On Monday, March 26, the NFL announced 32 compensatory picks in the 2012 NFL Draft were awarded to 15 teams, including three to the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders will get three extra picks in the draft, one each in the 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds.

Why The Raiders Got Extra Picks

The basic answer as to why the Oakland Raiders (and the other teams) got compensatory picks, is that they lost more free agents than they acquired, specifically free agents classified as “compensatory.”

What is a Compensatory Free Agent

Not every free agent is considered a compensatory free agent. The formula is based on salary, playing time and postseason appearances and honors. The specific formula was developed by the NFL. Teams get extra picks based on the number of compensatory free agents they lost, up to a maximum of four.

Why The System Exists

I think it’s a good rule and it’s another way for the NFL to try to level the playing field financially. If a team has extra high-value free agents and loses them to another team willing to pay more, that team that lost the players get a little compensation in the form of extra draft picks. It makes up, a little, for teams that may not have the revenue to be able to afford all the big names they may want.

Raiders’ Existing Picks

The Oakland Raiders already had two draft picks, a 5th round pick (the 148th overall) and a 6th round pick (the 189th overall). With their recent signings and the upcoming draft, I think it’s going to be an exciting month for the Raider Nation.

Raiders’ New Compensatory Picks

The Silver and Black will now also get a 3rd round pick (the 95th overall), a 4th round pick (the 129th overall) and a 5th round pick (the 168th overall). I think the key pick will be that 3rd rounder as it’s still early enough in the draft to score a potential superstar.

The 2012 NFL Draft

The Draft will go down on Thursday, April 26 starting at 5:00 p.m. The second and third rounds will be Friday, April 27 at 4:00 p.m., with rounds 4 through 7 on Saturday, April 28 at 9 p.m. All times are PST.

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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As a member of the Raider Nation and fan of the Oakland Raiders, it’s been interesting to learn there is another American football team in Europe wearing the Silver and Black. I’ve already written about the Raiders’ Austrian team (Oakland Raiders’ European Team – SWARCO Raiders: Fan’s Look), they’re called the SWARCO Raiders Tirol, named for their main sponsor, traffic control device maker SWARCO.

The SWARCO Raiders will kick off their 20th season on Saturday, March 24 and American Oakland Raider fans can watch live, online at 6 a.m. PST for the kickoff. The team opens the season with a road game, against the Kornmesser Rangers in Modling, Austria.

The SWARCO Raiders had a great 2011 season, winning both the Austrian Bowl and Eurobowl in the same season for the first time in team history. The Austrian Bowl is the championship for their own league within Austria, while the Eurobowl is a larger tournament for teams from all over Europe, similar to a World Cup soccer final, with a series of eliminations. I think the format is more popular since it mimics the popular soccer tournament formula many European fans are used to. The team won their first EFAF-Cup (a European football tournament) and then won their first Austrian Bowl championship in 2004.

The SWARCO Raiders team was formed in 1992 to play in the Austrian Football League, which is part of the European Football league. These are teams located all over Europe who play American football. Most of the players are European but the SWARCO Raiders do have three American players, including their QB, Kyle Callahan. The only other two Americans on the team are WR Talib Wise and S John Clements. Although the team has had American coaches in the past, in 2011 they hired a German coach, Shuan Fatah, who has been very successful and I think can now be considered a member of the Raider Nation, European Division.

American fans can watch the SWARCO Raiders’ 2012 season online at raidersTV.at, including the opening game on March 24. I think it’s interesting and I’ll be watching the opening game. I think the NFL Network and other sports cable channels should carry some of the European games to give American fans a taste of what American football is like in Europe.

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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Oakland Raiders Cut More Players to Make Salary Cap: Fan’s View

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Within the world of the Oakland Raiders lately, every day it seems the question is asked, “Where is Wimbley?” It sounds like a great name for a children’s story, but unfortunately the question has only been answered with more speculation and the doubt of his return.

Kamerion Wimbley
Wikimedia Commons

As Paul Guttierrez with CSNBayArea.com reported today, there is still a stalemate between the Raiders and linebacker Kamerion Wimbley. His agent, Joe Linta, stated in an email: “No calls either way. He has a contract and he’ll honor it.”

What it sounds like to me, is that Wimbley wants his original contract honored and that’s that, and it would have to be the Raiders that keep the bargain on their end. Apparently neither the Raiders or Wimbley have attempted to contact each other. Of course, I could be wrong but the word on the street is that Wimbley will probably be gone. If the Raiders decide to cut him before March 17, according to Guttierrez, they’ll save $1.9 million and $4.5 million for 2012 cap purposes, depending on prorations, and $17.5 million going forward.

