The Raiders will have to be very creative in order to come out of this year’s NFL Draft with impact players.

If you haven’t seen mock drafts projecting who Oakland will take in the first round, it’s because they don’t have a pick in the opening round. In fact, the Raiders won’t make a selection until 95th overall.

Oakland sent what turned out to be the 17th pick to Cincinnati in the Carson Palmer trade last year. The Raiders traded their second round pick in last year’s draft to the Patriots. Unless they make a deal to move up in this year’s draft, they won’t make a pick until the last selection of the third round.

Despite their lack of picks, the Raiders will look to add players that will help their roster in 2012. For the second straight season, Oakland finished at 8-8 in 2011, and is looking to finish above .500 for the first time in a decade.

The Raiders are on the verge of becoming a playoff team, and will look to make a few picks that might put them over the hump. Here are Oakland’s biggest needs heading into the draft, as well as some specific players they may be targeting.

Linebacker

The Raiders are extremely lacking in the middle of their defense. Oakland was poor against both the run and the pass in 2011, and a lack of talent at the linebacker position was one of the biggest reasons. The loss of Kamerion Wimbley to the Titans depletes an already weak linebacking corp.

At pick 95 or 129, the Raiders could look at someone like Jake Bequette from Arkansas.  He played defensive end in college, but impressed scouts in linebacker drills at the Scouting Combine. If Bruce Irvin from West Virginia makes it past the second round, the Raiders may have a chance to nab him.

Cornerback

Oakland never recovered from losing cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha in the 2011 offseason. The Raiders finished 27th best in the league in passing yards allowed, after not finding an adequate replacement. They added Ron Bartell from the Rams, but it’s unknown how he’ll play a year after fracturing his neck.

Iowa State’s Leonard Johnson would be a good fit for Oakland at number 129 or 148 overall. If Vanderbilt’s Casey Hayward is still available in the third round, the Raiders may use their fist pick on him.

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On Friday afternoon, I wrote about the Oakland Raiders’ involvement in an upcoming episode of Lifetime television’s “Coming Home.” The award winning series features surprise reunions of active duty service men and women and their families, and on November 6, the show was shot right on the field at halftime during the game between the Raiders and the Denver Broncos.

November 6 2011 at O.co Coliseum
K.C. Dermody

The organization assisted “Coming Home” in surprising the children of the lifelong fan and military member who had not seen his family in almost a year. I was fortunate to be one of the many in the sold-out crowd that day to watch the emotionally charged scene, and it was truly amazing.

Matt Rogers, who is the host of the program has an enviable job bringing such memorable moments together, and he was kind enough to speak with me about it over the phone this morning. I was also a fan of Rogers when he appeared on American Idol’s season 3, and disappointed when he left a little too soon, but the show turned out to be a catalyst in his career when he realized he wanted to be a television host like Ryan Seacrest.

The 33-year-old has gone on to be a part of several short lived programs, including a CBS primetime reality television show, “There Goes the Neighborhood,” but “Coming Home,” is his dream come true. Being a part of so many touching moments is an incredible thing.

What struck me the most, is that Rogers practically gushes about the Raiders organization. He felt the magic that emanates from the fans and everyone involved with the Silver and Black. He said that he grew up in southern California “following the Rams and the Raiders when both teams were in L.A.,” but didn’t realize what it was all about until that Sunday afternoon in November last season.

“I did not know Raider fans were truly that awesome. Raider Nation, we could not have picked a better football team to do this with and I really sincerely mean that,” he told Jeannette Thompson, and this morning Rogers told me, “Amy Trask is so awesome, they were all unbelievable.”

Rogers also became a big fan of wide receiver Jacoby Ford who he says “was a lot of fun,” and “messed around with him a bit.” Ford, who is also one of my favorite current players, will make a special appearance on the “Coming Home” episode shot in Oakland.

There are so many wonderful things that happen behind the scenes that many don’t know about. Oakland Raiders’ players are constantly doing great things for the community, including visiting sick children in the area’s hospitals and being a part of many charity events and fundraisers to help those in need.

