2008 NFL Playoffs: Oakland Raiders will be back in black

Thoughts from the Dark Side

April 16, 2008

2008 NFL Playoffs: Oakland Raiders will be back in black

38 Comments

By Rob Calonge

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Raider Nation will rise again to the detriment of the haters.

Now that the 2008 schedule is out, the Raiders and Raider Nation must be licking their chops. For the first time in over three years, the Raiders have only one team from the previous Super Bowl on their schedule. As a matter of fact, the Raiders only have four games against teams that made the playoffs last year, two of which are against the San Diego Chargers. Normally, I try to be skeptical of success, but after viewing and reviewing this schedule and the teams on it, I can't help but think that somebody is looking out for Lane Kiffin.

The coming schedule is so good that the Raiders will only have to pack for cold weather once until the playoffs. "PLAYOFFS!?!? YOUR TALKING ABOUT PLAYOFFS?!?! PLAYOFFS?!?!" Hold on a second Coach Mora, I'll get there. Out of the possible cold weather games, (Baltimore, Buffalo, Kansas City, and Denver), only the Denver game played at the end of November is potentially a snow game. The coldest place that the Raiders play in this coming season could very well be in Oakland.

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"PLAYOFFS?!?! YOU WANNA' TALK ABOUT PLAYOFFS?!?!"

There's also a very good probability that they will have no blistering heat as well. Even though they travel to San Diego, Miami, Tampa Bay, New Orleans, and Kansas City, when they travel to these places make it unlikely that the heat will play any type of factor. Like the cold weather games, the hottest place the Raiders play could also be at home in Oakland.

This must be what the 1970's Oakland Raiders were talking about when they would say, "If you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin'," because after looking at this schedule, it's hard to believe that there isn't some sort of scandle on the horizon with the NFL taking this thing back.

Teams normally take the schedule in quarters. Let's take a look real quick at the first quarter. Denver, at K.C., at Buffalo, and home again against San Diego. The Raiders weren't very good last year, but they still beat Denver and K.C. once each. A quick look back to the games they lost against each last year, and there's no reason to believe they won't beat them this year. The San Diego game is the toughest, but the last time the Raiders faced the Chargers they were in the game, and this one will be at home. The Bills are an up and coming team. As Patrick would say, the Raiders will have to run the ball and stop the run. The former shouldn't be a problem, but the latter could be trouble with Oakland native, Marshawn Lynch, pounding the rock. Let's start off reasonably, and say quarter one nets a record of 2-2.

The second quarter begins after a bye week with a road trip to New Orleans, back home against the Jets, at Baltimore, and home again with the Falcons. Piece of cake. The Saints can't stop the run or pass, and they can't protect Brees, so that's one win. The Jets should be improved, but I don't think they'll be good enough on offense or defense to match the Raiders. Baltimore is nothing more than a shell of its former self, with no quarterback and a aging defense. The Falcons will be next years' first pick in the draft. I predict the Raiders go 4-0 for this quarter, making their schedule 6-2. Take THAT Nancy Gay!

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Raider Nation will be blowing up at the half way point in 2008

The third quarter brings more of the same as the second quarter. The second home game in a row will be against Carolina, and even though Steve Smith is a beast, he better hope Delhomme is still throwing to him. That's a win. The first of two straight road games will be in Miami. Parcells is good, but he's not coaching and there's only so much he'll be able to do with the Dolphins in one year...win. The Raiders will then travel to Denver. At one time, it would be easy to chalk this up as a loss, but with the Broncos a mess and Shanahan having trouble beating Kiffin, this is another win. Finally, the Raiders come home to face Herm Edwards and the Chiefs. Another team in shambles loses to the Raiders, making quarter three another perfect one at 4-0. The Raiders are rolling and are looking good at 10-2. Need I say it?

"PLAYOFFS?!?!"

