While it could be awhile before we know what the entire Oakland Raiders’ team will look like going into the 2012 season, we already have a good idea as to who is the most likely to have a positive impact in regard to wins and losses when they take to the field in another five plus months. Here is a look at the top ten of the most talented players who wear silver and black.

Carson Palmer

2012 will be the year for starting quarterback Carson Palmer to show us what he’s made of. After a shaky start in 2011 with virtually no time getting to know the players or the Raiders’ scheme, he came alive against the San Diego Chargers in their home territory, throwing two touchdowns in the November game, and we began to get a glimpse of the real Palmer.

Palmer is excited about the talent he has to work with on the field next season, and both former great quarterback Jim Plunkett and Rich Gannon, arguably the best quarterback since Plunkett, have made comments indicating their faith in him as well.

Denarius Moore

Wide receiver Denarius Moore will be heading into his sophomore season, and one of the reasons Palmer is excited is because of this exceptional player. There is no doubt that Moore takes being a Raider very seriously, giving everything he’s got to the game. By the end of 2011, he was nominated three times and won twice as the Pespi NFL Rookie of the Week.

In 2012, I believe Moore will not only end up going to the Pro Bowl, he’ll be one of the biggest factors in getting the Raiders into the postseason.

David Ausberry

We didn’t hear much about David Ausberry in 2011, but with Kevin Boss released just last week, 2012 is going to be the time for Ausberry to shine, and I believe he’ll live up to those expectations.

Jacoby Ford

Wide receiver Jacoby Ford is heading into his third season with Oakland. As a rookie in 2010 he was a big part of several Raiders’ victories, and although he spent too much of 2011 suffering from a foot injury, he had a major impact in several battles last season as well.

Ford was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in the game against the Cleveland Browns in which he had a 101-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and caught a total of three passes on 43 yards, showing off his lightening fast speed. If he stays healthy next season he’ll be another great offensive weapon for Palmer.

Darrius Heyward-Bey

Darrius Heyward-Bey came into his own last season, becoming a solid and reliable receiver. He had more than a few incredible catches and was responsible for the 53-yarder that set up the game winning field goal in overtime against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Eve.

Darren McFadden

Most of us are aware that when running back Darren McFadden is on the field, and healthy, he is unstoppable. We have to hope that he’ll be a part of every game in 2012 – if he is, we can expect to see great things next season.

Tyvon Branch

We need stand-out players on defense, and safety Tyvon Branch is certainly one of those who will have an impact on an improved defense next year. He was given the franchise tag recently, and led the Raiders in tackles for the second straight season, topping the 100-tackle mark for the third straight year.

Ron Bartell

Watch for the recently signed cornerback Ron Bartell to come alive as a Raider. The 30-year-old is said to be highly underrated, and as long as is back at 100% after suffering a neck injury in 2011 he’s going to take advantage of the opportunity he’s been given to play in Oakland.

Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler

As they have nearly every season, both kicker Sebastian Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler, will likely come through once again. When the team heads to the Mile-High City, they’ll be the ones to watch, as they just might beat some of their own historic records in Denver. I’m really looking forward to that one. Is it football season yet?!

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’ Campbell Heading to the Bears to Be a Backup? Plus More Free Agency News: Fan’s Take

Oakland Raiders’ Legendary Quarterback Jim Plunkett: Thoughts on the Past and the Team’s Future

Oakland Raiders’ Aaron Curry Will Stay a ‘Christ-filled’ Raider, Johnson and Eugene Cut: Fan’s Update

Oakland Raiders’ Fan’s Look: Quarterback Carson Palmer Makes Sacrifices for the Silver and Black

With just two days before the Oakland Raiders determine their fate in the playoffs, it’s hard for many fans to think of anything else. New Year’s Eve bash, who cares? We just want New Year’s Day to arrive so that we can (hopefully) watch the Raiders defeat the San Diego Chargers and ultimately take the AFC West title when the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback, Kyle Orton, exacts his revenge on the Denver Broncos.