I sincerely appreciate the enthusiasm that Rogers has for the team, and for showcasing the truth about the Raiders. There is no doubt that he is a “True Raider fan,” and I’m very proud that he’s a part of Raider Nation.

Don’t forget to spread the word about “Coming Home,” the episode that was shot at O.co Coliseum will be on LIfetime Sunday, March 11 at 10pm/9pm central.

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.

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In the 1970s, I don’t think it was much fun to be a quarterback, wide receiver or running back who had to face the two safeties of the Oakland Raiders. Jack Tatum and George Atkinson were two of the meanest, baddest and best defensive backs to ever play professional football.

An NFL football.
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They helped create the football monster that was the 1970s Oakland Raider team. Unfortunately, both Tatum and Atkinson played so hard (though within the then-current NFL rules) I think they both helped create the Raiders’ current (undeserved) negative reputation as rule-breakers and thugs.

Tatum will always be remembered for the Darryl Stingley tackle, a 1978 play where New England wide receiver Stingley caught a pass, then was hit by Tatum, breaking his neck and paralyzing him in the process.

Atkinson had his own issues with extreme violence, knocking Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Lynn Swann out of the 1975 AFC Championship game with a concussion. The next year, Atkinson again knocked Swann out, this time with a forearm to the head. After the incident, Steelers coach Chuck Noll referred to Atkinson as “part of the criminal element in football.” I think these incidents were a good part of the genesis of the Raiders’ negative reputation.

Tatum wrote a book about his career in football called “The Call Me Assassin.” In the book he described a bounty program he had with Atkinson. If either of them was able to knock a player out of the game, a “limpoff” as they called it, they got one point. A “knockout” where the player had to be carted off the field and an injury timeout taken, was worth two points.

George Atkinson is still associated with the Oakland Raiders as an official “Raider Legend” and he does pre- and post-game radio broadcasts for the team. He holds several Raiders records: Atkinson is the number three punt returner, with 148 returns for 1,247 yards. He is the number seven kickoff returner, with 76, for 1,893 yards. He is also the number five career interception leader with 30, for 488 yards. George Atkinson played from 1968-1977 for the Oakland Raiders, then returned in 1979 for a final season with the Denver Broncos.

Understandably, Atkinson has no regrets about the violence he inflicted as a player and I agree with him that football is a violent sport. In a 2009 interview with the New York Times, Atkinson said: “when you take the aggressiveness out of the game, the game becomes a little boring. That’s what people come to see: tackling; good, hard hits.”

I think Atkinson should be more concerned about football violence, especially since he has two twin sons, one who is a running back for Notre Dame, the other a cornerback. George Atkinson III and Josh Atkinson are starting as freshman and both will probably end up playing in the NFL.

Although born and raised with Eagles fans in Philadelphia, Freddy Sherman has always been a citizen of Raider Nation at heart. Since his dad got him a signed George Blanda football as child, to meeting Lyle Alzado in the 1980s, he hasn’t looked back. Follow him on twitter @thefredsherman

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Of any team in the NFL, I think the Oakland Raiders have a very tragic history with bounty programs. In the 1970s, Raiders defensive backs George Atkinson and Jack Tatum had their own point system, based on how badly they could injure other players. Tatum, a long-time NFL bad-guy, wrote about it in his book, “They Call Me Assassin” and made no apologies about it.

Surface of an American football ball.
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In the bounty system used by the Raiders’ players, a “limp off”, where a player limped off the field, was worth one point, as opposed to a “knockout”, where a player had to take an injury timeout and be helped off the field, which was worth two points. Sounds very similar to me to the current bounty program revealed to have been operating in New Orleans.