Yes Coach Mora, playoffs. The only problem will be this final quarter. First the Raiders will travel to San Diego and visit with Raider Nat...err, I mean the Chargers. I don't think the Raiders can sweep the Chargers yet. This being a prime time game and a road one too, let's call this one a loss. Next, the Raiders come home to play the Patriots. Until I see it, I'm not believing it. Loss two, and now Raider Nation starts reading Nancy Gay and Ray Ratto ~~rumors~~ stories about Lane Kiffin possibly getting fired. The second straight home game brings the Texans in who are undefeated against the Raiders...until the end of the game on December 21st. Raider Nation now reads that Tim Kwakami has an inside source that says Kiffins' office had been moved out the prior week before the game, and PFW starts ~~gossiping~~ reporting that Lane Kiffin is going to be the next head coach of Notre Dame and/or USC. The last game will be a tough one for Raider Nation to swallow as they will all be witness to a road game to Tampa Bay. The raucous and ~~copycat~~ original Buccaneer fans will be shown nonstop during the game as the Raiders lose a close one to finish the quarter at 1-3.

The Raiders finish the season at a healthy 11-5, enough for..."PLAYOFFS!?!?" Yes, the playoffs Coach Mora.

Tags: NFL, Oakland Raiders, Raiders

Discussion

38 Comments on "2008 NFL Playoffs: Oakland Raiders will be back in black"

Posted by K-Rock, April 16, 2008 8:38 PM

Wow....

I'm drinkin the kool-aid dude. But that 's a lot of kool-aid.

And maybe some weed too.

Posted by Raider Till Death!, April 16, 2008 9:00 PM

Yeah I feel the same way Rob! Great Job!

Posted by Spencer Mills, April 16, 2008 9:56 PM

Rob,

Wait.......What? I thought I was the dreamer on this sight. Wow Rob, I have to hand it to you, you sure know how to put yourself out there man. 11-5!?!? Awesome!!! One question, what are you smoking man!?!? As Patrick would say, Gimmy some of that!!

(inhale ---- exhale ---- inhale ---- exhale)

Ahhhh hell yea, 11-5 is totally possible!!!

(inhale ---- exhale ---- inhale ---- exhale)

Screw it!! The Raiders are gonna beat the Cheatriots too. 12-4 NATION!!

Now thats some chronic!!

Al's Mandate is McFadden!!

OakFoSho

Posted by Patrick Patterson, April 16, 2008 10:29 PM

Rob,

I love your optimism!

Lets do this thing!!!!

Posted by Rob Calonge, April 16, 2008 10:46 PM

If you guys think that's something, wait until you see my mock draft.

I hate to drink the kool-aid. I'm normally pretty pessimistic, ask Patrick, but I really believe that we could be on the verge of seeing a 2006 Saints-like turnaround this season.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for the mock draft I got coming.

Posted by MartinTheMerciless, April 16, 2008 11:01 PM

It took Peyton Manning 2 years to be a winning QB. He had Marvin Harrison from day 1. I'd be happy if we can stop the run and have a top 10 Defense. I'm looking foreward to seeing how good Michael Bush can be. If we could beat Denver an KC twice and finish 8-8 I'd be happy.....

Posted by Long live Al, April 17, 2008 12:48 AM

I dont think this is a year to look for 9 wins but anything can happen. I look to see a team that will be a dynasty for years to come but we will need to improve D-line and O-line to get there. I hope we address the running issue with Mc Fadden he will be helpfull in the future not to worried about Jamarcus he will shine but needs time. I feel the swagger of the Nation and i cant wait to beat Denver twice this season that alone will make my season. We will continue to get better and better this is why i love the RAIDERS!!!!

Posted by anon, April 17, 2008 12:59 AM

probably not dude...

i am a lifelong raiders fan and i see 8 to 9 wins max..

jamarcus and stopping the run are the x-factors!

Posted by Spencer Mills, April 17, 2008 1:07 AM

Rob,

I do love this though!!

OakFoSho

#10

Posted by Raider Blues, April 17, 2008 4:05 AM

Ok well it appears you have us winning like 9 games in a row? I see a win at TB but 9 in a row I don't think so. Why don't we just trade / deal or Al Davis a deal for 85!?Already! Get C.Long and 85 and the heck with the rest of it! We'd be instant winners! Let a RB or 2 go / A CB or 2 / a Javon Walker or that other guy we just picked up in the off season. 85 and C.Long we're winners and the fans back you!

Just Win Baby!