Sebastian Janikowski
Wikimedia Commons

In light of that fact, I thought it was time we looked at some of the significant moments and facts in the history between the Chargers and the Raiders.

The Raiders lead the series record over the Chargers, 58-44-2. Oakland has won their three most recent battles, but had lost the previous 13. Could they be on their way to a longer winning streak?

In their last match up on November 10, the Raiders defeated the Chargers by a score of 24-17. Several players had stand out performances on that Thursday evening, including the rookie receiver Denarius Moore. Moore somehow held on to a long pass by quarterback Carson Palmer for a 46-yard catch, and it was just one of five catches and two touchdowns by the end of the game. Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley was on fire, and had four of six sacks on the San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers.

Running back Michael Bush ran down the field 55 yards to set up a Raiders touchdown and by the end of the game he’d been credited with a touchdown and had a total of 30 carries for 157 yards. Bush needs just 89 rushing yards this Sunday to surpass 1,000 for the first time in his career.

On October 10, 2010, the Chargers met the Raiders at home, and Oakland went on to defeat the team by a score of 35-27. In that match up, Bush had 26 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown. The second time they met up last season was in December at Qualcomm Stadium. Running back Darren McFadden had 19 carries for 97 yards and a touchdown and Bush had 23 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Jacoby Ford scored a touchdown as well, and by the end of the game, the Raiders defeated the Chargers by a score of 28-13.

Punter Shane Lechler, arguably one of the best in the history of the NFL, remarked about the upcoming game, “I think everybody in the locker room wants to win and wants to win now. My situation is hopefully to get to see this thing go full circle. I had it great when I first got here with the AFC championship game my rookie year and then the snow game up in New England and then the Super Bowl, and then not much after that. To see it come all the way back full circle, last year 8-8, just to see it go full circle would be good.”

I agree. Sebastian Janikowski is in the same situation as Lechler, with both players starting in 2000. Finally getting into the postseason after all this time would be a welcome change, and very well deserved.

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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Practice has begun for the Oakland Raiders this Wednesday morning, December 28, and several players who’ve been out with injury are back in full participation, according to Steve Corkran Raiders blogger for Contra Costa Times/Bay Area News Group . The most exciting news of the day has to be that sophomore receiver Jacoby Ford is one of those players.

Jacoby Ford, Oakland Raiders
Wikimedia Commons

The big question still on everyone’s mind may be running back Darren McFadden, but the unfortunate news there is that he sat out at practice, and as predicted he is unlikely to return for the New Year’s Day game against the San Diego Chargers. I believe we could see him on the field if the Silver and Black continue on to the playoffs, but both McFadden and his physicians will have to determine if it’s worth risking his future in the NFL.

A return by Ford would definitely be a positive factor in the must-win game against San Diego. He was said to be running routes and catching passes this morning, and that’s certainly a very good sign. He’s been a big help to the team and has contributed to more than a few of their victories since becoming a part of the Silver and Black as a rookie in 2010.

In week six against the Cleveland Browns he made a dazzling 101-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, showing off his lightening speed and tied the record for the third longest kickoff return in the team’s history. Ford was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his exceptional performance, and in addition to the kickoff return, he had an incredibly fast 27-yard run and a total of three passes on 43 yards, making his job look easy.

In 2010, you might remember it was Ford who was a big part of the Raiders’ win against Kansas City with two miracle catches in the final minutes of the game.

Free safety Michael Huff told us on Monday that he would definitely be in the game this Sunday after missing the previous two. He was in full participation at practice this morning as well, and it looks like he will be fulfilling his promise.

Running backs Michael Bush and Taiwan Jones were also in full participation, and Corkran tweeted, ” No sign of Big John Henderson at practice. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him placed on injured reserve this week.”

But the news is mostly good, and as we get closer to 2012 all I can think about is, what will happen on New Year’s Day? Focusing on the positive, I’ll keep picturing a Raiders win and a Broncos loss, and hope that picture becomes the reality by Sunday evening. What a great way to kick off the New Year.

