My Oakland Raiders looking great in preseason. - Page 16

Brillig · 07-30-2007, 11:30 PM

JaMarcus Russell looking great in pre-signing!

rkmsuf · 08-14-2007, 02:19 PM

Fighter of Foo · 07-28-2008, 03:51 PM

Bump for entertainment value

Lathum · 07-28-2008, 04:29 PM

i miss the little guy

saldana · 07-28-2008, 07:17 PM

i just saw him this weekend in the redskins thread

Raiders Army · 07-28-2008, 07:32 PM

You guys need to let this go. The Raiders will hopefully look better this year. I'm hoping for at least a 6 win season.

molson · 07-28-2008, 07:42 PM

I definitely prefer jbmagic's blind optimism to the ridiculous pessimism most people seem to have about their teams.

Raiders Army · 07-28-2008, 07:49 PM

After the past few years, I think I'm nearing a more "realistic/optimistic" outlook as opposed to blind optimism or ridiculous pessimism.

TroyF · 07-28-2008, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raiders Army

You guys need to let this go. The Raiders will hopefully look better this year. I'm hoping for at least a 6 win season.

Raiders have a shot at 6 wins this year.

They get the Broncos at home on the opening Monday night. (Brandon Marshall may be suspended for that game) The Broncos have their share of problems and could get beat that night. Then they go to KC. That's a real chance at 2-0. Then they'll lose to Buffalo and SD and be 2-2 by the bye week. Their last six games look like this:

@Denver
KC
@SD
NE
HOU
@TB

That's a 1-5 finish. I've given em three wins now. The middle of the schedule is @NO, NYJ, @BAL, ATL, CAR, @Miami

Can I see three wins there? Sure. Maybe even a fourth if the Jets or Carolinas QB situation still sucks ass. That's six.

The Raiders can add talent until they are blue in the face. The problem is the guy upstairs is loony tunes and has essentially lost it. $18.25 million up front for Tommy Kelly? That's an Al Davis move. Kelly is now the highest paid defensive lineman in the league. Think about that for a second.

I liked the McFadden pick. They will end up being a pretty scary team if Davis steps down in the next two or three years. If he doesn't, they'll implode as always.

Raiders Army · 07-28-2008, 10:20 PM

I'm really conflicted on Al. The "mystique" of the Raiders is also a mystery to its fans. I really believed that instead of re-signing Tommy Kelly and picking McFadden, the Raiders should have gone for Dorsey and stood pat with Fargas, Bush, and Rhodes. McFadden looks to be a gamebreaker, which Fargas isn't, but I would've drafted for need.

I hope I'm wrong here at the end of the season.

MJ4H · 07-28-2008, 10:25 PM

This a weird thread for me now because I am supposed to be a Raiders fan now?????

stevew · 09-09-2008, 01:23 AM

cough

sabotai · 09-09-2008, 02:17 AM

Raiders looking great for next year's draft.

gkb · 09-09-2008, 02:09 PM

As a Broncos fan it's always fun to beat the Raiders. I've been wondering what Raider's fans think of Al and how the franchise is managed.

Trying to find a bright spot for the team last night...I thought Justin Fargas was excellent. I also thought Russell has some nice throws. And you just knew that Ashley Lelie would get a TD against his former team...shades of Eddie Kenison. Any word on McFaddin's injury?

Pumpy Tudors · 09-09-2008, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gkb

And you just knew that Ashley Lelie would get a TD against his former team...

Well, I would've known it if I'd known that Lelie was on the roster.

It's as if the Raiders just kinda sneaked him onto the team. Of course, if I were signing Ashley Lelie, I wouldn't exactly want to announce it either.

JediKooter · 09-09-2008, 03:48 PM

Why is Ryan still the defensive coordinator for the Raiders? I saw a lethargic, pathetic, uninspired defense all game last night. That falls squarely on Ryan's shoulders.

On the offense...what a horrible O-line, plain and simple.

The Raiders looked like they couldn't even beat a Cassel-less high school team last night.

Tigercat · 08-13-2009, 11:06 PM

Raiders looking great in the 2nd quarter of the first game of the preseason.

JeeberD · 08-14-2009, 01:59 AM

*grumble*

molson · 08-14-2009, 02:06 AM

I miss jbmagic

stevew · 08-14-2009, 02:45 AM

i miss brassmonkey32

JeeberD · 08-14-2009, 02:48 AM

Oh shi..!

