Riding With Cap'n Kiffin

Crawling to the finish line

Fri, 23 Dec 2005 19:14:34 GMT

So here's a thought: thank God the end is near. Just two more games and this 3-season nightmare is over. Of all the years that I've watched the NFL, this is the first time I can honestly say I can't wait for it to end. And what's next? Does Al do something to turn things around, or do we prepare for the nightmare to continue on for a 4th straight season? One thing I will say is this: I'm not quitting on this team. (unlike others) No way, No How. I may be mad at the players for being so lame...namely Kerry Collins. I may be mad at the administration for meddling and for hiring a "coach" they can string up and use as a puppet, but my loyalty to the Silver and Black run deeper than my loyalty to my job. If you're quitting on this team, quit for good. Don't ever come back. Not when they finally string together enough wins to get over .500, not when they finally lift that fourth Lombardi trophy. Don't ever come back. Be a Charger fan or a Bronco fan or a Chiefs fan so we can hate you without being questioned why. The thing is that in order to enjoy the fruits of success, you have to endure the pain of failure, and if you're not prepared to do that, then we don't want you around.

I wouldn't want to be known as a fan who is only around when the sun is shining, but when the clouds of torrential rains are hovering overhead, he runs for cover and leaves his team out in the rain. If that was the case, I'd throw on my jersey, go to the stadium, get drunk, fight, and get thrown in jail for it. Isn't that what we Raider fans are supposed to be like? Well not this Raider fan. I feel pain when we lose and I feel ecstacy when we win. I don't care what the guy next to me is saying, unlike a lot of other fans who decide to throw because some dude said something he didn't like. Na, forget that, I'm there to live and die with my team. I'm a passionate fan, and quitting is not an option. If I was like that, I'd be a Charger fan...

And speaking of Charger fan...I was reading the Union Tribune, this week and I stumbled across something that confirms my suspicions of these "fans". You know how I've always said that beating the Raiders was like winning a super bowl to these guys? Well check this out: "Who needs Super Bowls when you can sweep the Raiders and sweep the Mannings?"--Jim Black, San Diego. Could it be that Charger fan is starting to grip? Could it be that Trickage's comment about being first in things that suck is going to come to fruition? How lames is that? How could you prefer to beat a team that you consider your rival more than it consider you its rival over winning a Super Bowl? Shoot, as a Raider fan, I think our rivalries are with the Donks and Chefs. At least they've had a taste of the ultimate hardware. They more worthy of our time. When we lose to them it has an extra special sting, when we beat them, there is extra joy. When we play the Blunderbolts....well, let's just say that we expect to win, and when we lose, it's because we're having a very difficult season. Beating the Blunderbolts is just business as usual, and I don't get as excited as I do when we beat the Chiefs or Donks. So you prefer beating us than winning it all? ha ha. I mean isn't winning the Lombardi Trophy what teams are in this for? I guess you've sucked so much for so long that you don't even know why you're playing huh Charger fan? (I'm starting to understand you guys, but only because Al Davis is as stubborn as a mule).

How this for irony? Charger fans will be cheering us on tomorrow. That's right. They don't want to be the first 11-5 team to miss the playoffs, so they are hoping that the Raiders will pull of the upset at Mile High. How funny is that? I mean I can bag and bag on Blunderbolts fan and he still has to pucker up and kiss Raider ass. Whose fault is that? It's Blunderbolts fault. Why couldn't they beat Miami, Philadelphia, Dallas or Pittsburgh? They put themselves in this spot.

We're 0-5 in division, and with Blockhead Collins at QB, I'm thinking 0-6 to close it out. We'll be 4-12 yet again. It's not that I want the Donks to beat us, I just don't see where or how we're going to do anything to them. Heck, we're without our running back, our QB sucks, and our "superstar" receiver has been anything but a superstar this season.

--This is how you spell bad news for the Blunderbolts and Raiders. Collins in a familiar position. With this guy, we might beat the Houston Texans....or we might not.

