The silence is deafening: has Raider Nation finally been shut up?

Thoughts from the Dark Side

October 10, 2008

The silence is deafening: has Raider Nation finally been shut up?

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Besides the exorbitant cost of Apple's iPhone, the main reason that I never bought one was because I need a good excuse to NOT be connected. One thing about this job, it's a sentence to hours in front of an LCD monitor and a countless amount of reading about your topic.

As you know, my topic is the Raiders so I find plenty of time to keep my fingers on the pulse of Raider Nation...except lately. Nothing has changed for me as far as time spent searching for it, but oddly enough there has been less banter and thoughts filling the web than at any other time since last February. Raider Nation, where are you?

Judging by the site stats, I can see that Raider Nation is as strong as ever. I'm sure that it's the same at other Raiders sites as well, but even elsewhere you can see a decrease in Raiders banter. Besides a small spike late last week, even the 'haters' seemed to have moved on. What gives?

Were you silent when the Raiders hired Norvell 'kill-a-franchise' Turner? I think not! Were you deterred when the second-coming of #12 (Gannon) went down with a career-ending injury? Uh-no. Did you sit on your hands when Al 'Where the hell is my DeLorean' Davis couldn't find a coach to replace Norvell and instead went with the second-coming of Art 'my way or the high...err bench' Shell? I don't think so! As you suffered through the 'Bed and Breakfast' year, did you hesitate to make noise when the situation called for it? Nope!

Do you remember what your take was when the Raiders couldn't run the ball? I think that you do. What did you say to your buddy when Randy 'I play when...when everything is perfect' Moss was playing like an alligator the final year he disgraced the colors? I bet you still remember that! What did you say to all of the 'haters' when out of nowhere, Al Davis hired some guy that looked younger than the stain on your underwear named Lance...I mean Lane Kiffin? Hmm? What was that? Oh, you do remember?

The point here is, when Justin Fargas gets a highlight-reel pop from out of nowhere after running seven yards, he doesn't hang his head and walk to the sidelines. No, he stands back up, holds his head high, and gets back to the huddle after making sure that the hitter knows he didn't get the best of the hittee. He still remembers that things have been worse. That's what you all need to start doing.

Firing Kiffin wasn't the most popular move by Al 'this is my team and I have the will to win a championship' Davis. The Raider Nation has been fractured similarly like the ~~United~~ States. Some were glad Kiffin and his conservative gameplan was gone, while others took the side of the owner, and some were just glad that the 'Big-Top' was moving to another city. For every one of those citizens of the nation glad he was eighty-sixed, there was another citizen that was feeling the complete opposite.

To compound matters, many of the nation that supported the firing found that the press conference held by the legendary owner was embarrassing. Others didn't think much of it and some found it to be enlightening. For the most part, the nation has seen the bad-mouthing as a weak form of spin control. That has caused the Raider Nation to be very unhappy these days and I can't say that I blame them.

We here at TFDS "feel your pain" and "those responsible, are gonna' pay!" "I hear you, the American people hear you, and soon the rest of the world is going to hear you!" "Ask not what you can do..." Sorry, all of this election coverage has gotten me a little off of my focus.

It's time to get up Raider Nation, dust yourself off, hold your head high, and walk back to the huddle. There's a game to be played Sunday, and "there's no crying in ~~baseball~~...football!" Stop being angry with Al "don't ask me about my business" Davis and get your mind right, because there's a game to be played and you are not allowed to give the 'haters' what they want - silence.

Don't you know that already? That's why Michelle 'I can't settle on a name' 49er trolls Raiders sites. You all know that he and the haters like fifth 'Whore'sman only come onto YOUR comment boards so they can shut you up, don't you? Why else is it that no matter how good you tear into Voice of 'I am really Michelle49er' Reason, he always has a life-wasting, long-winded, off-point insult to throw right back to you? It's because they're not done until you've been silenced.

