Slow motion train wreck: View of the Oakland Raiders game from Section 341

Thoughts from the Dark Side

September 29, 2008

Slow motion train wreck: View of the Oakland Raiders game from Section 341

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Once again, the Oakland Raiders seemed more primed for a hockey match than a football game, as they played lights out for three periods. Unfortunately, unlike hockey which has three periods, there are four quarters in a football game. The Raiders shut out the Chargers for the first half. By the end of the third quarter, the Chargers had only managed a measly three points. Unfortunately, they broke through for 25 points in the fourth quarter to take the game from the struggling Raiders. The Raider Nation was loud and proud in that game right up until the Raiders failed on a 4th and 4 inside of the two minute warning to essentially clinch the game for the Bolts.

The Nation poured into the ~~McAfee~~ Oakland-Alameda Coliseum to watch the Raiders redeem themselves after their miserable performance at home to open the season. The Coliseum was filled with black, but when the home team came out they were in their white road jerseys. The crowd was into this game, doing their part and bringing the noise to help out the defense. For the bulk of the game, the fans were rewarded by a much improved Raider team that took it to the Chargers genuinely looking to be the better team.

There was a smattering of boos aimed mostly at the officiating crew, as the Raiders did have a few of their patented ticky tack penalties at inopportune times. The most notable was a hold by Cornell Green that negated a Michael Bush touchdown on a fourth and goal play from the one. The crowd was in a bit of shock as Sebastian Janikowski trotted out to attempt a record 76 yard field goal. There was electricity in the crowd as there was a thought that they may see the record held by Tom Dempsy and long time nemesis Jason Elam shattered by 13 yards. The attempt wasn't close, but the Nation gave Janikowski his respect for even attempting one that long.

Despite the thuggish reputation of the Raider Nation, there were few fights in the stands, despite the fact that a fairly good number of Bolts fans were ~~stupid~~ brave enough to wear their team colors. There were a few brawls, of course, but that will happen at any gathering with copious quantities of alcohol.

Despite the Raiders having the lead in the mid third quarter, there was a palpable sense of impending doom around the team. The Nation kept showing their support, but with the team's recent history of allowing leads to vanish. As the Chargers took the lead at 18-15 the mood turned from one of optimism to desperation. As the Raiders tied it at 18-18, it seemed that the fans knew that the game was not going to go right for the silver and black. The fans did hang in there until the Raiders failed to convert on 4th and four with under two minutes left, so mercifully, most of the Raider Nation missed LaDainian Tomlinson's touchdown to cap the scoring.

Notes from on high:

Nnamdi Asomugha was used sparingly. It was odd seeing him trot off the field after only having been in for a down or two.

The Raiders defensive line seemed to lack the push to get pressure on Phillip Rivers late in the game. That coincided with Fred Wakefield being in the game. He is a great story as he can play so many positions, but he is not a defensive tackle.

Not to play the blame game, but had the Raiders had another real defensive tackle, they probably could have won.

Terdell Sands and Gerrard Warren were both all over the field making plays.

With the performances from Kwame Harris and Cornell Green, it appeard that the best tackle available to the Raiders is one Mario Henderson.

For all who have been asking about when Zach Miller would arrive for the season, the answer is 9.28.08. That touchdown catch was a thing of beauty.

The Raiders are thin at wide receiver, but it seems that few plays are called to get them the ball.

�Johnnie Lee Higgins is on a quest to redeem himself. No holes in his game today.

Its time for another round of who's the coach?

There's pleanty of blame to go around for the loss, but no single scapegoat.

Public Service Announcement: Take BART to the game. That way you have more time to sober up before you get in your car.

The Coliseum needs more smoking areas.

Chris Johnson played out of his mind today.

The field looks so much better without the baseball diamond, and with the midfield shield and black end zones. The team looks better in black jersys, too.