Deep down inside you all want to be like us. You criticize out of envy, but many of you paint your faces and dress up hoping to get a fraction of the Raider atmosphere in your own stadiums. These silly sallies are proof of it. One thing, you'll never be anywhere near as good as us because you'll never know what it's like to be a member of the Raider Nation.

Sigh...

Tue, 20 Dec 2005 06:34:43 GMT

sigh...

Once again, the label of perenniel loser has been draped across the once intimidating Raiders shield. This is getting bad. What was once a proud, prestigious institution that would settle for nothing less than at least a playoff berth has been forced into the "top-draft picks" eschelon of N.F.L teams. I used to get excited about Sundays. I used to get chills when I heard "The Autumn Wind". I used to get goosebumps when I'd see the team storm onto the field in the glorious Silver and Black.

No More...

That's right. The once intimidating colors have become the laughingstock of the A.F.C West and most of the N.F.L for that matter. I remember I used to watch N.F.L. films specials with the Raiders and Steelers just running all over everyone else. The teams were of the caliber of the Browns, the Oilers, and the Saints. It's sad to say that the Raiders have become the Browns, Oilers, and Saints of the new millenium. We've gone back to the mid-80's and 90's where, save for Jeff Hostetler, we couldn't find a quarterback from the scrap heap that Al Davis was looking in. He tried Marc Wilson...NOPE..He tried Jay Schroeder....NOPE...He tried Todd Marinovich....NOPE...He tried Vince Evans....NOPE...Did I mention Stever Beureline?...NOPE....How about Jeff George?....Hell NO! Then came Rich Gannon. He got the job done....YES!!! But true to Al Davis form, he waited til Rich was an old man to sign him on and that glory didn't last more than four seasons. Bad Bad Al...Yes, Bad Bad Al....Kerry Collins? Gimme a Break!...I haven't felt this horrible about our starting quarterback since the...yep, mid-80's and 90's. Al, you're too smart for your own good. Get dumb and forget anything you once knew about the NFL.

I don't even want to get into Sunday's game, so I won't. We suck! Plain and Simple. I'm tired of sucking! Plain and Simple.

Same ol' Song

Sat, 17 Dec 2005 02:09:18 GMT

ahhhh!!! What can I say? Tui came in, Tui sucked! I still contend that I'd be happier with Tui under center than Interceptions Colins, but such is life, the coach is a puppet, and we suck! What else can I say? Hey, maybe Reuben Droughns will give the raider defensive line a diamond encrusted watch for allowing him to break the single game rushing record? Whatever! We suck, but just not enough to get us a USC player. How horrible is that? I mean damn! If we're going to suck, then let's suck bad enough to get one of the top two draft picks. Argh!

THERE IS A GOD!!!!

Fri, 09 Dec 2005 02:01:58 GMT

My Prayers have been answered! Kerry "Inconsistent-I'll-Bury-Your-Team" Collins has been BENCHED! Yes, that's right. B-E-N-C-H-E-D! About time sucka! Now I pray that Marques won't make me rue the day I asked God to put it in Norv's head to bench Collins. Then again, I don't think anything can make me rue the day that Collins was benched. Actually, this is more like giving him his walking papers. He's out! Watch the offense bloom. A little late, but better late than never. I can already see Randy Moss doing the things he did in Minnesota when there was a mobile quarterback running around behind the line of scrimmage, just looking to get him the ball. Picture this: Moss was a superstar in Minnesota without a really good second option. What will be of Moss with Porter as a "just as dangerous" threat?

Making a cross-country trip to New York just doesn't seem like a drag anymore. I'm getting up early for this one. Hitting up a bar at 10 A.M. to see the Raiders, since Sandy Lame-o probably won't broadcast the Raider game. Time to look for a Sunday Ticket Location. Go RAIDERS!!!! I'm back in love with my team again!

This Was Published in the SDSU Paper

Wed, 07 Dec 2005 08:43:43 GMT

So after going off on our genius owner, I decided to sit and write an article for the school paper. I was given the opportunity to write a column, so I had to write a disassociative piece on the idiots who claim to be Raider fans and are just idiots who like to fight. Elimination of LA gangster!!!