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 or on Twitter @kcdermody.

More from this contributor:

Three Oakland Raiders Selected to the Pro Bowl: Fan reaction

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Five Reasons Oakland Raiders’ Shane Lechler is the Best in NFL History: Fan’s Look

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Finally, the Oakland Raiders’ Sebastian Janikowski, arguably the best placekicker in the NFL, received the recognition he deserves by being selected to the Pro Bowl. It’s hard to believe this is his first time making the trip to Aloha Stadium after spending nearly 12 seasons in the NFL, and now Raider Nation can breathe a sigh of relief.

Shane Lechler
Creative Commons/Commons Wikimedia

Punter Shane Lechler will head with his teammate to Hawaii, making his seventh trip to the Pro Bowl, along with defensive tackle Richard Seymour who was also selected for the seventh time.

Though it’s a bit belated, the selection of Janikowski is some justice for the late owner, Al Davis. Many questioned ol’ Al’s wisdom in taking the kicker in the first round of the draft in 2000, and Mr. Davis is probably smiling down from up above. Janikowski was only the third kicker in the history of the NFL to be taken in the first round, and he may just go down in history as the NFL’s all-time best kicker as well.

On Monday, head coach Hue Jackson commented, “The guy is the best kicker in football, hands down. I’d be very disappointed if his name doesn’t show up. He’s as good as there is in football. Period.”

Fortunately for the Polish Cannon, and for the entire Raider Nation, this time was not a disappointment.

Janikowski was also nominated for the NFL’s Never Say Never Moment of the Week for his efforts in the victory on Christmas Eve over the Kansas City Chiefs, where he kicked three field goals including a 36-yard game-winner in overtime to keep the team’s playoff hopes alive. The great kicker was also recognized as the Special Teams Player of the Week in the Raiders’ victory over the Chicago Bears, and he tied a historic record in Denver in the opening game of the season with a 63-yard field goal.

Lechler, has also had a major impact for the Raiders throughout his nearly 12 seasons with the team, and may go down as the best punter in NFL history. His career average of 47.6 yards is the highest in NFL history, and in the game against the Bears he hit a career long 80-yard punt. He’s so versatile, that he’s even the team’s emergency quarterback and in the game against the Cleveland Browns, he threw a 35-yard pass to tight end Kevin Boss for a touchdown.

Seymour was also pivotal in the Raiders win over the Chiefs, in which he blocked two field goal attempts, with the second almost becoming a game winner for Kansas City. For much of 2011 he’s played through a painful knee injury and hasn’t been up to his usual standards, but he proved that he’s feeling much better after the game on Christmas Eve.

Congratulations to these exceptional Raiders for exemplifying a true commitment to excellence.

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 or on Twitter @kcdermody.

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The Oakland Raiders might have gotten their spark back after it seemed to go out during at least two of their three recent losses. It nearly died in the battles against the Miami Dolphins and the Green Bay Packers, and there just wasn’t enough to get that flame going to defeat the Detroit Lions. But fortunately, it seems to have returned, and players are starting to sound like they’re part of the team fans know and love.

Brandon Meyers, Oakland Raiders tight end
Wikimedia Commons

The must-win defeat of the Kansas City Chiefs, and some exceptional stand out plays showed their heart is in it to win, and hearing some of the players and coaches shortly after the game over the last couple of days there is no denying that.

Stanford Routt, an Al Davis favorite, was responsible for one of two interceptions against the Chiefs’ quarterback, Kyle Orton, on Christmas Eve. He posted on Twitter after the game, “Not gonna dwell on the small stuff….just gonna enjoy this because I can’t ask for anything better than WIN on Christmas Eve!”

He also tweeted, “We’re a movement by ourselves…but a force when we’re together,” which I believe speaks volumes for the team.

