Five Postgame Takes

1. So there I was, hanging out on the Coliseum asphalt, cooking meat as the throng grew and the house got packed. The energy was palpable, an energy restored by sustained competence, and now competitiveness, after years of tending to an organizational dumpster fire. What a magnificent scene. There's nothing like the Raider Nation when you add a little hope. That's all it takes. Winning helps, but hope is essential. And hope is back with a vengeance. RAIIIDERRRS! RAIIIDERRRS!

2. It was a strange game, with the red zone struggles and the six field goals. I had to keep reminding myself that the Bears have a good defense, even though we were marching down the field on them. There are worse things than hanging up 25 points on the Bears, even if you have trouble punching it in. Finding a way to win is what it's all about, and that's what the Raiders did.

3. This was my first time watching Carson Palmer in person. He's almost zen-like at the line. Even when he's calling audibles, he exudes calmness and command. No hysterics like Peyton Manning, no wild arm flapping and related theater. The word that comes to mind is POISE. He seems to comprehend each situation with a "been there done that" confidence. His energy isn't red or orange, it's blue. It's a cool energy, but not cold or lethargic like Kerry Collins or JaMarcus Russell. At least that's how it strikes me.

4. Michael Bush had a solid day, but looked like he lacked explosiveness off the line. Was it a consequence of so many carries in the previous weeks? Hard to say. But he was still pretty effective, and his score proved to be crucial.

5. Of course, we had to make it interesting. Who allows Caleb Hanie to chuck an 81-yard bomb on 3rd and 16 from his own 10-yard-line when two more stops ices the game? You know who. Our "Always Interesting" Oakland Raiders.

P.S. Come on, Rolando McClain. We don't know the whole story yet, but we do know that he put himself in a stupid situation. You have to be better than that. That's why you make the big bucks.