#11

Posted by Tony from the North, April 17, 2008 4:11 AM

Rob,

I agree most of the "Ws" listed except for the second quarter.

The Saints will bounce back this year (it's also a road game), and the Ravens always play us tough...so, we come out of that quarter 2-2 at worst.

I also don't see us loosing to the Bucs on the 28th of Dec (no way, it's my b-day...they better beat Gruden for me). It will be a crucial game for Kiffin, with playoff implications for the Raiders and not for the Bucs...it's definetily a Win!

So there you have it....10-6, should be enough for a wild card, but based on what I saw of the Bolts at the end of the season, maybe AFC West Champions???

Of course....all this can happen only if Run DMac & m.Bush are sharing the backfield.

Tony from (the thawing) North

#12

Posted by 2008 NFL Playoffs: Raiders will be Back in Black - Oakland Raiders Forum | Message Board - Where the, April 17, 2008 4:15 AM

[...] NFL Playoffs: Raiders will be Back in Black Thoughts from the Dark Side | MVN - an Oakland Raiders blog � Blog Archive � 2008 NFL Playoffs: Oakl... __________________ "While there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a [...]

#13

Posted by H, April 17, 2008 4:35 AM

A reasonable expectation is 9-7. For 11-5 a lot of people have to stay healthy. We still need some quality depth.

But, I like your enthusiasm.

#14

Posted by Apachejock, April 17, 2008 4:36 AM

Or...The League Office is being really cute. They plan on making up for the soft schedule with more than the normally horrific officiating in a move designed to force AL to fire Kiffin when he can't win with one of the league's easiest schedules.Think it's not possible? Think again!

#15

Posted by Rebel2124, April 17, 2008 4:57 AM

First, let me express the fact that I have considerable disdain for our rivals in the division, but where the Chargers are concerned its even worse. Tomlinson said in an article that he loves playing the Raiders because he always runs circles around them. Those are fighting words, this is grounds for war, send our troops in to San Diego. #21 must be gang tackled and pummeled each time he touches the football. On another note, I'm still freekin pissed off about the tuck rule and we've yet to take our revenge. For that and the fact they've utterly destroyed the integrity of the game by cheating, lets welcome them to Oakland by impaling them on our goal posts. Time has come! Realistically, I'm thinking we have a shot at 9 -7, perhaps 10 - 6 if we're lucky.

#16

Posted by Joe Raider, April 17, 2008 5:47 AM

I would love to see this article come to fruition. Unfortunately I don't see it. I see a finish of 9-7 as the best possible finish for the Raiders in 08. I would love to see Oakland sweep both Denver and KC but I think that is too much of a stretch. They will split one if not both series'. The Chiefs would be the sweep if at all.Reality is I see the game in Denver as a loss.As much as it would suck, unless we come up with a monster run stuffing D-line,the San Diego Tomlinsons sweep those 2 games again. And I can't see a 9 game winning streak either as mentioned above. I am hopeful, but realistic. 11-5 is a pipe dream. I wouldn't bet on beating both Baltimore and Carolina either. I take 6 wins away at first glance.

#17

Posted by Rob Calonge, April 17, 2008 7:30 AM

What's so great about all of this is that anything could happen between now and when the games are played.

Sure, 11-5 is a bit optimistic...pipe dream isn't a bad description either. I have many reasons for this optimism and I intend to share those soon.

Take this with you if you will, I could be wrong and the Raiders split the season series with the Chiefs and Broncos and lose to the Saints, but who's to say that I'm also not wrong and the Raiders beat the Bucc's, Tom Brady is injured when the Patriots come in and they get a beating, etc...

Stay tuned, there's more to come.