Rizon · 09-04-2009, 11:22 AM

Annual bump. Man, this "team" looks AWFUL. It's like a trainwreck you can't take your eyes off of. And of course, I LOVE rooting against them. Go Jokeland, I hope Al Davis never dies!

RomaGoth · 09-04-2009, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rizon

Annual bump. Man, this "team" looks AWFUL. It's like a trainwreck you can't take your eyes off of. And of course, I LOVE rooting against them. Go Jokeland, I hope Al Davis never dies!

Man this is great!!

sterlingice · 09-04-2009, 11:55 AM

That one brings me a chuckle every time I see it.

SI

fantom1979 · 09-04-2009, 11:55 AM

Their record since moving back to Oakland is now 92-132 in the regular season.

heybrad · 09-04-2009, 12:57 PM

I'm going to admit something that I'm sure I'll regret someday. I'm a Raider fan. Saying that sucks but it's true and I'm not the kind of guy who switches his teams. I stick with them through good and bad.

I became a Raider fan when they moved to LA and won the Super Bowl in 84. That's about the time I was really getting into football and even started playing in high school. I loved Marcus Allen since I have always been a USC fan. So it was natural at the time for me to attach myself to the Raiders. For years now, I've been relegated to the bottom of the pile as a fan as the Raiders are clearly not just one of the worst franchises in football, but in all of sports. It doesn't help that I may be the last non-convict on the bandwagon. I can't speak up when people are talking about their teams.

"Hey man... the Raiders are going to kick ass... Oh wait, never mind."

Someday though... maybe 2018 or 2025, the Raiders will make the playoffs and I'll be able to raise my hand and say... "So we were only 8-8 and got in because everybody else sucked and lost in the first round, but wait until 2029!"

Or maybe it's time to become a fan free agent.

RomaGoth · 09-04-2009, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heybrad

I'm going to admit something that I'm sure I'll regret someday. I'm a Raider fan. Saying that sucks but it's true and I'm not the kind of guy who switches his teams. I stick with them through good and bad.

I became a Raider fan when they moved to LA and won the Super Bowl in 84. That's about the time I was really getting into football and even started playing in high school. I loved Marcus Allen since I have always been a USC fan. So it was natural at the time for me to attach myself to the Raiders. For years now, I've been relegated to the bottom of the pile as a fan as the Raiders are clearly not just one of the worst franchises in football, but in all of sports. It doesn't help that I may be the last non-convict on the bandwagon. I can't speak up when people are talking about their teams.

"Hey man... the Raiders are going to kick ass... Oh wait, never mind."

Someday though... maybe 2018 or 2025, the Raiders will make the playoffs and I'll be able to raise my hand and say... "So we were only 8-8 and got in because everybody else sucked and lost in the first round, but wait until 2029!"

Or maybe it's time to become a fan free agent.

HeyBrad!!!!

heybrad · 09-04-2009, 01:42 PM

That's the best you got?

EagleFan · 09-04-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heybrad

I'm going to admit something that I'm sure I'll regret someday. I'm a Raider fan. Saying that sucks but it's true and I'm not the kind of guy who switches his teams. I stick with them through good and bad.

I became a Raider fan when they moved to LA and won the Super Bowl in 84. That's about the time I was really getting into football and even started playing in high school. I loved Marcus Allen since I have always been a USC fan. So it was natural at the time for me to attach myself to the Raiders. For years now, I've been relegated to the bottom of the pile as a fan as the Raiders are clearly not just one of the worst franchises in football, but in all of sports. It doesn't help that I may be the last non-convict on the bandwagon. I can't speak up when people are talking about their teams.

"Hey man... the Raiders are going to kick ass... Oh wait, never mind."

Someday though... maybe 2018 or 2025, the Raiders will make the playoffs and I'll be able to raise my hand and say... "So we were only 8-8 and got in because everybody else sucked and lost in the first round, but wait until 2029!"

Or maybe it's time to become a fan free agent.

Admitting it is the first step to recovery. You should be proud of yourself, you have started the path to recovery.

stevew · 10-14-2009, 02:06 AM

This guy's not looking so good in regular season.

Karlifornia · 10-14-2009, 02:11 AM

Oh, dear.

Izulde · 10-14-2009, 02:13 AM

Wow, a tattooed on goatee.

stevew · 10-14-2009, 02:13 AM

there's plenty of good ones here.

