This is an example of good coaching

[SoCalRaider]

Posted on Mon, Nov. 25, 2002

Raiders Trying to Change Fortunes
JANIE McCAULEY
Associated Press

ALAMEDA, Calif. - The Oakland Raiders don't deny they've been borderline dreadful in the final month of the season for years now.

That would be 8-20 in their last four games the past seven seasons.

First-year coach Bill Callahan insists he's doing everything possible to reverse those frustrating fortunes as Oakland heads into the push for a playoff spot. Most Wednesdays, for example, the Raiders practice without pads.

Starting in training camp, Callahan limited his players' time in pads, an effort to keep his team - especially the large group of old guys - from becoming fatigued as the season wore on.

"I think how we've approached this team and what we've done from a preparation standpoint has really helped us," Callahan said. "Even in the down time of the season, we were scheduling changes. Not because of the losses, but because of the way we had laid everything out prior to the season.

"So I'm comfortable with our schedule now and the way we are progressing. And I'm confident that as we move into the latter part of the season that the players will be fresher and be alive, and be at full strength to finish the season off on a positive note."

Oakland went 1-3 to finish the regular season last year, and 2-2 the two seasons before that. In 1995 and '97, the Raiders were 0-4 the final quarter of the season.

This season, they have won three straight after a four-game losing streak to move into a tie for the AFC West lead with Denver and San Diego.

The Raiders play the New York Jets next Monday night in Oakland - another prime-time chance for a team that has thrived in such settings so far this season. The Raiders won at Denver on Monday night two weeks ago to break their four-game slide, then beat the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots the following Sunday at home in a night game.

They hope their roll will continue - especially now that this team has regained the confidence that got Oakland off to a 4-0 start.

"I think what we're doing, we limit the pads, but still we practice at a very high level," said 40-year-old receiver Jerry Rice, who still looks plenty fresh. "You've got to get into that game mode. It's unbelievable just taking those pads off. It really gives you a little more rest, a little more time to get refreshed.

"And hopefully this year will be a different story and we can be fresher toward the end of the season and stronger."

[javdog2001]

The Raiders haven't been looking their age that is sure. I think Callahan cutting back in camps and preseason is really paying off. I know Wheatley definitely is looking fresh. Obviously, our playoff hopes are decided in December. That month has been bad news for Raiders the last few years so its nice to see that we're going in peaking.