Tommy Kelly, the Raiders’ defensive tackled commented on the Chiefs’ game, “At the end of the day, if we win 16-13, I don’t care how we get there. After last week losing 28-27 and giving up 14 points in the last five or six minutes, I don’t even care to tell you the truth. I just want to win and go to the playoffs for the first time in my career.”

Possibly my favorite quote after the victory on Christmas Eve was a tweet by tight end Brandon Myers, “Early Xmas present to #RaiderNation we are gonna give it our ALL to beat SD an make the playoffs. Much love.”

Myers was part of that amazing play when they pulled off the fake field goal and punter Shane Lechler, the holder on the play, threw a shovel pass to Myers who ran untouched into the endzone for the touchdown. Unfortunately it was called back for a delay of game penalty, but at least this time, we’re not talking about how that penalty (and others) led to a loss.

Although it’s too soon to know which injured players will make a return for the final game of the season coming up this Sunday, there is a possibility that we’ll see receiver Jacoby Ford back on the field. He’s missed eight games, but if he can be in for this final, must-win situation, he will.

Safety Michael Huff, who had never missed a game at any level of his career, has missed four this season with a hamstring injury. This morning he commented, “It feels good to be this close. It’s been a while since it’s been like this around here. It’s a good feeling. We know we have to go out there and handle our business this week and everything will take care of itself.”

Huff also added, “I’ll be out there,” Huff said Monday morning. “I’m not going to miss this one.”

There is a possibility that running back Darren McFadden could return for week 17, but he’d have to play through pain, and head coach Hue Jackson might want to save him for a playoff game rather than risk further injury. We won’t know more until later in the week, and I think the chances are pretty slim for him to come back against San Diego.

Either way, the spark has returned, and it’s bigger than ever. I do believe we’ll see them defeat the Chargers. It’s rare that you’ll ever hear me say this, but “Go Chiefs!” And, of course, to the Raiders, “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 or on Twitter @kcdermody.

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The Oakland Raiders gave fans the best Christmas gift we could hope for. A victory over the AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs. Once again, as throughout the 50+ year history battles between the two teams, it came down to a dramatic finish.

Oakland Raiders Sebastian Janikowski
Broken Sphere/Wikimedia Commons

Though it wasn’t the high scoring battle I thought would happen, it was certainly another roller coaster ride in which we thought the Silver and Black had the win, and then, in the final few minutes it seemed we might be destined for another heartbreaking loss, similar to what we experienced last Sunday against the Lions and earlier in the season to the Buffalo Bills.

We won’t talk about how sloppy the game was and how bad penalties were in the second quarter. Both the Chiefs and Raiders looked pretty pitiful in the first half leaving the game tied 3-3 at halftime. At that point, neither looked like they should have an opportunity in the playoffs.

Late in the fourth quarter, the Raiders were up 13-6, and things were looking good for a Raider victory, but of course, they couldn’t make it easy for us, and allowed the Chiefs to catch up and tie at 13-13. If it wasn’t for Raiders’ defensive end Trevor Scott’s block of a Kansas City 49-yard field goal, the game likely would have gone to the Chiefs.

Fortunately, for the Raider Nation the game went into overtime at 13-13, and it became receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey’s time to shine. He caught an amazing 53-yard pass from quarterback Carson Palmer to set up a winning field goal kick for Sebastian Janikowski. My heart was still pounding at this point, with the way Raider games have gone as of late, anything could happen.

But the Polish Cannon, as he usually does, came through, and kicked the winning 36-yard field goal to give the Raiders the 16-13 victory.

Despite 15 penalties, the Raiders got the win, and it doesn’t matter how they got there, they did it. Their playoff hopes are still alive and they have a chance at coming out on top in the AFC West. The Denver Broncos lost to the Buffalo Bills by a score of 40-14, with Tim Tebow throwing four interceptions, and the San Diego Chargers are currently losing to the Detroit Lions by a score of 24-0 in the third quarter.