Don't give the 'haters' what they want. You are still a Raider, so it's time to act like one. I don't care if you're an idiot or completely drunk. I don't care if you're a genius or stone-cold sober. You need to make yourself heard, because although you might think it doesn't make a difference, you'd be surprised at who is reading.

We'll be here, so when you're ready to get back in the game just let us know.

I have to go now. There's a game to win.

Tags: NFL, Oakland Raiders, Raiders

Discussion

25 Comments on "The silence is deafening: has Raider Nation finally been shut up?"

Posted by Umer Waris, October 10, 2008 12:31 AM

I have noticed the slight lessening of passion in the ever fateful Raider Nation too Rob for the past few days.

The fact is that the way this offseason was progressing, the way Davis went into free agency and got Hall & Walker and the way Russell & McFadden were to be the next Bo & Gannon in the same time era, alot was simply expected from this team.

From all that went on in the combine to the mini camps to the draft and finally in the training camp, alot of optimism was for the Raiders..... and the Haters felt it too, Rob.

With those two last minute, humiliating, gut-thrashing, (Brother screaming in your face tellling you how your team sucks and his Chargers are better), embaressing losses to the Bills and Chargers only compounding our miseries for a team we love so dearly........................................................................... it just hurts Rob and I know you feel the same way too.

There is no fan like a Raider fan and the evidence lies in the passion we share on gameday, on this website of TFDS and the bonds we hold as common brothers in the Nation of Raiders!

NEVER GIVE UP, ALWAYS GIVE IT YOUR BEST, NEVER BACK DOWN, ALWAYS WORK HARD... AND A TIME WILL COME WHEN WE SHALLL REIGN, ROB!

FORVER UNITED IS THE RAIDER NATION!

Posted by Patrick Patterson, October 10, 2008 12:34 AM

Rob & Umer- One Nation!

Raider born and Raider bread, and when I'm gone, I'll be Raider dead!

Posted by Umer Waris, October 10, 2008 12:37 AM

Rob on a side note,

THe 'Worldwide Leaders of Raider Haters' had something positive to say about the Raiders for once.

Interesting how you just mentioned in your article that the haters were leaving and here we are and the Big Mamma of all those haters has something good to say!!!!!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3634080

Posted by RaiderDoc, October 10, 2008 1:08 AM

Rob, Ulmer, Patrick - I agree, we do have to hold our head high. Our owner may not have "Pride and Poise" but the Raider Nation should... More than should, we need to, if for no other reason then it's all the Raiders have at this point.

Just to play devils advocate... to use your analogy, I wonder how high Fargus' head would be held if he were stuffed for a 7 yard loss (instead of gain) for the 100th time in a row. That's what the clown we have at the top has figuritively done to our team.

That is why I can understand/accept those that have hung there heads low. Not saying that is the right thing, in fact, I think it is the wrong thing, but hell, you can only take so many beat downs, with no hope sight (the crazy one's mom lived to 103? Really... we have 24 years to wait?!?!?). Don't get me wrong... everyday, under my scrubs, you will still find a black shirt... the Raider pride will always be there. I will always walk to the huddle with my head held high. I am a glutton for punishment like that. But as I stated here, I've lost all respect for the man who has destroyed us... The man who build us, was great, unbelievable even, but that man is dead and gone. And as much as I love the Raiders and will be cheering them on every Sunday, I won't be lining his pockets with my money any longer. I'll just be wearing older and older Raider shirts I guess... in a couple years, looks like I will be the doc with a worn down holey black shirt under his scrubs... but no matter how bad it gets... the black will be there... with Pride!

...One Nation!!!

Posted by RaiderDoc, October 10, 2008 1:15 AM

BTW... personally, I think the silence is mostly the result of the simultaneous combination of stunned disappointment (from high hopes), shock due to the ongoing turmoil (and hopefully its at least temporary resolution), and the time to let it all set in with the bye week.

The Nation is just emotionally spent! The build up to, and arrival of another game will bring the chatter, and the energy back.

Posted by Coach Elkins, October 10, 2008 3:23 AM

Great read Rob-

That's the spirit.....