Here the Link:

http://www.thedailyaztec.com/media/paper741/news/2005/12/07/Sports/Definition.Of.A.Raider.Fan-1123190.shtml

Beheaded in San Diego

Mon, 05 Dec 2005 04:10:28 GMT

Once again the Raiders have played a crappy game. The Defense was stopping no one. Drew Brees had all day to throw, and Kerry Collins, though he wasn't as bad as days before, he still sucks. I'm not happy, not happy at all. This is bad. I've never felt as impotent as this season. Mr. Al Davis? What are you thinking? What kind of transactions have you pulled off and why? Why do you draft quarterbacks? You never use them or give them a chance. You leave them on the bench to rot and miss out on a football career that can benefit the team. You wonder why the stands are empty. You continually threaten with moving the team, alienating fans. I'm tired of this and I'm sure many others are tired of it too. We SUCK Al. Are you OK with that? I'm not! Ditch this ancient style of football. It belongs in the smithsonian along with you and leather helmets!

So, enough ranting, the games not even over, but I am going to make good on that bet now. It's over. We suck! Here's to you Trickage2...enjoy:

Congratulations Chargers!

You Laid the Wood to Our Heartless Team!!

You Demonstrated Real Football!!!

In Line For the Guillotine

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 21:02:37 GMT

If there is one team that I can say I am not anxious for the Raiders to play, it's the Chargers. They're going through their opponents like a midevil guillotine went through enemies of the crown. They've got a very explosive offense, and if you add to it that this game is the equivalent of a super bowl to them and their city, then you know, for us Raider fans, it's going to be a very long evening.

I was going to go out to the stadium and watch the game, but after last week's performance and Norv Turner's stubborness to keep Kerry Collins is as starter, I decided to stay home and watch in on Sunday Night Football. I've gone out to one game this season, as I watched the Raiders take on the Chiefs in Oakland.

I went out to watch these two last season, and for all the crap-talking that Charger fans and San Diegans do about Raider fans, I've got to say their fans don't lag too far behind in terms of belligerent and rude behavior. I was surrounded by Charger fans, and I was quietly watching the game, pissed off because of the score, but not saying a word. Behind me, there was a guy who was running his mouth and started getting personal towards me...then they whine when they get stabbed. People, go out and enjoy the game, but leave the L.A. Gangster mentality at home and San Diegans, leave the arrogance at home. Win at least one ring, then you can start talking with the big boys. Until you do that, you'll still be the little punk down the block who can't hang with the Shot Callers of the AFC West. Don't believe me? Well, every other team in the division has hardware...where's yours?

And you know what? As bad as my team is, I've got a wager for you Trickage2: If the Raiders win, your blog carries an entry in the largest font saying that you look up to us and you'll never be as good as us until you win a Super Bowl. If the Blunderbolts win, I'll post an entry saying you laid the wood to us congratulating you on the win. One other thing, the entry must be decorated with logos and pictures of the winning team. whatdya day Al? You down?

Enough about the Blunderbolts... I don't even want to mention the game really cause Kerry Collins sucks, Norv Turner is an idiot, and we are on the verge of another high first round draft pick. Maybe we should start asking for a new coach...Herm Edwards anyone? As far as quarterback is concerned, we have Andrew Walter who looked sharp in the preseason, we have Marques Tuiasosopo who hasn't reallyhad a chance to prove his worth, and we have a draft next season. Collins is out!

I was watching a video interview with Marcus Allen, and I was remembering his greatness. I loved watching his slashing runs, especially that 74 yarder in the Super Bowl against the Skins. Then they switched to the time when he was in the Chiefs jersey...and I still get queazy. I remember feeling impotence and anger when I was kid seeing him in the wrong jersey, and that feelingstill doesn't go away. that's one of those time when I think Al Davis is an idiot. Other than that, he's a genius.