NFL fans may also remember Jack Tatum as the Oakland Raiders player who hit New England Patriots receiver Darryl Stingley so hard and in such a violent way, it broke Stingley’s neck, leaving him a paraplegic from that instant. That moment, in August of 1978, should have changed pro football, but it didn’t. While Stingley would later appear at games in his wheelchair and was always a symbol of the risks of NFL players take in the sport, I think the whole message was missed then, but it seems like its having an impact today. Stingley should have been a symbol of intentional player violence, and if the NFL wanted to stop it then, I think they could have.

Stingley later died from the complications of his injury in 2007. So, in my opinion, the Raiders’ bounty program actually killed a player. It’s amazing to me that it hasn’t happened more frequently, especially when we learn programs like the Saints’ one exist, and probably exist on most teams. I can’t imagine the Saints were unique in having one. And players and fans have to get real about the real results of these actions, the real results are that players can be paralyzed and killed as a result.

Jack Tatum was not disciplined for the Stingley hit, nor was he even penalized for it. The NFL did make some rule changes to try to decrease violent hits but in a violent, physical game, violence happens. As a fan, I don’t know what the solution is, I think sometimes player health and safety is comprised in the pursuit of winning at all costs.

Although born and raised with Eagles fans in Philadelphia, Freddy Sherman has always been a citizen of Raider Nation at heart. Since his dad got him a signed George Blanda football as child, to meeting Lyle Alzado in the 1980s, he hasn’t looked back. Follow him on twitter @thefredsherman

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With the Oakland Raiders 2012 season still almost six months off, fans have a lot of time to plan a vacation or a short trip to attend one of their away games. While we don’t have the specific schedule yet, it’s never too early to decide which is the best to head out to.

Oakland Raiders fan.
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The Raiders will face their AFC West rivals, the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers, of course. In addition, they battle Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers.

Denver Broncos

Some of my favorite battles have been between the Raiders and the Broncos, and having lived in the Denver area for almost a decade I’ve attended a lot of games at Sports Authority Field. While you might have to endure a little harassment, it’s well worth going. The view from the stadium at a mile high is pretty amazing too.

At the season opener last year, the Silver and Black defeated the Broncos, 23-20, and Sebastian Janikowski kicked a record-tying 63-yard field goal. In 2012, he could just break that record here. Plus, with the new head coach Dennis Allen coming from Denver, I really think this is going to be one of the best to watch. I can’t wait to see the Raiders defeat Tim Tebow.

Kansas City Chiefs

While the scenery surrounding Arrowhead Stadium may not be as picturesque as Colorado, the game on the field should provide enough drama to make up for it. I’m looking forward to watching Stanford Routt get penalized on the flip side.

San Diego Chargers

With San Diego a doable, but long, day’s drive, this will be another good one for fans to attend. The Raiders played a great game here in 2011, defeating the Chargers 24-17. One of the San Diego fans was so upset about the loss he drank too much on woke up on a stranger’s couch . The 81-year-old woman got the fright of her life, and the sulking fan went to jail.

Cincinnati Bengals

While Cincinnati, Ohio is a little harder to get too, this would be a good one to attend if you can. With our former head coach Hue Jackson on the side of the Bengals, I’m interested to see how this one will go. Not to mention the fact that Raiders’ quarterback Carson Palmer led the team here for almost a decade.

Miami Dolphins

Last year’s game in Miami, Florida was a blowout for the wrong team, with the Raiders losing 34-14 to the Dolphins. I don’t think that will happen in 2012, and this one is also a great excuse to enjoy sunny Florida, and maybe even plan a little vacation in The Keys, just an hour south of Miami.

Baltimore Ravens

The Raiders haven’t had a lot of success against the Ravens , the record in the series between the teams is at 6-1 with Baltimore leading. I keep hoping that will change. If enough fans wearing the Silver and Black fill the stands will it make the difference?

Atlanta Falcons

Oakland leads the series against Atlanta , 7-5, but when the Raiders faced them the last time in 2008, they were shut out 24-0. That was 2008, however, with quarterback JaMarcus Russell leading the team. While I probably won’t be heading out to this one, I’d be willing to bet that we won’t be shut out in 2012, and will hopefully get the victory this time.