Tags: NFL, Oakland Raiders, Raiders

Discussion

25 Comments on "Slow motion train wreck: View of the Oakland Raiders game from Section 341"

Posted by KUSHMAN, September 29, 2008 12:11 AM

AGAIN, you don't read very well.. i said OUR O-LINE ISNT GOOD BUT YOURS IS TERRIBLE.. AND YOUR TRYING TO TALK SHIT ABOUT OUR D? UHH DID YOU WATCH THE NINERS FAGGET? THEY DIDNT STOP ANYTHING THE SAINTS THREW AT THEM.. the most experienced defensive backs in the nfl right? haha what a joke.

i say all this because you are the most hypocritical fan that i've ever seen. i see A LOT MORE PROBLEMS on the niners than on the raiders ... you already know this ... but you continue to come in here and ramble with BS just to make yourself feel better. does it work mikey? because you still sound like a dipshit on every thread...

uh im out of highschool you jackass.. am i the one who comes in here and talks shit FOR NO REASON WHEN NO ONE ASKED FOR YOU OPINION? i think that explains your state of mind... so your the one that needs to grow the fuck up pussy... hey more hypocritical comments!! HAHA WHAT AN IDIOT

Posted by Slow motion train wreck: View of the Oakland Raiders game from Section 341 - Oakland Raiders Forum, September 29, 2008 4:20 AM

[...] Slow motion train wreck: View of the Oakland Raiders game from Section 341 Once again, the Oakland Raiders seemed more primed for a hockey match than a football game, as they played lights out for three periods. Unfortunately, unlike hockey which has three periods, there are four quarters in a football game. The Raiders shut out the Chargers for the first half. By the end of the third quarter, the Chargers had only managed a measly three points. Unfortunately, they broke through for 25 points in the fourth quarter to take the game from the struggling Raiders. The Raider Nation was loud and proud in that game right up until the Raiders failed on a 4th and 4 inside of the two minute warning to essentially clinch the game for the Bolts. Thoughts from the Dark Side | MVN - an Oakland Raiders independent news, commentary, analysis, and m... [...]

Posted by Rob Calonge, September 29, 2008 7:08 AM

Great job Patrick! I know how difficult it must have been for you to research this article, with all of the alcohol, food, and seeing the game up-close and personal like that. :-)

Posted by Raider Scott, September 29, 2008 8:05 AM

I've got to keep believing that one of these days we will stop these 4th quarter debacles. Clearly the team is playing hard for Kiff. but they need to sustain it through 4 quarters. I am still chalking this up to the growing pains of a young team. This will turn around but hopefully sooner than later. I just hope out young guys don't get down on themselves; they just need to play a little harder to get over this hump. Every great team went through something like this before they could be a contender. I sure hope we keep Kiff but if it has to be, I hope they just get it over with so we don�t hear about it any more.

Posted by KUSHMAN, September 29, 2008 8:16 AM

we wont stop the 4th quarter implosions until rob realizes that 3 man fronts will NOT WORK TO GET PRESSURE... once rivers had time.. he delivered.. but also again like last week, the D was fatigued.. the offense can't stay on the field long enough.. as usual.

Posted by KUSHMAN, September 29, 2008 8:21 AM

also yea.. i was in traffic on the freeway for 30min.. it was so bad the scalpers were walking on the shoulder.. it was very funny because they were almost getting hit by cars... is it really worth it guys cmon?

i was in section 136 .. great company seats from riends work.. of course he's a bolts fan.. god i hate him... but man that place was jam packed.. had a lot of fun.. but a tough loss as usual

Posted by Boron, September 29, 2008 9:07 AM

Raiders played very well the first 3 quarters�Why do they consistently collapse in the final quarter? Overconfidence? Tired players? The probable truth is that the Raiders team is just less talented than the other team and it will show up eventually. The Raiders should never have been expected to play that well in the first 3 quarters, certainly not consistently. Following the bye week, I expect the Saints to take an early commanding lead and the trailing Raiders will become demoralized and play their �usual� style�..Just whine, Baby!!

Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, September 29, 2008 9:30 AM

I think you all should send a hart felt CONGRATS" to LT.

He needed two td's..and 55 yards rushing...against the Raiders..to set the all time record for most td's AND most yards that one player has had against one team in a 15 game span.

He got his two td's...and he got his yards.

Yep, lol..in the record books.

tell you what..why don't you guys send me money to my PayPal account, and I'll send him something nice, from all of you?

Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, September 29, 2008 9:31 AM

BTW..Lame isn't the first coach to be fired...Rams just fired Lineham.

#10

Posted by KUSHMAN, September 29, 2008 10:01 AM

are you still talking mike? wow your team looked bad.. haha at least we stayed in our game for the most part.. you guys got WHOOPED ON... GOOD GOIN OFFENSIVE LINE YOUR THE WORST IN THE NFL. i know ours is bad but yours.. omg terrible. plz stop being a hypocite mike.. you make yourself look like a jackass as usual everytime you try to clown on the raiders..

#11

Posted by KUSHMAN, September 29, 2008 10:02 AM

*hypocrite that is.

#12

Posted by Ian, September 29, 2008 11:01 AM

the chiefs looked better than the niners yesterday mike....i told you from the get go that the niners will draft in front of Oakland and Kc and just becasue they won two means nothing they will get demolished thsi year......Oakland just has to stop losing in the fourth quarter and they are a good football team and KC has shown quite a bit of improvement since the second half against atlanta where they finally found their running game LJ is second in the league in rushing for the year.....watch out

#13

Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, September 29, 2008 11:17 AM

# KUSHMAN says:

September 29th, 2008 at 10:01 am

are you still talking mike? wow your team looked bad.. haha at least we stayed in our game for the most part.. you guys got WHOOPED ON� GOOD GOIN OFFENSIVE LINE YOUR THE WORST IN THE NFL. i know ours is bad but yours.. omg terrible. plz stop being a hypocite mike.. you make yourself look like a jackass as usual everytime you try to clown on the raiders..

============================

I don't clown on the Raiders, the Raiders do.

They show up, and a comedy ensues.

I simply point out what everyone knows. The Raiders suck.

You're in LAST PLACE...Niners are in second place.

Niners are 2-2...Raiders are 1-3.

You can win your next two, and we would have to lose our next two just to be tied.

You might win two more....THE REST OF THE YEAR.

In one quarter you got bitchslapped down, AT HOME..lol.

The place was DEAD QUIET.

The crowd? Affected nothing. Hell, when the game still wasn't decided, the stadium looked 1/4 empty. The moment Russell got slapped down to the ground, yet again, the stadium looked like a bomb went off...75% EMPTY..and the game was still on.

NEVER EVER STATE RAIDER FANS ARE LOYAL, DEDICATED, OR DIEHARD...you fans bailed on the team in a big rush to hit the freeway, before the game was even decided.

And hell, LMAO...don't bring up O lines, dumbass.

Russell was running for his life most of the game because of your sorry left side.

Is it just me..or does Russell look like a whale waddling around back there?

How is it someone that "large" goes down so easily when he's touched? Seriously..it's like he just turns into a jellyfish...kind of like the Raiders d.

And now? Yeah, laughing my ass off at you, little bitch, for now stating what I told you all along.

You always were a lemming. At least you're consistent.

Now, shut up, and finish high school.

#14

Posted by raidersfanindonkeycountry, September 29, 2008 11:32 AM

I think this team has as much natural talent as any team in the league, we're just young. When our offense converts 3rd downs we win ball games (the KC game) That's all there is to it.

#15

Posted by Paco, September 29, 2008 1:28 PM

A Chargers' fan's prospective:

The Raidas have nothing to be ashamed of except attempting a 76-yard field goal with a dangerous (and erratic) Cromartie on the other end of the field. If he ran that thing back...

The rep as Raider fans as thugs I think is overstated now that the team is back in Oaktown. When every L.A. gang member thought silver and black made them look tough, and then came to San Diego for stabbing sprees, it didn't reflect well. There are a ton of Raider fans in San Diego, and some are good friends of mine who to my knowledge have never even been arrested.

A QB isn't supposed to be able to throw the ball 70 yards rolling out to his weak side off his back foot. If JMR gets any stable coaching presence, he'll be scary.

You lost because the Chagers have deeper talent. When a team can substitute and keep players fresh without a drop in performance, they will look a lot sharper at the end of the game.

Can't wait for the next game!