Another Raider Debacle

Mon, 28 Nov 2005 02:38:31 GMT

Wow! That's all I can say. Again, it's unbelievable that the Raiders play a tough team on the road and beat them, then come home against a sub-par team and get slapped around like whiny Bee-Hawtches. I'm going to do this again, even if it falls on deaf ears. I'm going to do this again because if I don't do it, no one will. I'm going to do this again because I'm pissed off. I'm going to do this again because it's painful to watch a washed up, good for nothing "leading" the Raider offense. He's leading them alright...straight down the path of futility.

Kerry Collins must be benched. I don't care how many yards he throws for. He gave away another game. Three turnovers cost the Raiders another game they should have won. He threw two picks and fumbled the ball away. What's worse is that he turned the ball over after the defense has forced Miami to give up the ball. If I make it to the Raider-Charger game, I'm taking a sign asking for Collins' head on a platter!

Fish coming to town

Fri, 25 Nov 2005 06:35:15 GMT

So the fish are coming to town this weekend. I'm almost afraid to get excited because of the inconsistent play that has plagued this team all season long. So far it has been nothing but disappointment, since a highly touted offense has failed to provide the firepower and excitement that the whole world expected out of it. I'm starting to feel like the Red Sox fans...could it be that there is a curse going on with the Raiders? Could it be the Curse of Marcus Allen? Heck...the parallels are there. I mean Babe Ruth was a great baseball player traded from the Red Sox to the Yanks....aren't they Rivals? Marcus Allen went from the Raiders to the Chiefs....aren't they rivals? The Red Sox were oh so close to winning it all in 1986, but someone or something intervened and they were condemned to a few more years of futility. The Raiders were close to a Super Bowl Bid in 1991, but Bo Jackson's hip was destroyed and they got beat down by Buffalo. Then, when it seemed like a super-high powered offense was going to do the trick, Jon Gruden jumped ship and as luck would have it, met up with the Raiders in San Diego. And you all know the rest... It's getting scary.

Anyhow, in order to beat up on the fish, Kerry Collins needs to take care of the ball and play like he did in the second half against washington. If he comes out slumping (which is highly likely), we're in for a loooooooong afternoon. Lamont Jordan has to get his touches and Jerry Porter has to continue to play with heart. Mix in Randy Moss' potential and the recipe is there because the defense is playing decently. We can get to 5-6 by the time the weekend is over, but I think this season is pretty much done. Denver won again and they are showing no signs of letting up. Plus, both KC and SD are about two games up on the Raiders. In order to get a Wildcard, they have to hope KC, SD, Jacksonville, and Cincinnati begin dropping games. Highly Unlikely. If we finish 10-6, I"ll be happy.

Anti-Collins Commentary

Fri, 18 Nov 2005 00:47:32 GMT

AND AGAIN: GET KERRY COLLINS OUT OF THERE AND BRING IN EITHER ANDREW WALTER OR MARQUES TUIASOSOPO!!!! Don't let Kerry Collins inflated numbers fool you. Yes, he throws for over 300 yards a game. Yes, he completes at least 20 passes a game. Yes, he's thrown a decent number of touchdown passes. BUT, think of what he's done to put the team in the position to HAVE to throw at least 50 times a game. If he completes a few passes here and there instead of plaguing the potentially "potent" offense with
3 and outs, interceptions, and horrible decisions, then Lamont Jordan can run the ball 25-30 times and the Raiders would probably be 6-3 inested of 3-6. So for now, enjoy the horrendous QB situation, cause it's not getting any better. Take the time to look down the Raider bench and see crater face Norv and frat-boy Colllins because they won't be there next season. Heck, I'm surprised Turner has lasted this long. Going 8-17 when "leading" a big time team like the Raiders is grounds for expulsion.

Now, Norv returns to face his old team, a place where Al Davis should sit and talk to Dan Snyder and be enlightened as to why he should fire Norv. I'm hoping the Redskins D comes through there and mauls Collins, because I know that he won't be benched any other way. Wait..I take that back. I shouldn't wish injury on anyone...well, I hope he throws 4 picks in the first half so that they can throw in a replacement. Oh well, we're not as bad as the Niners or the Texans, so the USC guy is out of the