The Raider Nation will certainly have a Merry Christmas, and then it will be back home to Oakland for a battle against the Chargers and, hopefully, a New Year’s Day win, and an AFC West division title. We’re on our way! Just believe. Happy holidays to Raider fans everywhere.

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 or on Twitter @kcdermody.

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Here we go. Just a day before the Oakland Raiders face the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. I have a feeling this game should have a warning that reads, “People with heart problems should not ride.” This will more than likely be a high scoring game and come down to a battle between the quarterbacks, and the Raiders’ defense will need to force the Chiefs into turnovers in addition to holding their penalties to a minimum.

Carson Palmer on the field before Broncos Raiders game Nov 6 2011
K.C. Dermody

As always, we don’t have a crystal ball to look into and see just exactly what will happen, and anything can happen. But what we can do is compare the two quarterbacks, Carson Palmer and Kyle Orton to get an idea of the possibilities in the Christmas Eve game.

Their previous match up in Oakland should be thrown out the window. Palmer had just arrived into town, and probably shouldn’t have even entered the equation. Orton was playing for the Denver Broncos when Tebow Mania hit and he was booted out.

The Raiders have faced Orton with Denver many times, and in this match up the Chiefs new quarterback is just 1-3 against Oakland. He’s barely over 50% in pass completions. One concerning fact is that Orton has thrown seven interceptions to Palmer’s 13 in 2011; however, three of those came in the infamous game against the Chiefs when he clearly wasn’t ready. Palmer is credited with ten touchdowns this year, compared to Orton’s eight.

Orton clearly went into Green Bay last week and had one of the best performances of his career, completing slightly over 74% of his passes, and threw no interceptions. But there’s a reason Bronco fans were crying for Tebow. Orton contributed to Denver’s four out of five game losses at the start of the season, leaving them with a record of 1-4 at the end of week five.

The last time Palmer faced the Chiefs with the Bengals, he led his team to victory, scoring two touchdowns and completing 17-for-25 passes back on December 27, 2009.

For both quarterbacks, consistency is an issue. There is no question that Orton did a great job against the Packers, but will he have two good performances in a row? I don’t think so.

This is a must win for both teams, but it’s time for the Raiders to show up and play up to the potential we know they’ve got and give the Raider Nation a Christmas present we would most like to have.

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 or on Twitter @kcdermody.

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

With the Oakland Raiders facing the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Christmas Eve morning, a win by the Silver and Black would make it a much merrier Christmas for the Raider Nation. With the way things have gone this season, I wouldn’t place any bets, but I truly believe we’re going to see a victory for out team on Saturday. Please, Santa? We might have been naughty on occasion, but in general fans of the Raiders have been a good bunch this year, and it’s time we’re treated to a win for Christmas. I don’t think it’s too much to ask.

Darrius Heyward-Bey
Wikimedia Commons

The Raiders are slightly favored over the Chiefs by 2.5 points, not that it really makes a difference one way or another, but I believe Oakland is going to come out on fire Saturday and ready to win. They played well during three and a half quarters last Sunday against the Lions and if they can hang on for four this time, we’ll get our much deserved Christmas present.

The Silver and Black have to be frustrated after losing their last three, and coming so close last time. They’re ticked off, and they should be. They had to play Kansas City just after Jason Campbell was taken down and quarterback Carson Palmer had just arrived. He was in no way ready, throwing three interceptions in the second half, and was partially responsible for the team’s 28-0 loss.

Palmer has developed a rhythm now, and though he wasn’t at his best against the Dolphins or the Packers, he was much improved against Detroit, completing 32 of 40 pass attempts for 367 yards, and scoring a touchdown. And this time, no interceptions.

That’s what we need this Saturday. Palmer at his best, another great day by receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, and a stellar job on defense especially, forcing the Chiefs’ to as many turnovers as possible. And, keep the penalties to a minimum guys.

Yes, the Chiefs beat the Green Bay Packers, but as we all know, anything can happen in football, it does, and it did last Sunday. I don’t believe they have it in them to fight another tough battle which is what the Raiders will bring in week 15.