#18

Posted by Jim C NJ Raiders, April 17, 2008 8:45 AM

As a long time Riaders fan (my 41st season), I don't want to be too optimistic on an 11-5, 10-6, 12-4 season. As mentioned by someone in an earlier comment, JaMarcus is the wild card; I expect him to be good over time but to walk in and lead right right away, we must be 'blinded by the light'. Raiders will certainly be better this year, especially with the defense and Sedric Ellis (yes, they will trade with NE) but the offense will struggle (Fargus is not the answer, let's see if M. Bush is). I am looking at an 8-8 season with a few 'would of' 'could of' games but this team is on the rise. In addition, with James Lofton on the coaching staff, that will play havoc with Kiffin which could cause some unneccessary turmoil. Hopefully, I am wrong and and they start to 'slap around' the pussy Broncos and Chiefs and and break LT in half - great in-season runner but what does he have to show for it - nothin; SD will start to decline

#19

Posted by LDizzle, April 17, 2008 9:06 AM

I agree with Tony. On top of that, every team loses a game or two they should have won. The Raiders give away a couple games a year. The Saints and Ravens could very well be those teams. Esecially while JRock is still trying to settle into the offense. I predicted 9-7 last year assuming we would have more solid QB play and we will have that plus the haul of new FA and Hall in the mix. I think the Raiders will lose 2 of 3 against the Saints, Ravens, and Texans. Hard to say which two. My prediction: 10-6. Which also follows my Browns comparison (coincidentally) from my "Two Houses" article a couple of months ago.

#20

Posted by inonewordraider, April 17, 2008 9:41 AM

Interesting thoughts on trading our pick to NE, what else do we get in return? NE trying to get Mcfadden? Anyway if we get don't get C Long, Dorsey, or Ellis, teams like San Diego won't let our offense get on the field and Jamarcus needs the on the job training. They will run all over us if we don't get one of those guys. I think we will get one of those guys but if not we may be below .500 again. Of course I'm telling all the Raider haters that we're a lock for the playoffs this year.

#21

Posted by Brian, April 17, 2008 9:42 AM

I'm a life long Raiders fan and would love to see the playoffs but think this year we make a huge step forward but 9-7 at best. If we can stop the run, maybe 10-6.

Still, 11-5 would be sweet.

#22

Posted by Jim C NJ Raiders, April 17, 2008 9:51 AM

NE wants Gholston and they want to jump ahead of the Jets, I think they will trade 1st rounds picks with the Raiders, and the get the Raiders 4th round and give us their 2nd round. I think the Raiders will get Ellis in the draft by going down three (from 4 to 7). If they can make another deal and get Rivers, they will have a young and very good (great) defense; great DB's, three young, quick and very good LB's (with a 4th good LB), and two big boys (Ellis and Kelly) and a slew of other good DE's to help. Once they solidify the defense, they will be playoff caliber. If they limit the mistakes on offense, this team will be a threat.

#23

Posted by Al Davis, April 17, 2008 10:29 AM

19-0

#24

Posted by Sonny, April 17, 2008 10:41 AM

We should take a huge move forward this year and with the schedule I can see us 9-7 or 10-6 if the running game stays where it was last year and hopefully gets better.

The D should be much improved and the passing game cannot be any worse then it was last year. J Russell is the wild card and much will depend on how he comes along as well.

Over the last 5 years the Raiders have really added some very good young players at key positions on both sides of the ball. I know they still have work to do but in my opinion 2008 will go down as the year the Raiders rose from the ashes and look to be being built to be around awhile.

Raider Rock

#25

Posted by inonewordraider, April 17, 2008 10:48 AM

Now if NE get's Gholston, KC will get Clady to open some lanes for their superstar Johnson but wouldn't the Jets possibly snatch Ellis from us? What are the major Jets needs?

#26

Posted by C Ross, April 17, 2008 11:54 AM

Dude, we were all saying the same thing last year, when we were given that gift for the beginning of the schedule: Detroit, Denver, Cleveland and Miami...hopefully it works out this time...

#27

Posted by LT, April 17, 2008 1:05 PM

You cant be serious... 11-5? 9-7? Chargers on the decline? Better think about what you are saying... Crow-Mer-Wed-Wil-Phil-Ols-Cast; now thats a de-fense! Dont even let me get started about the Nov offense in full swing next year... Super Bowl or Bust! Get your bets in now; 10-1 aint bad... at least make some money this year!

#28

Posted by Defensive Wins, April 17, 2008 2:17 PM

Lets see here. Six teams make the playoffs every year from the AFC. The division winners are. The black butthole has improved but you have 2 years to make a playoff run and a quarterback who is a greedy, fat, punk. After that the cap will kill you.