Carolina Panthers

The Raiders and Panthers have met just four times, with the series tied at 2-2. They last time they played was in 2008, and Oakland was defeated 17-6. While I haven’t been to Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte , North Carolina, this might also be a good one to attend and watch the Raiders take the lead in the series.

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.

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Oakland Raiders’ Dennis Allen Calls Darren McFadden Vital to the Team: Fan’s Look

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The Oakland Raiders’ new offensive coordinator, Greg Knapp, is so excited to be back on the team he used the world “excited” when speaking to CSNBayArea.com six different times. Knapp was with the team in 2007 and 2008, working with the quite forgettable JaMarcus Russell and head coach Lane Kiffin.

Oakland Raiders
K.C. Dermody

Knapp said he had hoped to return to California but was especially eager to sign on with the new general manager, Reggie McKenzie, and head coach, Dennis Allen.

Knapp remarked, ” There’s a definite positive vibe going on. I was very excited to see what Reggie’s plan was when I came in and initially met with him. He added, “D.A.’s energy is contagious with everybody. The players are feeling it. The guys who have been in the building for a long time—equipment guys, trainers, video guys—are feeling it. It’s neat to be a part of something at the ground level and build this thing.”

His comments are not surprising to me at all. I’ve yet to hear a bad word said about Allen or McKenzie, and in fact, am hearing from everyone about how the Silver and Black are headed in the right direction in 2012.

The most revered quarterback in recent years for the Raiders, Rich Gannon, tweeted in regard to the OC’s hiring recently, ” better situation and opportunity for Knapp and the coaching staff in OAK. It’s a chance to start over and do it the right way.”

A blog over the weekend written by “Al’s Wingman,” summed up the feelings of many within the Raider Nation, writing that it was his first time in being a fan for over two decades that he’s agreed with everything the front office in Alameda is doing. He remarked that Mark Davis, the late Al Davis’ son, is a lot more open and forthright in his comments to the public, and that “t he entire roster is being evaluated in terms of talent equitable to the player’s salary,” noting that this is a first in Raiders’ history that does not factor in the personal taste of the late owner.

There is no doubt that a new positive energy seems to be beaming around the Silver and Black. The former great running back Napoleon Kaufman has noticed as well, tweeting on February 24, ” A lot of news today on new Raiders coach Dennis Allen. I met him last week, this guys serious and I like him. Trust me not all change is bad.”

Although sometimes change is difficult to swallow, as far as the Silver and Black are concerned, I believe the majority of changes taking place are going to take the team, and fans, to greater heights than we’ve seen in decades.

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.

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A Look Back at the Oakland Raiders’ Receivers in the 2009 to 2011 Combine and Beyond

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It just hasn’t been a good year for Oakland Raiders QB Jason Campbell. After a good start to the 2011 season, Campbell broke his collarbone and ended his season in October, leading to the deal to bring Carson Palmer in to replace him.

Surface of an American football ball.
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Now I think it’s his personal life that’s been injured as Campbell abruptly cancelled his destination wedding only hours before the scheduled nuptials. Campbell had 162 of his friends and family travel to the Dominican Republic for what was planned as a beautiful destination wedding on February 18. The Washington Post is reporting only hours before the event, guests were informed the wedding was cancelled.

Although Campbell has been accused of leaving his fiance Jenny Montes at the altar, it really seems to me that it was a mutual decision. Leaving someone at the altar means being a no-show at the church while your partner stands there wondering where you are. Although Campbell’s and his fiance’s friends and family were there for the wedding, the truth seems to be that Campbell and his fiance decided not to get married, then informed the guests. While it seems he didn’t leave his bride at the altar, it sure was a last minute decision.

When confronted with the rumors that he left his bride at the altar, Campbell denied them to a CSN Bay Area reporter, saying the decision to call off the wedding was mutual. The couple also had a website dedicated to their wedding, which Shutdown Corner is reporting has been, well, shutdown.