Bad Tattoos - WPIX

This stuff could all be years old, afaik, but it's new to me. And I'd never seen Raider Guy anywhere before.

Karlifornia · 10-14-2009, 02:17 AM

I found this one funny...even if I wouldn;t want it on me

SunDevil · 10-14-2009, 11:07 AM

At this point can we just call this the "Curse of Jbmagic".

RomaGoth · 10-14-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevew

This guy's not looking so good in regular season.

I've always wondered how these guys get a job. But upon more reflection, I realize they don't have jobs, that's why they call the Jim Rome show all day.

Dodgerchick · 10-14-2009, 11:15 AM

Everytime I see this thread, I think of a friend of ours who came out of his dorm after a Raiders win, took off his shirt and screamed at the top of his lungs... Raiders won... RAIDERS WON! Funny thing was.... it was preseason!!!!! Lulz

Lathum · 10-14-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RomaGoth

I've always wondered how these guys get a job. But upon more reflection, I realize they don't have jobs, that's why they call the Jim Rome show all day.

Or, ya know, he could have his PHD in Physics, be a published author and live off grants and royalties.

He could own his own autobody shop.

He could be an inventor.

That being said, I love tattoos, but, yeah.

Logan · 10-14-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lathum

Or, ya know, he could have his PHD in Physics, be a published author and live off grants and royalties.

He could own his own autobody shop.

He could be an inventor.

He could be jbmagic.

All that ink seeping into the brain could explain everything.

Oilers9911 · 10-14-2009, 12:19 PM

Little did he know that the 10-96 will be their record in the next 106 games.

JAG · 10-15-2009, 10:53 AM

Raiders Achieve First Down

October 15, 2009 | Onion Sports

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ—In an improbable display of competence and a basic execution of football fundamentals, the Oakland Raiders stunned the football world Sunday when running back Michael Bush miraculously rushed for three yards against the Giants and succeeded in converting a first down.

The Raiders, who fearlessly faced a third-and-one situation on their own 22-yard-line, somehow gained the 36 inches needed for an elusive first down, despite numerous obstacles that included a professional NFL defense, owner Al Davis' incompetent personnel decisions, mediocre play-calling, and general ineptitude.

"I cannot believe what I just saw," said CBS commentator Greg Gumbel, adding that he was amazed the Raiders advanced the ball beyond the line of scrimmage, let alone gained a full 10 yards. "The fact that they were out on the field for three consecutive plays without turning the ball over is incredible. But a first down? An actual first down from the Oakland Raiders? You…I mean—I just, I can't…"

"I'm speechless," Gumbel added.

According to eyewitnesses, Raiders fans were equally astonished, reportedly shaking their heads in disbelief at the team's lack of incomplete passes, false starts, and holding penalties during the four-down series. Chuck Walker, a lifelong Raiders fan, said he was "proud" of his hometown team for defying the odds and avoiding mental errors for nearly 120 seconds.

"I've never seen them go that long without totally screwing up," said Walker, who believed the first down may have even slightly changed the game's momentum. "I was certain that with a yard to go they would send five receivers deep and [quarterback] JaMarcus [Russell] would chuck the ball to one of the Giants' defensive backs."

Continued Walker, "This will surely go down as the highlight of the Raiders' season."

NFL analyst Tom Jackson also registered his incredulity, saying that after he saw the Raiders gain nine yards on the first two plays of the series—a "miraculous achievement" in and of itself—he never could have imagined they'd gain the one yard necessary to begin another set of offensive downs. The fact that they actually gained two extra yards beyond the first-down marker, Jackson said, left everyone in ESPN studios beside themselves.

"On any given play there is so much potential for the Raiders to lose a significant number of yards that you never expect them to actually gain anything," Jackson said. "But they did it. They made a first down. And on three tries, like a normal pro football team."

Jackson went on to credit the accomplishment to the much-maligned offensive line, saying that not only did they show a full understanding of their blocking assignments, but they also ran the correct play when the ball was snapped.

"Looking at that play, you wonder how a team like the Raiders are 1-4," Jackson said. "Not for too long, of course, but you do wonder for a split second."

According to referee John Parry, the first down also caught members of the officiating crew off guard. Parry said that when Bush moved the chains, his instinct was to throw an unsportsmanlike behavior flag for taunting.

"Michael just got up off the ground and handed me the ball without trying to provoke anyone," Parry said. "Usually you'll find the Oakland guys are jumping back on the pile trying to jam a finger into someone's eye or just kicking wildly with their cleats."