#16

Posted by SpokaneOakfan, September 29, 2008 2:11 PM

Mike49er, seriously, you are going to crow after your team got exposed like that? So I guess it's better to get your asses kicked from the coinflip?

Your boys beat a terrible Lions team and a WR-less Seahawks team. Remember, I said it before- 2-5 going into the bye. I saw nothing yesterday that changed my mind. In fact, I see your chumps 3-13 this year. At least you can throw away another #1 pick on a shitty QB.

The Raiders need to come out to practice on Tuesday and the coach should hold up the game plan for the Saints, then toss it on the ground and say, "We'll open this up next Tuesday. Until then, every practice will focus on conditioning. The Oakland Raiders will become a 4th quarter team if it kills every last one of you."

#17

Posted by LDizzle, September 29, 2008 2:20 PM

Slow motion train wreck is a great desciption. I think Kiffin was text messaging when the tracks switched and suddenly the oncoming train was upon him without him knowing it. I like the article set up in a series of observations. Can't dispute observations and it is always good to hear from someone who may have noticed something someone else may not have noticed. Great picture too. Hold onto that one, hopefully we will never see another one like it. It almost looks fake. Like you took players from ACTUAL field goal range and moved them to the other side of the 50 as a joke. The play was a joke, just not a funny one..at least not to Raider fans. Everyone else in football thought it was hillarious.

Well said RaiderScott. I was also thinking just what you said "I sure hope we keep Kiff but if it has to be, I hope they just get it over with so we don�t hear about it any more." This is too much of a distraction and I miss the idea of coaches communicating with one another and with the "owner".

Kushman you need to take Patrick's advise and take BART. It is a Godsend for Raider games.

#18

Posted by Raider Scott, September 29, 2008 2:47 PM

Dizzle, I know as a fan I am tired of us having to hear about Kiff, I can only imagine that our guys and coach are just plain sick of it. After a point, you almost just say, to hell with it. At least we can get started on whatever new path Al has for us. I don't agree with it, but I am not changing teams so I will deal with just like all the other Raider brethren. I think with more experience, JRuss can get us the points we need to finally close these games out. We have a lot invested in him. I just wish we could keep a consistent coaching staff and system around him in order to give him the stability that he and the offense needs. I can deal with the losses if I was sure of the long term strategy. I just feel we are losing in the short term as well as the long term with the imminent demise of our coach hanging around our necks week after week. I noticed after the KC victory I was wondering if Kiff was gone. After a heartbreaker against the Bills I am wondering if he'll be around. Now, after another heartbreaker I'm still wondering if we lost the guy. I've had it with Al's antics. Someone from our organization needs to say something, anything!! I'd almost be okay with a flat out lie as long as someone from the team would finally speak. Instead Herrera is close to blows with Kawakami in press conferences. Geeeez.

Dizzle - I knew we would agree on something. Keep the faith Raider brother.

#19

Posted by KUSHMAN, September 29, 2008 3:09 PM

dude dizz i would have.. but i was kinda turned off to BART ever since that monday night disaster in 06 to start the season ... we waited to cross the bridge becuase it was jammed packed for literally 2 hrs... it was complete gridlock on that bridge and i didn't wanna get caught in the middle...

plus my friend had a free parking pass.. we just didnt tailgate so we got there kinda late is all... our messup.

#20

Posted by Raider Raul, September 29, 2008 3:21 PM

We sorely missed Fargas and a healthy McFadden. Kiffin should have feeded Bush more often. McFadden isn't hitting the hole hard and cannot cut right now. Hopefully the Bye week heals our bruises and egos.

I will be surprised and impressed if Kiffin remains the coach by this Wednesday. I would rather see Lofton or Knapp as HC before Ryan. Ryan better not be around in any capacity next year!!

I think Jano could easily make a 65 yarder, but 70 yards is ridiculous.

#21

Posted by Raider Scott, September 29, 2008 3:24 PM

Every time I have taken the BART I had a good time. I was usually 10-15 rum and cokes deep when I took it, so maybe I am biased (or impaired). Last time I took the BART a buddy and I finished a 1/5 of JD (and a sixer). After the game I think we got off at the wrong exit and I swear he almost fell down a concrete staircase about a hundred stairs deep. I nearly died laughing and he nearly died. I'm a BART fan every time I can get up to the games.