I wouldn't be suprised if Bill Walsh read these posts, I'ld say that about covers it....

Here's a video to piggy back your passion....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgBDOWD9j5U&feature=related

Posted by john mosley, October 10, 2008 5:22 AM

hey rob,my silence is the waiting in awe,ya know like when you can see the wreck coming and you already yelled and hollered for all to get out of the way,but they didnt hear you and now you know its coming so now you wait and watch for the collision, close enough to see all the blood and guts but just far enough away so you dont get any on you.

Posted by SpokaneOakfan, October 10, 2008 7:32 AM

I cut myself shaving the other day, and silver and black poured out. As long as we have the best young QB in the game, as long as we have an awesome young running attack, as long as we have a great defense, as long as we keep proving we can play with anyone, I will stay loud and proud.

Especially, as long as we can keep going into KC and beating their asses up and down their own field, I will crow.

Year one, day one is Sunday. Go Raiders! Go, Nation!

Posted by The silence is deafening: has Raider Nation finally been shut up? - Oakland Raiders Forum, October 10, 2008 7:53 AM

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#10

Posted by KUSHMAN, October 10, 2008 7:58 AM

i do admit that this whole deal skeletor has put us in has gotten me down a little bit... but i really am staying confident throughout this whole thing. Afterall, we have seen many worse years right? i mean, you have to love our the defense looks... and i think the offense is really starting to come around with the passing.. and russell will still develop nicely despite not having kiffin around.. i really really think that rocket arm will be getting more and more accurate.

i really only PLEAD TO YOU AD.. GET US A STAR WIDE RECEIVER TO MAKE UP FOR YOUR BULLSHIT. YOU KNOW WE NEED IT!

#11

Posted by Jorge Mejias, October 10, 2008 8:00 AM

lets go Raiders... enough with the media circus and let´s play some football!!!!!

Coach Elkins you are back!!! any thoughts on the new coach??? Sorry you did not get it...

Rob and Patrick the Fan base is alive and well in Mexico, we are also part of the Nation (just on the other side of the Border)

#12

Posted by S&B, October 10, 2008 8:13 AM

Raider nation will pick up. The downtime had more to do with the bye week and recovery from another coaching change. People are picking back up. Proves the Raiders have to come out swinging Sunday. A win will put it all back.

#13

Posted by KUSHMAN, October 10, 2008 8:25 AM

BTW 5th whoresman hAHAH great name pat.. yea him or mike.. i don't let those dickless fags get me down ... mike rambles on like al davis and whoresman repeats himself everytime.

THE UNDERDOG WILL RISE AGAIN NATION!

HOOORAHHH!!!

#14

Posted by Grilla RFL, October 10, 2008 8:58 AM

I hope the Raiders players look at all the so called expert picks and see that everyone on all the news shows including Madden is picking the Saints to beat them. If they are looking, they should be ticked off enough to do a beat down on the field and win this game.

Raider for life.

Just win baby

#15

Posted by Grilla RFL, October 10, 2008 8:59 AM

Raider for life.

Just win baby

#16

Posted by Grilla RFL, October 10, 2008 9:02 AM

The Raiders are the underdogs this sunday against the Saints. I hope this motivates them to "Just win baby"

Raider for life.

#17

Posted by angelodebo, October 10, 2008 10:26 AM

I agree with the article Rob. I am the ultimate Raider fan. I love the NFL as well. I love watching a good football game..the defense, the hits, the great runs, unbelievable catches...I love Sundays and the Raiders.

But I'm just tired of this owner. The free agents he signed (ie Walker/Hall) to the players unsigned (Aso/Burgess), the drafts, the coaching decisions, have all slowly been wearing me down. I always supported the owner in the past. Even getting rid of Gruden..but the past 6 years have been a nightmare.

Its at a point where I really hope he dies. It sickens me to watch this franchise. I'm sick and tired of the circus that is Al Davis.