Either way, we’ll have an answer to, “Where is Wimbley?” by Friday. As stated before, Carson Palmer, Richard Seymour, Michael Huff and Aaron Curry have all restructured their contracts to remain with the Silver and Black.

The somewhat surprising news is that ESPN has reported that tight end Kevin Boss who came in to replace Zach Miller last year will be released. Boss was injured during the 2011 preseason and missed the first two games, playing in 14 as a Raider, with 11 starts. His stats were the lowest since his rookie season with the New York Giants, scoring three touchdowns and catching 28 passes for 368 yards.

The move might open the door for tight end David Ausberry to reach his potential. Palmer has raved about the 24-year-old and 2012 could very well be his time to shine. While I liked Boss, it was obvious that he didn’t meet expectations.

The Raiders have also confirmed that they’ve tendered one-year contracts to restricted free agent defensive lineman Desmond Bryant and three exclusive rights free agents, fullback Marcel Reece, defensive end Mason Brodine and cornerback Bryan McCann.

I’ve heard several people ask when the details of the Raiders’ compensatory picks for the 2012 draft will be released, and while there is no new information on that front, the NFL will make the announcement at the owners’ meeting that will be held March 26-28, 2012.

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.
Wikimedia Commons

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

While fans were disappointed with the Oakland Raiders loss to the Denver Broncos on November 6, 2011, the lucky members of Raider Nation who were in the stands that afternoon at O.co Coliseum were treated to an extremely touching event on the field, at least partially making up for our disappointment.

Oakland Raiders
K.C. Dermody

At halftime, the score was Raiders 17, Broncos 7, with fans excitedly anticipating a second victory over their AFC West rivals. There was a positive energy throughout the Coliseum at the end of the second quarter, and what happened next made it even more so.

The award-winning LIfetime series, “Coming Home,” features surprise reunions of active duty service men and women and their families, and the surprise that day happened right on the field at O.co Coliseum, in front of a sold-out crowd full of passionate fans wearing silver and black.

The reunion on November 6th featured a serviceman who is also a fan of the Raiders, and the organization assisted in surprising the children of the lifelong fan who had not seen his family in almost a year. It was overwhelmingly emotional, and many had at least a tear in their eye that afternoon. I won’t give away all the details in case you weren’t there to see it in person, and the show will kick off Lifetime’s season on Sunday afternoon, March 11.

Matt Rogers, the show’s host, has an enviable job bringing such memorable moments together. If you’ve been a fan of American Idol, you might remember Rogers from season three. While I can’t recall many of his performances, what stood out for me was his charming personality. He’s obviously been able to use that to his advantage and snag this awesome opportunity that seems to be a perfect fit.

Rogers remarked, “I’m extremely proud of this television show and I’m extremely proud of this episode. What the Oakland Raiders did for our show and what they’re doing for our show, you can’t put a price on that. I could not have picked a better NFL team to team up with for this show. The organization was unbelievable. They opened their doors to us. They literally made the TV show better and made it epic. I believe this is, hands down, our best episode.”

As if fans needed another reason to love the Raiders, it’s always nice to hear the team recognized for who they really are. The entire Raider Nation is one big family that is truly passionate, and compassionate, not only about the game, but their community and beyond. We have many reasons to be proud!

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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Although I’m an Oakland Raiders fan, I’ve followed Peyton Manning over the last decade and have always felt he was one of the best. As long as the Raiders weren’t battling it out with the Indianapolis Colts, I was rooting for Manning’s team to win. When it was reported on Tuesday that he would be released today, it was hard to swallow.

Peyton Manning
Wikimedia Commons

There are few truly great quarterbacks and Manning is definitely one of them. It feels like the end of an era, and though he spent 14 years with the Colts, it does seem like that ending came a little too soon. After being so loyal to the franchise, and taking them to great heights, saying goodbye this way isn’t the best way to reward him.

On a selfish note, I’ve always wished he could come over to the dark side and wear the silver and black, but at this point the chances of him becoming a Raider are probably about the same as mine for winning the lottery. As long as he didn’t play for an AFC West rival, for my own personal reasons, I’d enjoy continuing to watch him in the NFL, but I believe it’s time that Manning retires.

One of the greatest wide receivers of all-time, Jerry Rice, would like the San Francisco 49ers to persue Manning. He told the Chronicle and Bay Area News Group during an interview yesterday, I think you go for it, you really do… Not knocking what Alex Smith did … but a guy with the knowledge and talent of Peyton Manning, I think you’d take it to a whole different level. If he’s healthy, he’s going to have a chip on his shoulder like crazy. He’s going to be pissed.”