Look at the AFC

Teams you are not better than if you FAs play as they should.

Chargers

Pats

Colts

Jaguars

Steelers

Browns

Titans

Teams that could return as contenders this year.

Jets

Raven

Texans

The only way you could slide in is if you take a WC spot that the titans had last year.

#29

Posted by inonewordraider, April 17, 2008 3:44 PM

After the draft our D will be better than Cleveland's and we'll have a better running game w/ Michael Bush and w/ Olineman we draft. Also Cleveland has a tougher schedule and they are a marked team. Pittsburgh and Indy will be lucky if they make the playoffs with their respective schedules. Titans are a solid team. If we stay healthy we have an easy enough schedule to find a groove and compete for a playoff spot.

#30

Posted by pat, April 17, 2008 5:42 PM

Can u picture the Raiders in the playoffs finally see the silver&black at the top where they belong ooooo god i hope ur right!!! If we can stop the run we might be able to beat the Chargers . Make Phillip Rivers try to beat us. Broncos are a mess and KC is a mess in my opinion too!

Go Raiders!!! Just Win Baby!!!

#31

Posted by Spencer Mills, April 17, 2008 11:30 PM

LT,

Hows that knee?? Aha! By the way, I was thinking of jetting HUGE this off-season, could you hook me up with one of your LBs, I need some roids!!

Al's Mandate is McFadden!!

OakFoSho

#32

Posted by Rebel2124, April 18, 2008 5:11 AM

The great thing about any season is that anything is possible, even the playoffs for teams you didn't expect to be there. However, I still think its a stretch for us. Lets face it, this is Russell's rookie year. Javon would have to stay healthy and return to form. We must stop the run and have much improved play from Huff. The strong teams in the AFC are still strong with a few new teams emerging. The Pats, Colts, Jags and Chargers will all be there. The Steelers have slipped some, but are still solid. The Browns are going to be in contention with a few others like the Titans and possibly the Texans. Denver will somehow be in the running they always are. We have closed the gap some in being more competitive, we're almost there.

Al's mandate is not McFadden.

#33

Posted by Superbowl again, April 18, 2008 7:58 AM

The best part of the schedule is we play that tough stretch in the beginning, where we don't need to go more than 2-2. By the 5th game, Russell will be familiar enough with his receivers to spread the defense.

Kiffin has to get Jamarcus ready fast for us to go 11-5. The kid has to learn to dump off quickly, the run game will have keep the defense honest, and then 11-5 will be possible.

We also have to draft an impact player. 11-5 is possible, but to avoid close wins turning into close losses, you've got to dominate on defense and offense.

Hall is a key guy for 11-5. If he and Nnamdi are feared, the defense will have an easy time protecting leads.

#34

Posted by Jim C NJ Raider, April 18, 2008 8:30 AM

Out here on the East Coast, we don't hear anything about JaMarcus, does anyone know how he is doing? what are the reports? does he understand the offensive plays? Every once in a while, I hear he is over weight, needs a lot of work, etc. etc. etc. but that are from ESPN analysts who are trying to make a name for themselves.

#35

Posted by Rebel2124, April 18, 2008 10:05 AM

Jim C NJ Raider,

Kiffin said he reported early and has been watching a lot of film and working with the receivers. I also heard he's about 270. Woh! I was hoping he'd come into this year around 245. Oh well.

#36

Posted by TOM CONLON, April 20, 2008 10:31 AM

You Raiders fans are dreamers, it will take one more year for JaMarcus to get competitive. I do think you will improve to second place, maybe 8-8 or 9-7, but the Boltz will easily win the AFC WEST with a 10-6 or 11-5. love boltz fan

#37

Posted by Darth Vader, April 30, 2008 5:05 AM

dude i had the same record in my predictions 11-5...i see it happening with a great defense and a solid running game...and im lookin for a lotta big palys out of Mcfadden kinda like peterson did for the Vikings.

#38

Posted by Raider Swoldy, May 12, 2008 5:59 PM

I agree. If Russel doesn't throw too many interceptions and we improve are run defense we are playoff contenders. Even with our horrible defense we were in most of our games. Scoring was a factor and mcfadden, walker, bush, carter and russel will all help the cause.