The love affair had a warm, touching start, Campbell saw his future almost-wife dancing on the bar where she was a nightclub hostess. The crazy kids started dating, apparently took some time off when he was playing for the Washington Redskins, then hooked back up when he was traded to the Raiders. Campbell proposed to Montes on New Year’s Eve in 2010. In an apparent demonstration of her love, Montes has a tattoo of his initials on her back. I wonder if she’s researching tattoo removal techniques right now.

I really think things would have been different for the Silver and Black in 2011 had Campbell never been injured. I think he was a strong part of the team and had a good season in 2010, with 194 completions on 329 attempts for 2,387 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Although born and raised with Eagles fans in Philadelphia, Freddy Sherman has always been a citizen of Raider Nation at heart. Since his dad got him a signed George Blanda football as child, to meeting Lyle Alzado in the 1980s, he hasn’t looked back. Follow him on twitter @thefredsherman

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The Oakland Raiders’ late owner, Al Davis, was well-known for his love of speedy players, and it’s not surprising that many of the fastest players in the history of the NFL Combine went on to wear the Silver and Black. Here is a look at some of the Raiders’ greatest running backs and their performances at the Combine. Who was the best ever?

Darren McFadden
Wikimedia Commons

Bo Jackson

Bo knows a lot of things, and one of those is how to run like lightening. Bo Jackson holds the record for the fastest 40-yard dash at the Combine, ever. The player who many call one of the best athletes of all-time reportedly ran a 4.12. Although some questioned the validity of that time, a 4.18 ran the same week made believers out of the biggest skeptics.

If a hip injury hadn’t taken Jackson out of the game after just four seasons, he would have undoubtedly gone on to break numerous NFL records that might not have been touched for years, if ever. Unfortunately, we can only say, “What if?”

Darren McFadden

Darren McFadden has been a stand-out player, at least when he’s at 100%. We hope that 2012 will be the year the great running back is able to participate in each game, or at least a majority of them. He was sorely missed after leaving in week seven against the Kansas City Chiefs, never to return. McFadden became the first running back to reach 1000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards since the awesome Marcus Allen in 1986.

At the Combine, McFadden ran a 4.33 40-yard dash, the second best time in the last decade. Chris Johnson of the Tennesse Titans holds the record at 4.24, set in 2008.

Napoleon Kaufman

Napoloeon Kaufman was also one of the speediest players ever out on the football field. In 1992, as a college player for the Washington Huskies, he ran a 4.22 40-yard dash. At the Combine he ran a 4.31. Kaufman went on to become one of the Raiders’ greatest rushers, setting a record of 227 yards in a single game against the Denver Broncos in October 1997. The previous record of 221 yards was held by Bo Jackson. Kaufman still holds the record today.

Who will be next to surpass the records of the some of the greatest to ever wear the Silver and Black?

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.

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A Look Back at the Oakland Raiders’ Receivers in the 2009 to 2011 Combine and Beyond

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Oakland Raiders’ Dennis Allen Has the Right Mindset to Lead the Team to Greatness: Fan Reaction

Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

The Oakland Raiders’ new head coach Dennis Allen spoke to the media at the 2012 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis today, and provided a few answers to some lingering questions in regard to a few of the players. There has been some speculation as to whether or not Darren McFadden might be traded in return for some much needed draft picks.

Darren McFadden
Wikimedia Commons

Allen answered that question without hesitating, stating that when he was the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, McFadden was one of the biggest challenges when it came to defeating the Raiders. When asked if the running back was in Oakland’s future plans he adamantly stated, “As far as I’m concerned he is.”

Allen feels that the running back is one of the biggest strengths on the team’s offense, and called both McFadden and Michael Bush the “two-headed monster.”

Allen was also asked about McFadden’s foot injury and stated that it’s much better, and that he’s also been working out quite a bit. He commented, “there is no doubt McFadden will be ready to go when the 2012 season gets underway.” The organization is also looking at injuries from a lot of different aspects in order to determine how they cane be better prevented in the future.