Whether running back Darren McFadden or receiver Jacoby Ford will make a return in the second to last game of the season remains to be seen. Both players were running at practice on Tuesday, which is a good sign, but they still weren’t actually involved in practice. I’d give Ford a slightly better chance than McFadden for making an appearance in Kansas City.

The Silver and Black will have to work with whatever they’ve got, and 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 or on Twitter @kcdermody.

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The Oakland Raiders’ veteran punter, Shane Lechler, has been in the headlines often for his outstanding efforts this season. I don’t think there would be much argument as to whether or not he’s the best at what he does in the NFL currently, but there has been some disagreement as to whether or not he is the best punter in the history of football.

Shane Lechler
Creative Commons/Commons Wikimedia

Just last week, the 35-year-old was selected to the USA Football All-Fundamentals Team. The team recognizes NFL players at each offensive and defensive position as well as four special teams positions, and felt Lechler was the best at exhibiting exemplary football techniques for youth players to emulate.

The question that’s been asked by many in the Raider Nation is, “Who is the best punter of all-time? Should that recognition be given to the former Oakland Raiders’ great, Ray Guy, or Lechler?”

Here is a look at both sides of the argument.

Lechler’s amazing 80-yard punt in the game against the Chicago Bears on November 27 went into the record books. The initial record of 77-yards was set five decades ago by Wayne Crow. Lechler tied that record in the Raiders’ 2011 opening game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field.

Lechler holds the record for the best average per punt in the NFL in his career at 47.3, which surpasses the legendary Sammy Baugh who played back in the 1940s and ’50s, and held the record at 45.1. Lechler’s 2011 season average is 51.5.

Oakland’s current punter is a six-time Pro Bowler, and he’s been named an All-Pro six times. In addition to his impressive stats, he is also the Raiders’ emergency quarterback, and in week six in the game against the Cleveland Browns, Lechler threw a 35-yard pass to tight end Kevin Boss for a touchdown.

Looking at Guy’s stats, his longest punt was 74-yards back in 1977, also kicked in Denver. He never missed a game in his 14 seasons with the Raiders and he was also the first pure punter ever taken in the first round of the draft.

Guy led the league in punting averages three times in his career and was All-Pro three times. When he retired in 1986, his career average was 42.4 yards. Guy had only three of his 1,049 punts blocked, and was the first player to ever hit Louisiana Superdome scoreboard.

Guy was certainly an exceptional punter, and one of the top all-time, but Jerrell Wilson, who played for 16 seasons in the ’60s and ’70s with the Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots, ended his career with a 53 yard average. He had a season high average of 45.5 yards compared to Guy’s 45.4.

Guy is one of my favorite players of all time and he should, by all rights, be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but in this argument, I give the edge to Lechler.

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 .

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Although the ending to the game between the Oakland Raiders and the Detroit Lions didn’t go the way that fans, and the team, would have liked, there were still quite a few highlights in the match up that made most of the afternoon fun and exciting.

Darrius Heyward-Bey
Wikimedia Commons

The chances for a post-season for the Silver and Black may have faded, but they aren’t completely out of it yet. Yes, a lot of improvement needs to be made, but true fans of the team know we’ll be there through it all. I’d rather be a fan of the Raiders whether they are winning or losing than of any other team in the NFL.

Darrius Heyward-Bey

Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey had the best game of his career, despite it being overshadowed by the loss. He had eight catches for 155 yards and a touchdown, and he really gave 100% on Sunday against the Lions. Even after taking a hit he wasn’t going down and battled it out for as many yards as he could.

In the second half the receiver made a couple of mistakes that may have cost the Raiders some points, but if he hadn’t had the impressive first half, they likely wouldn’t have scored as many as they did either. It’s easy to look back and say “what if,” but I believe Heyward-Bey was playing with a lot of heart yesterday.