"At first I thought we definitely missed something," Parry added. "But we reviewed the play and the league didn't find anything illegal. They got a first down fair and square."

The Raiders lost the game 44-7.

hxxp://www.theonion.com/content/news/raiders_achieve_first_down

Danny · 08-13-2010, 12:02 AM

Raiders off to a good start in preseason!

Tigercat · 08-13-2010, 01:39 AM

Second straight year this thread was bumped because the Raiders beat the Cowboys in the preseason. Nice to see a continued commitment to exhibition excellence.

Danny · 08-13-2010, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tigercat

Second straight year this thread was bumped because the Raiders beat the Cowboys in the preseason. Nice to see a continued commitment to exhibition excellence.

After these last several years, I need every little bit I can get

.

Last year, the Raiders dashed my hopes after blowing their week 1 game against the CHargers. Hopefully, this year they can at least allow my hope to last past the first game.

albionmoonlight · 08-13-2010, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny

After these last several years, I need every little bit I can get

.

Last year, the Raiders dashed my hopes after blowing their week 1 game against the CHargers. Hopefully, this year they can at least allow my hope to last past the first game.

Jason Campbell >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> JaMarcus Russell

That has to be enough to let your hope last for a least a few games

Marmel · 08-13-2010, 10:08 AM

The Raiders will be competative this year, maybe even win 8 games!

cartman · 08-13-2010, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by albionmoonlight

Jason Campbell >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> JaMarcus Russell

That has to be enough to let your hope last for a least a few games

Al Davis even said Campbell is the second coming of Jim Plunkett!

Al Davis: Raiders counting on Jason Campbell to ignite new era of winning - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com

tarcone · 08-13-2010, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marmel

The Raiders will be competative this year, maybe even win 8 games!

And monkeys will fly out of your butt.

Chief Rum · 08-13-2010, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cartman

Al Davis even said Campbell is the second coming of Jim Plunkett!

Al Davis: Raiders counting on Jason Campbell to ignite new era of winning - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com

To quote from a radio show I was listening to last night...

"Plunkett in his prime or Plunkett now?"

Seriosuly, though, Campbell's the best guy they have had there in years, maybe all the way back to Gannon.

judicial clerk · 08-13-2010, 11:38 AM

I have a good feeling about this year. Decent pieces have been put in place. I just need McFadden to stop sucking and be the second comming of pre-double murder OJ Simpson. I am predicting 9-7.

08-14-2007, 02:19 PM	#752
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	ahem __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

09-09-2008, 02:09 PM	#764
gkb High School Varsity Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Colorado	As a Broncos fan it's always fun to beat the Raiders. I've been wondering what Raider's fans think of Al and how the franchise is managed. Trying to find a bright spot for the team last night...I thought Justin Fargas was excellent. I also thought Russell has some nice throws. And you just knew that Ashley Lelie would get a TD against his former team...shades of Eddie Kenison. Any word on McFaddin's injury? __________________ BALLERZ YO, fo shizzle. - QuikSand

09-09-2008, 03:48 PM	#766
JediKooter Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego via Sausalito via San Jose via San Diego	Why is Ryan still the defensive coordinator for the Raiders? I saw a lethargic, pathetic, uninspired defense all game last night. That falls squarely on Ryan's shoulders. On the offense...what a horrible O-line, plain and simple. The Raiders looked like they couldn't even beat a Cassel-less high school team last night. __________________ I'm no longer a Chargers fan, they are dead to me Coming this summer to a movie theater near you: The Adventures of Jedikooter: Part 4

08-14-2009, 01:59 AM	#768
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	grumble __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

08-14-2009, 02:48 AM	#771
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	Oh shi..! __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

07-30-2007, 11:30 PM	#751
Brillig College Prospect Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Mountain View, California	JaMarcus Russell looking great in pre-signing!

07-28-2008, 03:51 PM	#753
Fighter of Foo College Prospect Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Boston, MA	Bump for entertainment value

07-28-2008, 04:29 PM	#754
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	i miss the little guy

07-28-2008, 07:17 PM	#755
saldana Pro Starter Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bethlehem, Pa	i just saw him this weekend in the redskins thread

07-28-2008, 07:32 PM	#756
Raiders Army Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The Black Hole	You guys need to let this go. The Raiders will hopefully look better this year. I'm hoping for at least a 6 win season.