With the emphasis on McFadden and Bush as a team, this could mean that they’ll work hard to keep Bush, although he seemed to put the bigger priority on McFadden. I think the future of the backup running back that rushed for nearly 1,000 yards while filling in for the injured player is still pretty questionable. Allen did not discuss the future of the players who become free agents.

Coach Allen also answered a question about safety Michael Huff’s future in regard to becoming the cornerback in 2012. Before the former head coach Hue Jackson was fired, he stated that he’d planned to move Huff to that position. Allen remarked, “The one thing do I do know about Michael Huff is he’s an extremely good athlete and he has skills athletically of a corner. And so that obviously would be an option for us, but again, we won’t make any decisions along those lines until we know exactly what we got.”

In regard to Rolando McClain, the coach said, “We’re going to give him every opportunity to prove that he’s the type of player that he’s capable of being. I think if he’s willing to come in and work and do the things we ask him to do, he’ll reach that potential.”

Out of everything Allen discussed, probably the biggest question answered was the future of McFadden, and it looks like he is one who is definitely here to stay. If he can stay healthy, I’m certainly with Allen on this one.

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.

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Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

While many may have disagreed with the Oakland Raiders’ iconic owner Al Davis over the years, most of the time ol’ Al turned out to be right. Although he passed away last October, his son, Mark Davis, will accept The Younger Award on his behalf this Friday in Indianapolis.

One Nation. Home of the Oakland Raiders, the Oakland Coliseum
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While the busy week begins today at the NFL Scouting Combine, also in Indianapolis, with four days of intense interviews involving hundreds of the best college football players and executives, coaches, scouts and doctors from all 32 NFL teams, the late Davis will be given the Paul “Tank” Younger Award.

Davis is noted as being perhaps the person who has had the greatest impact on the NFL in its entire history. He rescued the Raiders when he purchased the team, taking them from an old high school field and turning them into one of the most winning teams in the NFL. But what Davis may be most noted for, is his idea of equal opportunities for everyone when it came to hiring.

Davis himself was just 33 years old when he bought the team, and was the youngest person in professional football to hold both general manager and head coach positions. The Younger Award recognizes the commitment the iconic owner had to both racial and gender diversity.

Attending a game in Oakland with a sea of Silver and Black throughout the Coliseum represents the great ideals of Davis and what most of us hope the world can some day be like. When you’re a Raider fan you are a part of one big family, no matter what the color of your skin, your gender, age or financial status.

Davis saw talent and hired based on a person’s abilities and nothing else. He hired CEO Amy Trask, and she became the highest ranking female the NFL had ever seen. In 1968, Davis drafted the first African American quarterback, Eldridge Dickey, in the first round of the draft. He was the first to hire a Latino head coach in Tom Flores, who took the team to two Super Bowls, and he also named the first African-American head coach of the modern era when he appointed Art Shell to the team in 1989.

There is no doubt that Davis is well-deserving of this award, and I’m grateful that he was not only a part of the Raiders’ legacy, but made so many outstanding contributions to our world.

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been anOakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.

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Oakland Raiders’ Hall of Famer Fred Biletnikoff Doing Great Work to Support At-Risk Youth

Oakland Raiders’ Tim Brown Passed Over by the NFL Hall of Fame Once Again: Fan Reaction

New York Giants Win the Super Bowl Rematch Over the Patriots: A Little Satisfaction for Many Raider Fans

Oakland Raiders’ Dennis Allen Has the Right Mindset to Lead the Team to Greatness: Fan Reaction

Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

We almost did it. The Oakland Raiders went into their final game of the season with the chance to win and move on to the playoffs, for the first time since 2002. The Silver and Black came into the January 1st game against the San Diego Chargers with their own destiny in their hands. At home, no less. But they failed in their mission and lost the game 38-26 and also lost their hopes of post-season play. Their loss, along with the other wins and losses on the last day of the regular season (and the first day of the new year), clarified the NFL playoff picture as to who’s in and who’s out.

