DOMINANCE! That is what happened last Sunday in Kansas City. If it could only be that easy every week, Raider Nation! Enjoy the Victory! Impressive. MOST IMPRESSIVE!
I don't really care if it was ugly, scrappy, or difficult to watch. I also don't give a Death Star damn what type of team they were labeled as before the win by our beloved, Oakland Raiders.
The bottom line is this: It's the Raiders vs. Chiefs– A nasty rivalry that has been ongoing before most Raider fans were even born!
When they play each other, both records have to be thrown out the door. There is just no other way!
It's a heated, hateful rivalry that most fans see as legendary and will only be built upon in years to come.
Has it really been SIX years in a row defeating the Chiefs in Kansas City?! My oh my, if we could continue this kind of streak in the future, the Lord of the Sith, Master of all evil will be happy for a long, long time.
Offense:
Carson Palmer had a good game with 209 yards and 2 Touchdowns. It seems that many things are not consistent with the Raiders offensive weapons, but if there is one thing fans can appreciate and admire it's his will to compete. Carson has passed for at least 200 yards in 13 straight games. That is extending an Raiders record. Sure, he has his troubles with interceptions at times, but you just have to respect his ability to 'ball out' on a consistent basis. He'll be a powerful Sith Lord in no time.
If the following were corrected, he would even be MORE powerful..
DROPPED PASSES:
It's been an ongoing problem for quite a while now. I've seen this issue with Denarius Moore, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Brandon Myers, etc. It's usually on a 3rd down or in the end zone and it just has to be corrected before we play the tougher teams. It seems more of a mental issue more than anything. That leads me to believe the team is actually very aware of their continuing third down issues that kill us almost every game. (Sunday: 2/12 on 3rd down plays)
I think with only familiarity comes better execution. The speedy receivers are still young receivers and will be labeled as such until the consistency comes on a regular basis. I'm sure that day will come soon.
In the meantime, Denarius Moore is progressing to be our #1 Wide Receiver. He's quick, effective when a long ball is thrown and runs a great route. As I mentioned previously, he has to work on his catching, but that's the only weakness I can see, for now.
PUSH ISSUES:
Linemen had a ok game overall, but still lack getting a great, consistent push. I respect them for keeping our QB clean (no sacks) but just miss that aggressiveness we witnessed last year more than anything. I'm sure Darren McFadden would be pleased if the holes were feet apart instead of inches. Sure, he racked in 114 yards rushing, but I feel the majority of that chunk came when the Cheifs spirit was already broken. Hey..a wins a win, but I feel our effectiveness can only increase if these problems were corrected. Make it happen or get a Force Choke from the stands next Sunday!!
Defense:
Phillip Wheeler and Miles Burris are doing it and doing it well! They both combined for 18 tackles and are improving each game. Wheeler is the obvious MVP of the defense this year after having yet another great game with racking 11 solo tackles and 1 sack! The Force is strong with this one due to #52 visiting my "Dark Side" end zone every home game.
These men are responsible for bringing our rush defense from one of worst in the NFL to 11th! I honestly don't remember when we ever were ranked higher.
I sense something, a presence I've not felt since..11 long Years ago!
You have to give it to Coach Allen and Jason Tarver for sitting Rolando McClain during the right moments. Maybe big names/high draft picks don't ensure playing time these days! FINALLY, we are doing it the right way!
Notes from NFL.com game summary:
Carson Palmer walked off the field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, where the Raiders had just won for the sixth straight time, and looked just like he did at the start.
Not a grass stain on him. No laundry detergent needed.
The subject of such scorn over the years, Palmer threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns while having all the time he needed in the pocket, leading Oakland to a 26-16 victory.
It was the Raiders' first road win since beating the Chiefs last December, and certainly a satisfying one. Sebastian Janikowski was perfect on four field-goal attempts, and the Raiders (3-4) nearly became the third straight team to keep the Kansas City offense out of the end zone."Phenomenal," Palmer said. "I don't think my jersey needs to be washed."
The Chiefs got their lone touchdown on Dexter McCluster's catch with 2:27 left in the game.
Darren McFadden ran for 114 yards, and Denarius Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey had touchdown catches for Oakland, which has won two straight after losing four of its first five.
"It took us a while to get it going, but once it finally got going, we finished the game out well," McFadden said. "We feel like with our offense, you just have to stick with it."
Helps that Palmer could have pitched a tent in his pocket.
"I thought he managed the game really well and had tremendous poise," Raiders coach Dennis Allen said. "We still have a lot of things to get cleaned up, but the good thing is that we are able to make those corrections after a win."
To read the entire game summary, Click here.
Nation, we can only get better with patience, praise and belief. We now face an opponent worthy of our ability. Tampa Bay is one of the premiere Offenses in the League. They are currently ranked 9th in the NFL in points and boast great players such as Josh Freeman, Rookie sensation Doug Martin and our hated old rival, Vincent Jackson.
They are also great at stopping the run, ranking 6th in the NFL.
Do we have the Imperial Army to stop them? You bet your pirate ass we do!! Let's hit 'em and hit 'em hard!
Raiders 4 Life!
-DR
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