Back In Time - Oakland Raiders 2002

[Pietro]

Back In Time – Oakland Raiders 2002
By Pietro S. Ingrande, Raiderfans.net Staff Columnist

It was just one year ago the Raiders found themselves staggering after 4 straight losses and a 4-4 won loss record. The team was fighting amongst themselves and, many questioned the capability of the head coach and the rest of the coaching staff. The division leaders were the Chargers at 6-1 and the Broncos ½ a game behind at 6-2.

Going into a Monday night encounter, the Raiders were to face the Broncos with a loss virtually eliminating them from any chance at the playoffs.

That Monday night, Raider fans were treated to one of the greatest games in Raider history. Rich Gannon was brilliant breaking a record for completions. Gannon and the offense clicked that night and safety and future all pro Rod Woodson provided an inspirational and momentum changing interception for a touchdown as the Raiders routed the Broncos and went on to win 7 of their last eight games en route to a Super Bowl season.

This season has not been kind to Raider fans. Injuries have now decimated a squad many thought would repeat again for a Super Bowl run.

The Raiders currently sit at 3-7 and many wonder just how many wins they have left in them this season.

Well, don’t be surprised if this Sunday is one of them. After a stirring and needed win against the reeling Vikings, the Raiders now march into Kansas City for another bout with their hated rival.

The Chiefs at 9-1, sport the best record in football and a nasty attitude that starts with coach Dick Vermeil. You can expect them to be mighty angry after losing to the 4-5 Bengals and of course, for the Chiefs, this is “Raider week”.

There is no team the Chiefs would rather beat and Chief fans will be decked out in their red pajamas and tomahawk chopping listening to “Start me Up”.

The Raiders are down to their third string quarterback and have lost so many players to injured reserve there are rumors Ken Stabler and Howie Long were asked to try out.

These two teams are going in opposite directions and if ever there was a mismatch, this is it. Don’t bet on it.

This is Raiders vs. Chiefs. Anything can happen and usually does. Their last match ended with Tim Brown hugging the ball on the one-yard line fighting to get into the end zone for the tying touchdown. It was that close.

This time the Raiders have to resort to the running game. Yes. The same running game that has proved so effective against the Jets and the Vikings. The same running game that throttled the Chiefs on the last game of last season. The same running game that the Chiefs appear to be susceptible too.

Not only am I looking forward to this game but also, I think the Raiders are going to spank the Chiefs and gleefully waltz off the field.

It wouldn’t be the first time. Seems a few years ago a battered and bruised Raider team went into Kansas City on the last day of the season with nothing to play for and nothing to prove except one thing, pride. They won that game.

Funny thing about pride, it makes a little man big. It makes a weak man strong. It makes a non-believer a believer.

And, that’s what real football is all about, men, going after each other for 60 minutes, giving it their best. May the best team win.

These teams don’t like each other. They will go after it on Sunday and it will be mano a mano.

The players and the coaches are now playing for pride and their jobs. I expect to see a spirited effort. I only wish Fargas was still playing. That burst will be missed. However, Wheatley has been rejuvenated, again. The guy is a warrior hanging around biding his time and now his time has come and he is delivering. You gotta love that kind of a guy.

A pity it may be too little too late. Although, nah, don’t want to get my hopes up. There are too many teams ahead of the Raiders and I don’t want to look too much like a homer.

Anyway, I’ll be sticking around the Direct TV this Sunday. Hope you will too. You don’t want to miss what could be the best game of the year.

Now tell me seriously, wouldn’t you just love to beat the Chiefs this Sunday? Watch Vermeil explain what is wrong with the Chiefs? Have the expert’s wonder what has happened to the Chiefs? Oh man, come on Raiders.

Hmmm, wonder if Stabler and Howie are available? Oh well, go get em guys and hit em once for me will ya. I hate the Chiefs.

[Raiderrooter]

Great stuff as usual. Yep I'll be in front of the tube not only this week but right untill the bitter end. Yes I know that there are alot of teams to vualt over but the two we need to keep and eye on are the Broncos and Dolphins and only being three games behind them, well anything is possible. The players have to get a playoff mentality a losss and they can start looking toward next year a win and the ymove on and hope some teams take a step back. Go Raiders and yes I hate the Chiefs also.

[ccRaider]

Another fine job, Pietro. The "Any given Sunday" theory seems to hold true more for Raider/chief games than any other. Here's to hoping for a stellar effort on the part of the Silver and Black.

[Mr.Murder]

Papa Woodson turned our season around that Broncs game, john madden of all people commented after our flawless first half and said it was 'the best half of offesnive football I have EVER seen..." and said so with meek sincerity and sense of having witnessed an accomplishment.
Trying to gety our vibes working eh Pietro? There is a theme here, people making big plays. Did Buch Babsy get us over the hump for one of those runs with Mirer's effort as insrpiration for all to lay it out for the win? This fan thinks so!