07-28-2008, 07:42 PM	#757
molson General Manager Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: The Mountains	I definitely prefer jbmagic's blind optimism to the ridiculous pessimism most people seem to have about their teams.

07-28-2008, 07:49 PM	#758
Raiders Army Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The Black Hole	After the past few years, I think I'm nearing a more "realistic/optimistic" outlook as opposed to blind optimism or ridiculous pessimism.

07-28-2008, 10:20 PM	#760
Raiders Army Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The Black Hole	I'm really conflicted on Al. The "mystique" of the Raiders is also a mystery to its fans. I really believed that instead of re-signing Tommy Kelly and picking McFadden, the Raiders should have gone for Dorsey and stood pat with Fargas, Bush, and Rhodes. McFadden looks to be a gamebreaker, which Fargas isn't, but I would've drafted for need. I hope I'm wrong here at the end of the season.

07-28-2008, 10:25 PM	#761
MJ4H Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Hog Country	This a weird thread for me now because I am supposed to be a Raiders fan now?????

09-09-2008, 01:23 AM	#762
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	cough

09-09-2008, 02:17 AM	#763
sabotai General Manager Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The Satellite of Love	Raiders looking great for next year's draft.

08-13-2009, 11:06 PM	#767
Tigercat College Starter Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Federal Way, WA	Raiders looking great in the 2nd quarter of the first game of the preseason.

08-14-2009, 02:06 AM	#769
molson General Manager Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: The Mountains	I miss jbmagic

08-14-2009, 02:45 AM	#770
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	i miss brassmonkey32

09-04-2009, 11:22 AM	#772
Rizon Pro Starter Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Oakland, CA	Annual bump. Man, this "team" looks AWFUL. It's like a trainwreck you can't take your eyes off of. And of course, I LOVE rooting against them. Go Jokeland, I hope Al Davis never dies!

09-04-2009, 11:55 AM	#774
sterlingice Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Back in Houston!	That one brings me a chuckle every time I see it. SI __________________ Houston Hippopotami, III.3: 20th Anniversary Thread - All former HT players are encouraged to check it out! Janos: "Only America could produce an imbecile of your caliber!" Freakazoid: "That's because we make lots of things better than other people!"

09-04-2009, 11:55 AM	#775
fantom1979 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sterling Heights, Mi	Their record since moving back to Oakland is now 92-132 in the regular season.

09-04-2009, 12:57 PM	#776
heybrad Norm!!! Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Manassas, VA	I'm going to admit something that I'm sure I'll regret someday. I'm a Raider fan. Saying that sucks but it's true and I'm not the kind of guy who switches his teams. I stick with them through good and bad. I became a Raider fan when they moved to LA and won the Super Bowl in 84. That's about the time I was really getting into football and even started playing in high school. I loved Marcus Allen since I have always been a USC fan. So it was natural at the time for me to attach myself to the Raiders. For years now, I've been relegated to the bottom of the pile as a fan as the Raiders are clearly not just one of the worst franchises in football, but in all of sports. It doesn't help that I may be the last non-convict on the bandwagon. I can't speak up when people are talking about their teams. "Hey man... the Raiders are going to kick ass... Oh wait, never mind." Someday though... maybe 2018 or 2025, the Raiders will make the playoffs and I'll be able to raise my hand and say... "So we were only 8-8 and got in because everybody else sucked and lost in the first round, but wait until 2029!" Or maybe it's time to become a fan free agent.

09-04-2009, 01:42 PM	#778
heybrad Norm!!! Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Manassas, VA	That's the best you got?

10-14-2009, 02:06 AM	#780
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	This guy's not looking so good in regular season.

10-14-2009, 02:11 AM	#781
Karlifornia Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: San Jose, CA	Oh, dear. __________________ Look into the mind of a crazy man (NSFW) http://www.whitepowerupdate.wordpress.com

10-14-2009, 02:13 AM	#782
Izulde Head Coach Join Date: Sep 2004	Wow, a tattooed on goatee. __________________ 2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty)

10-14-2009, 02:13 AM	#783
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	there's plenty of good ones here. Bad Tattoos - WPIX This stuff could all be years old, afaik, but it's new to me. And I'd never seen Raider Guy anywhere before.