I can see Manning in a 49ers uniform, they’ve had some of the best quarterbacks in history on their team with Joe Montana and Steve Young, but after spending so many years in the blue and white, and achieving what few can hope to achieve in the NFL, is it worth risking further injury?

Manning is a Super Bowl Champion, a four-time NFL MVP, the Colts all-time leader in c areer Wins, passing touchdowns , pass attempts, pass Completions and passing yards, and the list goes on. He’s said to be completely recovered from his neck injury, but once something like that happens he’s at higher risk for further injury, and who knows what the next hard hit could result in.

In addition to being a great football player, Manning seems like a great guy and is obviously very intelligent when it comes to football. He’s also got a beautiful family. Why risk his health when he could move on now to the next stage of his career? Possibly as a quarterbacks coach? I’d be ecstatic to see him help out the Raiders, but whatever happens, I believe he’ll be successful in any endeavor he takes on.

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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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.
Broken SphereWikimedia Commons

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

As the NFL Combine shows us the best, brightest and quickest future talent, it’s also time to look to the future of the Oakland Raiders and their 2012 away schedule. There aren’t too many surprises in the line-up, but there are two games that really excite me, against the Carolina Panthers and against the Atlanta Falcons. Both are teams the Raiders haven’t played in their own home stadiums since 2004.

Oakland Raiders in pre-game prayer
wikimedia commons

Here’s a review of the 2012 away game schedule for the Oakland Raiders:

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are beating the Raiders in this series, 5-1, since their first meeting in 1996. The Ravens won the last game in Baltimore, 29-10 in 2008.

Miami Dolphins

The Raiders haven’t won in Miami since 2007, when they beat the Dolphins 35-17. The Raiders are leading this series 16-12-1, since the teams first played against each other in 1966.

Cincinnati Bengals

Given Carson Palmer’s history with the Bengals, this is sure to be a great game to watch. The Raiders are ahead in this series 18-8, since the teams first played in 1968. The Bengals came out on top the last time they played in Cincinnati, 27-10, in 2006.

Atlanta Falcons

The Raiders are ahead in this series as well, 7-5, the Falcons last won the game in Atlanta, 35-10, in 2004. The teams first played against each other in 1971.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers Raiders series is tied 2-2, with the Raiders coming out on top the last time they played in North Carolina, 27-24, in 2004. The teams first met in 1997.

Denver Broncos

The Raiders beat the Broncos at their last match up in Denver, 23-20 and have actually won four in a row there. We will have to see how Tim Tebow is doing that day, but after his late-season stumbles, I don’t think he will be the huge superstar everyone hyped him up to be.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Raiders are on a roll in Kansas City, having won five in a row. The teams first played in 1960 and the Raiders won 16-13 in OT at their last game there.

San Diego Chargers

The Raiders played the Chargers in San Diego only once, in 1980 during the playoffs, with the Raiders winning the AFC Championship by beating them. In 2011 the Silver and Black headed south and beat the Chargers 24-17. With my girlfriend being a Chargers fan, this is always a very tense day in our house.

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 2012 NFL Combine in motion, it’s time for the Raider Nation to start thinking about the 2012 season and the opposing teams who will be visiting the Silver and Black in the O.co Coliseum over the course of the season. Here’s a review of the Raider’s 2012 home opponents:

Surface of an American football ball.
Wikimedia Commons

Pittsburgh Steelers

Since the Steelers and Raiders met for the first time in 1970, the Raiders are on top in this series, 10-9. They last played in 2006, where the Raiders won 20-13.

Jacksonville Jaguars

After their first meeting in 1996, the Jags are leading the Raiders 4-1 in their matchups. The teams last played in 2004, which the Raiders lost 13-6.

Cleveland Browns

After their first meeting in 1970, the Raiders are leading the series 11-8 and when the teams played in 2011, Oakland won, 24-17

New Orleans Saints

Since the teams first played in 1971, the Raiders and Saints are even, with a series record of 5-5-1. The Saints came out on top last time, 31-26 in 2004.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay has struggled to win games and the Raiders lead this series 6-1. The teams first played in 1976 and the Raiders won the last game 30-20 in 2004

Denver Broncos

The Raiders lead this series overall 59-42-2 and the teams have been competing against each other for a long time, since 1960. The most recent meeting still stings for Raider fans as the Broncos beat them 38-24 in 2011.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are another long-time rival and they lead the series against the Raiders, 53-48-2. The teams first played against each other in 1960 (when the Chiefs were the Dallas Texans) and the Chiefs shut out the Raiders 28-0 the last time they met.

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers ended the Raiders season in 2011 with a disappointing loss, 38-26 and the teams have been played each other since 1960. The Raiders are on top in this series, 57-45-2.