An NFL football.
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The Raiders’ loss was a boon to the Denver Broncos, who lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 7-3, but still won the division. The Broncos will now host Pittsburgh in the first round of the playoffs. With their loss, the Broncos created the opportunity for the Raiders to clinch the AFC West with their win, but the Raiders could not capitalize on the opportunity and the slot goes to Denver.

The NFL playoff picture includes returning and expected teams like the Green Bay Packers, the New England Patriots, the Baltimore Ravens, the New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons. I’m excited because there are also unexpected teams like the San Francisco 49ers, the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos and, for the very first time, the Houston Texans. The New York Giants will be there too, after an amazing game that saw them beat the Dallas Cowboys on the strong performance of QB Eli Manning.

Another amazing performance on that last Sunday of the regular season was turned in by Green Bay’s QB. And it was not starter Aaron Rodgers, who was resting in anticipation of the playoffs, it was backup QB Matt Flynn. Flynn broke Packers’ teams records going for 480 yards passing for six touchdowns.

The first of January gave three losses to the four AFC playoff teams. The Bengals, Texans and Broncos all lost, only the Steelers won their last game. The playoffs will start off with Cincinnati against Houston early on Saturday, January 7, followed by Detroit at New Orleans. Sunday will bring the Giants against Atlanta. And while all that is going on, Raiders fans like me will be looking towards the 2012 season.

Although born and raised with Eagles fans in Philadelphia, Freddy Sherman has always been a citizen of Raider Nation at heart. Since his dad got him a signed George Blanda football as child, to meeting Lyle Alzado in the 1980s, he hasn’t looked back. Follow him on twitter @thefredsherman

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And Sunday makes eight. Eight sellouts out of eight home games for the Oakland Raiders. The team announced the January 1 game against the San Diego Chargers is sold out, which makes 2011 the first season the team has gone without a television blackout since they returned to Oakland from Los Angeles in 1995.

Surface of an American football ball.
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While I think eight sellouts is great, and shows the support the team has from local fans, the issue of the stadium remains. The Raiders play in the Oakland Coliseum, now known as the O.co Coliseum after the stadium’s website sponsor, Overstock.com (which now also goes by o.co). Opened in 1966, the stadium is almost 50 years old and even the last renovation was seventeen years ago in 1995. The cash-strapped city of Oakland has been unable to build a new stadium and the team has been unwilling to share a stadium with the San Francisco 49ers. As the 49ers stadium project is moving forward, perhaps after the passing of Raiders’ longtime owner Al Davis, the new Raiders’ ownership (led by Davis’ son) will have a different view. I think the shared stadium makes sense for the Raiders if they want to stay in Northern California.

I still wonder if the team will move back to Los Angeles to play in one of the two competing stadium projects, both vying for a team. AEG, the company behind the proposed Farmers Field project in downtown Los Angeles has already confirmed the Raiders were one of the five teams they’ve already met with about the move to L.A.

While the team sold out all eight home games they didn’t win all eight, of the seven played as I write this article, the team is 3-4 at home, while doing much better on the road (5-3). Raiders coach Hue Jackson confirmed the power of Raider Nation and how he thinks the team needs the fans this week, a must-win for the Silver and Black. Commenting about the fans, Coach Jackson said: “They’ll bring the noise and the passion. I expect them to be as loud as they’ve ever been, and we need a true 12th man this week.”

Although born and raised with Eagles fans in Philadelphia, Freddy Sherman has always been a citizen of Raider Nation at heart. Since his dad got him a signed George Blanda football as child, to meeting Lyle Alzado in the 1980s, he hasn’t looked back. Follow him on twitter @thefredsherman

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I like Oakland Raiders’ head coach Hue Jackson. He tells it like it is and doesn’t waste words or pull any punches. He’s a humble guy who used to watch the Raiders play in the Los Angeles Coliseum when he worked there as a security guard in the 1980s.

