind to problems and challenges. It means you’ve got the balls to fight through whatever you’re experiencing, determined to win in the end. I know. I’m a polio survivor and that’s my philosophy. Never give up, never surrender. Just think about it. Who else in the NFL has a persona like the Raiders? If you say you’re a Raider, EVERYBODY knows exactly what you mean. What the hell does it mean to be a 49er, a Seahawk, a Dolphin, a Chief, etc.? It doesn’t say a DAMN thing!! Being a RAIDER means a way of life, a mindset, an attitude-all of which adds up to, “Mess with me and I’ll kick your ass!!!”
HELL YES I’m optimistic!!! If you don’t like it, go fuck yourself, you’re probably the only one who will!!!
R-A-I-D-E-R-S!!!!!!!!!!
May 6th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
As a 35+ year “Raider Fan”…I just pray I out live Al Davis and hopefully see the Raiders with some leadership with a clue. He is absolutely killing the Franchise he brought to prominence. You know, I thought drafting a kicker in the 1st round, one pick before Shaun Alexander was insane, but the move to OK an offensive coordinator who’d been running a Bed & Breakfast for the past several years was completely idiotic. The team and fans are and have suffered at the expense of his personal vendatta against the league front office. While he may have been, he is no longer smarter than everyone else…it is painfully obvious to everyone except him…even with the schedule we have, 8-8 would be positive.
May 7th, 2008 at 7:40 am
[…] Optimism in short supply for the Raider Nation - BaseballThe Raider Nation once considered a Super Bowl bid its birthright. Five dismal years with four coaches and a total of 19 wins have dampened the optimism of even the most hard core citizens of the Nation. 2008 is a new year, with the JaMarcus Russell […]
May 7th, 2008 at 11:07 am
[…] I didn’t slam Al Davis as he asserted, I wrote on the downcast mood of the Raider Nation. Thoughts from the Dark Side | MVN - an Oakland Raiders blog Blog Archive Optimism in short supply fo… I defy someone to tell me where in my article I am slamming Al Davis. The rf365 article was […]
May 7th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
To Mike49er,
It’s a good thing you don’t need your team to win a sb to get some huevos, because you would probably go huevoless for a long time. Your team may have won a sb more recently, and may have won more sb’s, but so what. The Raiders were better, much better than your team for a longer time, they won three sbs, and have been to five just like your 9ers. Besides that, your team has nearly an identical record the last five years. The only difference between our teams is that we are on the rise and you are going to be looking for a new head coach and a new qb.
To all football fans,
Think about this. No team since the merger has won more than 5 sbs. In 42 years, no team has won more than 5, and the raiders have only won 3! Why do we expect our teams to win every year? I guess we just love to hope and be there when they do to say, “See, I told you they would win.”
May 7th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
The RAIDERS are not that far off. Pass protection is a must, and they dont have it. Teams will fill the box to stop the oaktown run, so they must sell the run and take advantage of the one on one matchups in the secondary and they must capitalize.
June 20th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Again, LMFAO at Umer…stating ‘I’ve been thinking about these posts for a LOOOOOOONNNNG time”
As stated elsewhere, you should have shut up while you’re ahead.
BTW..”Raider tell Death” is about as weak as Uber, lol
UberMidget:# Raider Till Death! says:
May 5th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Mike49er,
Dont you have anything better to do than being on this site critizeing our team.
Mike49er: Sure I do. I can be laughing at you, sitting there like a fool, actually copping to the fact you’ve been thinking about this idiot post SINCE MAY 5TH, lol..yes..laughing at you, moron.
=====================================
I mean, your team isnt close to a playoff run as far as I know that while Al Davis has actually made some strides to improve upon last year’s performance, SF hasnt done jack-bull to even fulfill some of our your team’s woes (yeah the ancient Isaac Bruce, great job San Francisco!)
Mike49er: LMAO..moron…Raiders needed defensive line help, YOU PICKED A RUNNING BACK. that doesn’t help you..you didn’t need a RB.
Your top two picks in the draft were POSITIONS YOU DIDN’T NEED TO FILL..clueless jackass.
Yeah, LMAO at Walker…great acquisition..a head case who’s got ACL problems, who makes stupid decisions, who now has everyone laughing at the Raiders…AGAIN.
Good one, Al
I’m sure back when you wrote this you had no idea how your above comment would come back and bite ya in the ass..but then again, you don’t know all that much, do you?