Hopefully someting will happen. Maybe Cable will open the offense up, maybe Rob Ryan will learn to be a competent defensive coordinator, maybe DeAngelo Hall will be as good as Aso, maybe Dmac will be as good as Bo Jackson...but you know what...it ain't gonna happen. Nothing will change until he is gone for good!

I'm sick about this team. SICK!

#18

Posted by ctharaiderfan, October 10, 2008 11:16 AM

I don't comment that much on websites but I'm tired of all these so called experts like Peter King saying the Raiders are gouing to lose 33-10 to the Aints on Sunday. 60 minutes of relentless pressure on Brees and it's a blowout. Brees and the Aints are turnovers waiting to happen. 12 games left, they should treat every game like a playoff game for the reason.

#19

Posted by whatssupj, October 10, 2008 1:24 PM

Guys, I hear ya. I remember watching the Superbowl against Tampa Bay. I was still talking trash till the end. Any one can talk when they are winning. I think most of us are glad the circus is over even if we would have prefered that Lane Kiffin stay. It doesn't matter who the coach is I am and will always be a Raider fan. I say this as I sit here in my Kirk Morrison jersey at work writting this. As far as Cable goes, if he wins, we'll love him. If he loses well.... Anyways, I still believe that we are only one season away from being a playoff contender. I think we can still be a good 8-8. Win, lose, or tie I'm a Raider fan til I die!!!!

#20

Posted by Rob Calonge, October 10, 2008 8:41 PM

It's good to see that the Raider Nation is still alive and well! I don't know if it has been the time off, but this is one of the best threads of comments I have ever seen.

Thanks to all who have come by and especially those who have taken the time to chime in.

#21

Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, October 11, 2008 10:26 AM

# SpokaneOakfan says:

October 10th, 2008 at 7:32 am

I cut myself shaving the other day, and silver and black poured out.

Mike: I told you...shaving your legs can be dangerous.

-------

As long as we have the best young QB in the game,

Mike: You signed a new qb?

You can't be talking about Russell? he's one of the WORST young qb's. What games are you watching?

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

as long as we have an awesome young running attack, as long as we have a great defense,

Mike: Great defense? LMFAO..how is it you post this shit with a straight face? I realize that you don't get the games up there in Seahawk country, but dude, can you at least read? How in the hell can you post "great defense"??? Damn, when you get to Jr. High school, you're in for a rude awakening. That stupid shit won't fly.

#22

Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, October 11, 2008 10:28 AM

# Patrick Patterson says:

October 10th, 2008 at 12:34 am

Rob & Umer- One Nation!

Raider born and Raider bread, and when I�??m gone, I�??ll be Raider dead!

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

Mike: "bread"??? LMAO...ahhh..."bred"...got cha.

Subliminal...no doubt.

#23

Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, October 11, 2008 10:33 AM

# Grilla RFL says:

October 10th, 2008 at 9:02 am

The Raiders are the underdogs this sunday against the Saints. I hope this motivates them to �??Just win baby�?�

Raider for life.

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

First couple of times you said it, worked.

However, EVERY WEEK one team is favored, one is the underdog.

Doesn't quite work that way, where teams look at the predictions and state 'Oh damn, we're supposed to get our asses whupped. Well then, now I'm pissed. NOW I'm going to actually block (catch, throw, tackle, whatever).

I suppose if this did work, someone's been keeping this info from the players for the last couple of decades.

Bummer.

#24

Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, October 11, 2008 10:36 AM

# Rob Calonge says:

October 10th, 2008 at 8:41 pm

It�??s good to see that the Raider Nation is still alive and well! I don�??t know if it has been the time off, but this is one of the best threads of comments I have ever seen.

Thanks to all who have come by and especially those who have taken the time to chime in.

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

Best thread of comments you've EVER SEEN????

EVER???

Wow. You don't get out much, do you? lol...good to see you miss me, Eggo (as if I didn't know)

#25

Posted by Grilla RFL, October 11, 2008 2:53 PM

The three headed monster is backkkkkkkkkkkkkk.