An NFL football.
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I think he has really built the Raider team into something great since taking the helm and is doing a admirable job at continuing the legacy of long-time owner Al Davis and his “Commitment to Excellence.” In Mr. Davis’ memory, I really do believe the team will make it to the Super Bowl. The on-field play is supported by the Raider Nation, the community of fans (including myself) around the world who support the Silver and Black.

Each Friday after the team practice, Coach Jackson speaks with the media and I think his interview is a great way to determine where the team is one day before the game. In this case the game is the must-win January 1 game against the San Diego Chargers to end the 2011 regular season and hopefully move into the playoffs. Here are some key highlights I took away from Coach Jackson’s Friday press conference on December 30:

Injuries are still an issue

Michael Huff and Jacoby Ford are still recovering but it looks like Coach Jackson will include them in the line-up. He doesn’t think Ford is quite back up to speed, but I think the Raiders need him in there returning kickoffs.

Chemistry is another issue

Not bad chemistry, but lack of it. I agree with the Coach’s assessment that the team just needs more time to really come together. They have great players but the late addition of Carson Palmer just takes some getting used to. I think the Raiders have shown great heart this season and will definitely have a strong 2012 season, regardless of their 2011 finish.

Still not watching the scoreboard

Coach Jackson makes it a policy to not look at the scoreboard during games and even though it’s a must win for the Raiders, he’ll concentrate on executing each play successfully and helping “this football team do everything it can to win.”

Palmer can play under pressure

In a must-win game like the San Diego game, I think it’s essential we have an experienced guy like Palmer in there. Coach Jackson agrees, saying “It’s very important. He’s not going to flinch. That’s what I love about him. We’ve had some things not go his way but one thing I know about him, he’s not sitting over there sulking about it, or worried about it, he’s on to the next play and that’s kind of the way I am.” I agree and think that’s the professional attitude that wins games and wins championships.

Although born and raised with Eagles fans in Philadelphia, Freddy Sherman has always been a citizen of Raider Nation at heart. Since his dad got him a signed George Blanda football as child, to meeting Lyle Alzado in the 1980s, he hasn’t looked back. Follow him on twitter @thefredsherman

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The Oakland Raiders’ running back Michael Bush has done an exceptional job filling in for star running back Darren McFadden, who’s been out with a foot injury since he left in week seven in the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Michael Bush, Raiders
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It’s been Bush’s opportunity to shine as a starter, and he’s taking full advantage. This coming Sunday, Bush is being called on once again to steal the show against the San Diego Chargers, and he needs just 89 yards to surpass the 1,000 yard mark for the first time in his career.

Bush was signed by the Raiders as the first pick in the fourth round of the draft in 2007, but he’d been hobbled by a broken leg in college with the University of Louisville, and wasn’t able to get on the NFL field until 2008. In 2010, he rushed for 655 yards in 14 games and had eight touchdowns. Since filling in for McFadden this year, he’s got a total of 911 yards and seven touchdowns.

In Bush’s last game against San Diego, just after he came in for McFadden, he ran down the field 55 yards to set up a Raiders touchdown and by the end of the night, Bush was credited with a touchdown and 157 yards. In 2010, Bush played a significant part in the victory over the Chargers in the game at O.co Coliseum. In that match up, he had 26 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown.

Bush is in a very good position in the NFL right now, and he could make it even better on New Year’s Day. He’s coming to the end of a one-year, $2.6 million contract. After this season he’s a free agent, and playing so impressively, he’ll have a lot of teams taking a good look at this great running back. There is nothing like being a part of the Silver and Black, however, and he says he likes the weather in Oakland, so we’ll see what happens at the end of the year. Much of his decision could be riding on Sunday’s game, and the team’s continuation into the playoffs.

There are so many things riding on the New Year’s Day game, it’s hard to think of anything else. Just believe. Just win baby!

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan from the time she could walk. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett . Follow her at www.facebook.com/KCDermodyWriter, Twitter @kcdermody, or www.kcdermodywriter.com.

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