Carson Palmer

After throwing a career high four interceptions in the team’s loss against the Green Bay Packers, Palmer didn’t throw any in the game against Detroit. He completed 32 of 40 pass attempts for 367 yards, and had a touchdown.

Shane Lechler

Arguably the best punter in the NFL, Shane Lechler, kicked another amazing punt on Sunday, coming through in the clutching and getting the ball all the way to the Detroit Lions’ 2-yard line. The veteran always gives his all in each and every game.

Aaron Curry

Aaron Curry recovered the football for the Raiders after Tommy Kelly stripped it from the Lions’ quarterback, Matthew Stafford. Curry took it into the endzone for a touchdown. It was probably my favorite play of the game.

Rolando McClain

Linebacker Rolando McClain was on yesterday. He led the team with nine tackles and sacked Stafford giving the Lions’ an eight yard loss.

The team has talent and certainly a lot of potential. This season has been much better than many of the last decade, and true Raider fans never give up.

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 or on Twitter @kcdermody.

More from this contributor:

Oakland Raiders Lose a Heartbreaker Against the Detroit Lions, 28-27: Fan Reaction

Oakland Raiders Fall to the Packers & Slip in the AFC West: Fan Reaction

Oakland Raiders’ Punter Shane Lechler Named to All-Fundamentals Team: Fan Reaction

Oakland Raiders’ Kicker Sebastian Janikowski Named Special Teams Player of the Week: Fan Reaction

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

Although the ending to the game between the Oakland Raiders and the Detroit Lions didn’t go the way that fans, and the team, would have liked, there were still quite a few highlights in the match up that made most of the afternoon fun and exciting.

Darrius Heyward-Bey
Wikimedia Commons

The chances for a post-season for the Silver and Black may have faded, but they aren’t completely out of it yet. Yes, a lot of improvement needs to be made, but true fans of the team know we’ll be there through it all. I’d rather be a fan of the Raiders whether they are winning or losing than of any other team in the NFL.

Darrius Heyward-Bey

Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey had the best game of his career, despite it being overshadowed by the loss. He had eight catches for 155 yards and a touchdown, and he really gave 100% on Sunday against the Lions. Even after taking a hit he wasn’t going down and battled it out for as many yards as he could.

In the second half the receiver made a couple of mistakes that may have cost the Raiders some points, but if he hadn’t had the impressive first half, they likely wouldn’t have scored as many as they did either. It’s easy to look back and say “what if,” but I believe Heyward-Bey was playing with a lot of heart yesterday.

Carson Palmer

After throwing a career high four interceptions in the team’s loss against the Green Bay Packers, Palmer didn’t throw any in the game against Detroit. He completed 32 of 40 pass attempts for 367 yards, and had a touchdown.

Shane Lechler

Arguably the best punter in the NFL, Shane Lechler, kicked another amazing punt on Sunday, coming through in the clutching and getting the ball all the way to the Detroit Lions’ 2-yard line. The veteran always gives his all in each and every game.

Aaron Curry

Aaron Curry recovered the football for the Raiders after Tommy Kelly stripped it from the Lions’ quarterback, Matthew Stafford. Curry took it into the endzone for a touchdown. It was probably my favorite play of the game.

Rolando McClain

Linebacker Rolando McClain was on yesterday. He led the team with nine tackles and sacked Stafford giving the Lions’ an eight yard loss.

The team has talent and certainly a lot of potential. This season has been much better than many of the last decade, and true Raider fans never give up.

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 or on Twitter @kcdermody.

More from this contributor:

Oakland Raiders Lose a Heartbreaker Against the Detroit Lions, 28-27: Fan Reaction

Oakland Raiders Fall to the Packers & Slip in the AFC West: Fan Reaction

Oakland Raiders’ Punter Shane Lechler Named to All-Fundamentals Team: Fan Reaction

Oakland Raiders’ Kicker Sebastian Janikowski Named Special Teams Player of the Week: Fan Reaction

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