One Postgame Take
Sundays have been rough on me so far this September, but I was able to find a quiet place to watch the second half last week and witness the majestic accomplishment of reaching 2-1 after a Clown Car start to the season.
The ridiculous conservative playcalling on our second-to-last drive could have undone the whole thing, but a flubbed punt return by the Browns bailed Musgrave out.
It was an example of the breaks finally going our way, just as they did late in the Ravens game.
It was also an example of the Raiders winning exactly the type of of game they've been known for losing, just as they did against the Ravens (you know, the close game where they prevent a win on a defense, or can't punch in that final score in the last minutes).
It was an example of building on momentum, which is something we've rarely seen lately.
It was a sense of "out with the old, in with the new" cultural shift, with Mack, Cooper and Carr cutting loose and redefining the Raiders.
On paper, these are two solid wins. But there's something that feels immensely symbolic about them, as if demons are being exorcised. They are the games we always lose--but somehow didn't.
(Speaking of symbolism, how about the Niners going down the drain over the past two weeks after a strong first game)
The sample size is still small, but there's no denying that a blast of Minty Fresh air has suddenly blown through the Raider Nation.
So now come the Bears. Another type of game we typically lose--you know, the momentum buster, the "how did they lose to those guys when they looked so good last week" kind of game.
If we go 3-1, it's time to fasten your seat belts.
The ridiculous conservative playcalling on our second-to-last drive could have undone the whole thing, but a flubbed punt return by the Browns bailed Musgrave out.
It was an example of the breaks finally going our way, just as they did late in the Ravens game.
It was also an example of the Raiders winning exactly the type of of game they've been known for losing, just as they did against the Ravens (you know, the close game where they prevent a win on a defense, or can't punch in that final score in the last minutes).
It was an example of building on momentum, which is something we've rarely seen lately.
It was a sense of "out with the old, in with the new" cultural shift, with Mack, Cooper and Carr cutting loose and redefining the Raiders.
On paper, these are two solid wins. But there's something that feels immensely symbolic about them, as if demons are being exorcised. They are the games we always lose--but somehow didn't.
(Speaking of symbolism, how about the Niners going down the drain over the past two weeks after a strong first game)
The sample size is still small, but there's no denying that a blast of Minty Fresh air has suddenly blown through the Raider Nation.
So now come the Bears. Another type of game we typically lose--you know, the momentum buster, the "how did they lose to those guys when they looked so good last week" kind of game.
If we go 3-1, it's time to fasten your seat belts.
posted by Raider Take at 9:08 AM
10 Comments:
SCAR
2-1. The record looks good.
3-1 looks even better.
For the first time in a while, this weekend against the Bears,(a game I will be at!!) the expectation is for the Raiders to win. Are the Raiders capable physically of winning? Yes. Are they capable of handling the pressure of being expected to win? We shall see. I believe that JDR and Co, as well as the players are up to the challenge.
Go Raiders!
SCAR
Good to hear the coaches and players say they take nothing for granted. It really doesn't matter how bad the Bears have played to this point, or that they lost Culter. It's all about taking care of your own business, and the Raiders still have plenty of corrections to make.
SCAR, that's awesome. Enjoy the game... hope the Raiders bring you a win!
PFT Power Ratings boost Raiders to #18 this week, and pick Raiders to win in Chicago. Funny how one or two games, as flawed as they were, change perspectives so much. Obviously, part of this week's discussion is how bad Da Bears are right now.
Even when the Raiders were decent, these are the kinds of games that always scared me the most. Raiders have a history of playing down to their competition.
Assuming the Raiders are truly on the upswing and Da Bears are vying for a #1 draft pick, this week should be a blowout game. I think we could all use a nice, relaxing Raiders blowout win.
After some time away, and thoroughly enjoying the Pats becoming the new Raiders (you hate us cause' you aint us) and sticking it to Gooddell, it's refreshing to see the Oaks throwing down some respectable play, and yes, they almost gave this away because they are not savages for 4 quarters. 8-8 is my prediction, and again, in 2012, I said it here, 2016 is the year. This year is a test. Please, don't say playoffs, ain't gonna happen. But next year, by week 6, perhaps that word can be uttered. Until then, I am more than haqppy with a win every-other-week, and that might be asking a lot. Oak, prove me wrong, please. Good take, Take.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13735322/are-mark-davis-raiders-leaving-oakland
I have no words
Sandy
As SCAR alluded to, it will be interesting to see how the Raiders handle the recent 'success' AND handle the expectations to win a game as favorites. Along those lines, the next significant step for the Raiders is becoming consistent in terms of performance, execution, and overall effort.
No the next significant step is for them to win the Denver game.
Not to become consistent in overall effort, excution blah blah whatever that means
Sandy - thanks for sharing that. Not sure I have any words either..., or if I should laugh or cry.
Gameday thread is up.
Good bblog post
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