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

The rumors in regard to the Oakland Raiders and a possible move have been ignited more than ever lately, but for those of us who would like the team to remain in the East Bay, there was some very good news reported on Wednesday by KTVU.com.

Bay Bridge, Oakland
Wikimedia Commons

At the end of the 2011 season, as new general manager Reggie McKenzie was introduced during the early January press conference, owner Mark Davis make some comments that made it sound like a move back to southern California was a pretty good possibility, sparking more rumors about their return back to Los Angeles.

Davis was asked if he was considering a sale of the team, and he stated with passion that he would do no such thing, but when he was asked if the Silver and Black might move to another city, he said, frankly, that the Silver and Black need a new stadium, where ever that may be, including Los Angeles.

Sports writer with the Bay Area News Group, Steve Corkran , even tweeted that he’d consider making a move down south if that was where the Raiders landed. A collective grown could be heard across Raider Nation, at least among the majority of us. While the Raiders have fans across the nation, and even throughout the world, they’ve spent the majority of their 50+ years in the NFL in East Bay. Despite spending 13 years in Los Angeles, they’re true home is in Oakland, and I mean no offense to L.A. area fans who I’m sure are just as passionate as the rest of us.

Getting back to that good news, KTVU reported that the City of Oakland is spending $3.5 million on a development team in order to keep all three of their teams at home, including the Raiders, Athletics and the Golden State Warriors.

Have they been listening to the many fans who have taken the time to email and write letters to the city expressing their concerns about a move? I believe they have. It’s never a good idea to be complacent about something you feel strongly about, and most Raider fans are anything but complacent.

While the proposed “Sports Village” was more than likely just a fantasy without the financing anywhere on the near horizon, Chris Dobbins is leading the newly formed organization “Save Oakland Sports,” a collection of community and business leaders who are aiming to lobby the city and county to not give up on what some might think is a lost cause.

Their efforts make it much more likely that the Raiders will find a new stadium on the same site they’ve called home for the majority of the past half century. The site would also include a few hotels and a retail store, in what sounds like a compromise on the exorbitantly priced Sports Village, and make a long more sense financially in the long run.

Between the excitement over the Raiders finally going in the right direction and the real hope that the Silver and Black will remain where they belong, fans have a lot to smile about this week.

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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Oakland Raiders’ Dennis Allen Has the Right Mindset to Lead the Team to

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

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.

More from this contributor:

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

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

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

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.

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.
Wikimedia Commons

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
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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.

More from this contributor:

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

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

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

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 count down to the all-important game between the Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers is here.Today is the day that Raider fans will find out if the Silver and Black advance to the postseason and get their first opportunity in the playoffs since 2002.

Denarius Moore
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The ball that will drop this afternoon in Oakland is a lot more important than the one that dropped at midnight last night, and the one that everyone in Raider Nation has been patiently, or rather impatiently, waiting for.

When the Raiders’ late owner, Al Davis, told head coach Hue Jackson, “We will win it in the end,” just before he passed away on October 8, 2011, was it a prophecy for this season, or an eventual outcome farther down the road? Or did it not really mean anything at all?

I have to believe, as Jackson does, that Davis was right about this one. Whether or not it comes true in the 2011 season remains to be seen, but I think that the Raiders’ faith in victory will have an important affect on the ultimate outcome.

Safety Tyvon Branch remarked after the game on Christmas Eve, “I don’t know what it is about us. We just seem to find a way to make it interesting. We overcame a lot. We all stuck together. We all kept believing.”

Oakland has defeated San Diego in their last three battles, if, and when, the Raiders win today it will be a two-year sweep. After their wild and crazy victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime, the team got their momentum and confidence back, and that may have been the missing ingredient during much of the month of December. They’ve got that fire going once again, and the time is now to show everyone what they’ve got.

Quarterback Carson Palmer has got two of his best offensive weapons back on the field in Oakland today, receivers Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford. Running back Michael Bush may have slowed down a little over the last month, but he could be saving the best for last. How about a repeat performance of his outstanding efforts in San Diego on November 10? Bush had 30 carries for 157 yards and scored a touchdown.

The Chargers don’t have anything to gain by a win in Oakland, except possibly a little respect. Is it worth potentially injuring some of their best players and decreasing their chances for a healthy team next year?

There are so many reasons to believe the Raiders will win today, and a victory in front of the sold-out crowd at O.co Coliseum would be the best way to start out the New Year for everyone in the Raider Nation. After finding out that it was the team’s eighth consecutive sell out this season, Jackson said, ” My hat goes out to our fans for supporting us. What we have to do is give back to them as I’ve always said. And how we give back is by winning.”

That time is now. 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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