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From my knowledge, i dont remember the 49ers having a commendable winning season since the days of Young & Rice, which was back… I dont know, say in 1998-99.
Mike49er: Like I said, DON’T TRY AND DISCUSS FOOTBALL..you’ll just hurt yourself.
See, muffin, the last time the Niners were in the playoffs?? SAME YEAR THE RAIDERS WERE LAST IN THE PLAYOFFS.
That year we happened to have the biggest comeback ever in a playoff game, beating the Giants.
Guess you were doing your homework that day??
Good for you.
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You guys give up a first round pick to a team that goes nearly perfect expecting that your team would be good enough not to need that pick this year, you’re right!
Mike49er: Don’t abuse the right to be stupid. We didn’t “give up a first round pick” dumbass..we traded first round picks. We picked Joe Staley with that first round pick. Staley didn’t just do an excellent job as our starting RT, but he did well enough that he’s now our BLINDSIDE LT, putting Jonas Jennings as RT.
In other words, muffin, our “pick” for this year now is not only a starter, but has been viewed as one of the top lineman picked in last years draft, and is a starter.
Yes, in other words, the Niners not only made an excellent decision, but would do it again.
Now, again, because you’re so damn slow, YOUR pick from last year sat on the bench all year long…the NINERS TWO FIRST ROUND PICKS LAST YEAR not only started, but excelled. Not only did Staley kick ass, but Patrick Willis happened to win NFC Rookie of the Year..he wasn’t just the best at his position for a rookie, but was the best IN THE NFL.
Thanks for the setup, lol…isn’t now about the time you decide you’ve had enough?
I mean..think about it..you actually stated “I’ve been thinking about these posts the whole time” and so far you’ve proven to be an easy target.
Hell..next time just paint a bullseye on your forehead, make it easier.
=======================================
You Guys slyly try to negotiate a deal with Lance Briggs and when you get caught, you still dont even end up inking the guy and are left in pathetic humiliation.
Mike49er: Is that supposed to be smack? Niners did what all teams do. Hell, MORON, why do you think the NFL is NOW discussing all teams stop doing what the Niners got charged for?
Yeah..let me help you again..See, even the NFL knows that FA’s who have contracts inked and signed the DAY OF THEIR FA STARTS means both parties have been in discussion..happens all the time..so now the NFL is proposing possibly letting all teams converse one week before FA starts, so as to avoid what’s going on everywhere.
Bears became little bitches and complained to the league because the players agent brought up what the Niners were willing to pay, making the Bears have to up their ante.
It’s common knowledge to people who actually follow the game and this goes on all the time.
Which obviously leaves you out.
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About the Kiffin letter resignation thing, as far as I know Kiffin will be with team next season, so just get over it. To me, Lane had a better debut season than your Mike Nolan dude.
Mike49er: I’m sorry, but are you confused? Al stupidly requested Kiffin to resign, so Al wouldn’t have to pay him, and Kiffin laughed in his face, and said “Wrong, old man. Fire me, and pay me my guaranteed contract”
Now you have a coach who’s a lameduck coach, who is just going through the motions, who’s made it clear he’s moving on ASAP.
Yeah, lol…he’s still around..laughing all the way to the bank..while coaching Lofton, who Al hired, while coaching Ryan, who he tried to fire.
Just a wonderful situation in Oakland..don’t you think??
Oh..I’m sorry. That “don’t you think” part was mean of me.
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You know, enough has been said from both sides of this argument.
Mike49er: Not really. By my scorecard there isn’t a single thing you’ve said so far that I think you’re going to go back and read and say “Yeah, that worked out”..is there?
I mean,…I know you’ve been “thinking about these two posts” for quite some time, and I believe you imagined a different outcome.
That’s because you’re slow.
Sorry I don’t dumb down in order to make you feel better.
====================================
Why dont you and your pessimistic views wait for next season to come and we’ll see which one of our teams do better. Good Luck by the looks of it! Till then why dont you go on the 49ers site and start writing some articles about WHAT YOUR TEAM NEEDS TO DO rather than blabbering all over this one.
Mike49er: Well, while that’s tempting and all, I don’t get to laugh at posters over there like I do here.
I mean, if laughter is the best medicine, let me just call you Dr. Dumbass now, because dude, this honestly has been fun…
And all at your expense
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