My annual trip to a Raiders game fell on the week of the Chargers.
There’s no better feeling than being amongst the thousands of Raider Nation faithful. Shoutout to all the friendly people who hooked me up with ice, wipes, an oven-glove, and great vibes.
It was a trueky memorable experience and we’re not even talking about the game.
I don’t take the atmosphere of the Black Hole for granted.
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The Oakland Raiders secured their best start since 2002 via a 31-34 win over the San Diego Chargers.
After years of interchanging quarterbacks and coaches, let’s not take that for granted.
Oakland is tied for first in the NFL and first in their division.
This isn’t just a paper championship earned via the draft and free agency.
The Raiders finally have a product reflected by their 4-1 record.
Sure, it has not been perfect. Oakland got just enough autumn win for San Diego to muff the snap on a game tying field goal.
Otherwise, the Raiders running game was largely inefficient as it managed less than four yards a carry. They also got torched in the passing game. Travis Benjamin and Tyrell Williams both registered more than 100 passing yards for the Chargers.
Still, the team found a way to win. That’s been the moral of this season. Rather it was on the two-point conversion in New Orleans or the defensive stand versus the Ravens.
It has not always been pretty. The defense ranks towards the bottom and they’re not always efficient on third down, offensively. However, the Raiders continue to win despite not getting much production from their best defensive-line player Khalil Mack, best corner Sean Smith and rotating through tight ends and right tackles.
It is still early in the season, but let’s not take this Raiders team for granted. We must appreciate that this team is finding ways to win when previous teams always found way to lose.
Not to mention, they’re doing it in Oakland -the Mecca for Raider Nation. Despite the city’s inability to find a long-term stadium option, it is important that this team wins for a city that supports them through thick and thin.
Finally, the Silver and Black are rising from the shadows of mediocrity. The media has been noticing, but fans knew this thing was turning around years ago.
Let’s not take our recent success for granted. Enjoy the winning and let’s keep it going versus Kansas City on Sunday at 10:05 p.m.
Just win baby!