10-14-2009, 02:17 AM	#784
Karlifornia Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: San Jose, CA	I found this one funny...even if I wouldn;t want it on me __________________ Look into the mind of a crazy man (NSFW) http://www.whitepowerupdate.wordpress.com

10-14-2009, 11:15 AM	#787
Dodgerchick College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Austin, TX	Everytime I see this thread, I think of a friend of ours who came out of his dorm after a Raiders win, took off his shirt and screamed at the top of his lungs... Raiders won... RAIDERS WON! Funny thing was.... it was preseason!!!!! Lulz __________________ DON'T ITCH THAT NOSE! A Meditation Dynasty

10-14-2009, 12:19 PM	#790
Oilers9911 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jan 2006	Little did he know that the 10-96 will be their record in the next 106 games.

10-15-2009, 10:53 AM	#791
JAG Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: St. Paul, MN	Raiders Achieve First Down October 15, 2009 \| Onion Sports EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ—In an improbable display of competence and a basic execution of football fundamentals, the Oakland Raiders stunned the football world Sunday when running back Michael Bush miraculously rushed for three yards against the Giants and succeeded in converting a first down. The Raiders, who fearlessly faced a third-and-one situation on their own 22-yard-line, somehow gained the 36 inches needed for an elusive first down, despite numerous obstacles that included a professional NFL defense, owner Al Davis' incompetent personnel decisions, mediocre play-calling, and general ineptitude. "I cannot believe what I just saw," said CBS commentator Greg Gumbel, adding that he was amazed the Raiders advanced the ball beyond the line of scrimmage, let alone gained a full 10 yards. "The fact that they were out on the field for three consecutive plays without turning the ball over is incredible. But a first down? An actual first down from the Oakland Raiders? You…I mean—I just, I can't…" "I'm speechless," Gumbel added. According to eyewitnesses, Raiders fans were equally astonished, reportedly shaking their heads in disbelief at the team's lack of incomplete passes, false starts, and holding penalties during the four-down series. Chuck Walker, a lifelong Raiders fan, said he was "proud" of his hometown team for defying the odds and avoiding mental errors for nearly 120 seconds. "I've never seen them go that long without totally screwing up," said Walker, who believed the first down may have even slightly changed the game's momentum. "I was certain that with a yard to go they would send five receivers deep and [quarterback] JaMarcus [Russell] would chuck the ball to one of the Giants' defensive backs." Continued Walker, "This will surely go down as the highlight of the Raiders' season." NFL analyst Tom Jackson also registered his incredulity, saying that after he saw the Raiders gain nine yards on the first two plays of the series—a "miraculous achievement" in and of itself—he never could have imagined they'd gain the one yard necessary to begin another set of offensive downs. The fact that they actually gained two extra yards beyond the first-down marker, Jackson said, left everyone in ESPN studios beside themselves. "On any given play there is so much potential for the Raiders to lose a significant number of yards that you never expect them to actually gain anything," Jackson said. "But they did it. They made a first down. And on three tries, like a normal pro football team." Jackson went on to credit the accomplishment to the much-maligned offensive line, saying that not only did they show a full understanding of their blocking assignments, but they also ran the correct play when the ball was snapped. "Looking at that play, you wonder how a team like the Raiders are 1-4," Jackson said. "Not for too long, of course, but you do wonder for a split second." According to referee John Parry, the first down also caught members of the officiating crew off guard. Parry said that when Bush moved the chains, his instinct was to throw an unsportsmanlike behavior flag for taunting. "Michael just got up off the ground and handed me the ball without trying to provoke anyone," Parry said. "Usually you'll find the Oakland guys are jumping back on the pile trying to jam a finger into someone's eye or just kicking wildly with their cleats." "At first I thought we definitely missed something," Parry added. "But we reviewed the play and the league didn't find anything illegal. They got a first down fair and square." The Raiders lost the game 44-7. hxxp://www.theonion.com/content/news/raiders_achieve_first_down

08-13-2010, 12:02 AM	#792
Danny Head Coach Join Date: Jul 2001	Raiders off to a good start in preseason!

08-13-2010, 01:39 AM	#793
Tigercat College Starter Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Federal Way, WA	Second straight year this thread was bumped because the Raiders beat the Cowboys in the preseason. Nice to see a continued commitment to exhibition excellence.

08-13-2010, 10:08 AM	#796
Marmel Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Manchester, CT	The Raiders will be competative this year, maybe even win 8 games! __________________ 81-78 Cincinnati basketball writer P. Daugherty, "Connor Barwin playing several minutes against Syracuse is like kids with slingshots taking down Caesar's legions."