#22

Posted by OregonRaider, September 29, 2008 3:30 PM

Paco,

You said it man..."You lost because the Chagers have deeper talent. When a team can substitute and keep players fresh without a drop in performance, they will look a lot sharper at the end of the game."

We lost because the offense couldn't stay on the field in the third or fourth quarter for any length of time. The defense was just worn out.

After too many beers I have tried to get through the line at the bridge after a game. Not fun! I usually walk in the stands to the exit I need to get out of. I go up a section of two early just to yell "RAAAAAIIDEERRRRS!!!!!!!!!!!!!" in the hallway, win or lose so eat shit Mike!

#23

Posted by VegasRaider, September 29, 2008 4:49 PM

Your Niner Reality Check says: I don�t clown on the Raiders, the Raiders do.

They show up, and a comedy ensues.

I simply point out what everyone knows. The Raiders suck.

You�re in LAST PLACE�Niners are in second place.

Niners are 2-2�Raiders are 1-3.

You can win your next two, and we would have to lose our next two just to be tied.

#24

Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, September 29, 2008 10:13 PM

Damn Kushman.

If you were still in high school, at least there would be hope...as it is, you're basically hosed.

Yeah, we lost. O'Sullivan throwing two interceptions, in the end zone was the difference in the game. A fumble in their red zone didn't help.

Wasn't because of the O line, moron.

Now, wasn't it YOU WHO MADE A POINT OF STATING HOW WONDERFUL you thought Kwame Harris was doing? lol...yeah...it was your sorryass..along with your kiddy "haha".

Well, joke's on you. Harris is exactly as I stated..a total bust...and your idiot owner paid him 4 times what he's worth, when NO other team even gave him a workout.

Again...the juvenile "haha" that you seem to covet makes you appear...well...like a stupid kid.

My money states you are.

Hell, what could you say? That you're out of school, because you dropped out? Or that you just graduated "stupid"?

#25

Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, September 29, 2008 10:42 PM

# SpokaneOakfan says:

September 29th, 2008 at 2:11 pm

Mike49er, seriously, you are going to crow after your team got exposed like that?

Mike: Exposed? Brees was, and IS the #1 qb in the LEAGUE. Am I surprised he continued doing well? Should I be? The Saints have the #3 offense in the league. They have the #1 passing game in the league. We KNEW this was a string of 4 games against tough teams coming up.

Exposed? What you mean is the Bronco's exposed the sorryass Raiders, and you haven't recovered, and won't.

What you mean is the Raiders D backs, who YOU and others touted as going to be the best in the league aren't just mediocre, but basically stink. Hell...what area of the Raiders would you actually state is strong?

Qb? Hell no. Misses wide open receivers, and STILL has the play book dumbed down for him.

WR? Do you have any?

D line? A sieve.

D backs? basically a joke.

O line? one of the worst in the league.

RB's? That's it..continued from last year.

In other words, you played down to everyone's expectations.

----

So I guess it�s better to get your asses kicked from the coinflip?

Mike: Considering at the end of the first quarter, we were leading..guess that's yet another take you bumbled.

You're a headline reader, aren't you?

==========================================

Mike: LMAO..a Raider fan? talking about shitty qb's? Isn't 'shitty qb's" and "Raiders" redundant?

Al finally signs a qb after years of picking up the dregs of the NFL..the Aaron Brooks, the Collins, the McCowns...Culpepper....firing and re-hiring Tui, lol...Walter..and your #1 pick, in his second year STILL CAN'T GRASP THE PLAYBOOK...still can't hit a guy wide open. At the bottom 3rd in pretty much every category, from completion %, to yards, to rating...whatever...

=====================================

The Raiders need to come out to practice on Tuesday and the coach should hold up the game plan for the Saints, then toss it on the ground and say, �We�ll open this up next Tuesday. Until then, every practice will focus on conditioning. The Oakland Raiders will become a 4th quarter team if it kills every last one of you.�

Mike: Which coach is that again? lol...anyone?

Does it matter?