Storyline: For 3 hours every Sunday I set aside every other thing in life and lose myself in the game. I’m glad to report things seem are on the upswing: Oakland halted its three-game slide with a 24-21 comeback win over the Tennessee Titans. It wasn’t pretty, but the Raiders earned the “W.”
Courtesy: endocs.net
I’ve been recapping Oakland Raider games for The Sports Column since the beginning of the year However the day after the Raiders’ lost to the Minnesota Vikings 30-14 on November 15th I found myself on short-term injured reserve. I strained my back playing basketball and have been trying to walk straight these last two weeks … and without pain.
The back strain didn’t stop me from attending the Raiders’ game in Detroit on November 22nd but, in hindsight, I almost wished it had. The Raiders looked worse than my back felt. They dropped an 18-13 clunker-of-a-game to a feisty Lions team. Oakland was on a three-game skid and I was feeling much older than any man of 41 should.
I blew off writing a Raiders-Lions recap because it’s hard sitting for long periods in my condition. However, I must admit that the Raiders’ three-game losing streak dampened my enthusiasm about football. I was ‘sports depressed’ because my team was on a losing streak. I really didn’t give a shit at the moment. I’m a 41 year old man and my mood is affected by a pro sports franchise I have no personal involvement with. Who does that?
Courtesy: kron4.com
I’d venture to guess that I’m not the only fanatic out there. When the Raiders lose it leaves me a tad ‘sports depressed’ for the rest of the week. I don’t watch the recap shows on Sunday night or much of the Sunday Night Game. I move on to watching other Sunday night entertainment, such as Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead. I skip a lot of the Twitter stories about football, and I definitely don’t pursue any Raiders stories. It’s way too soon to re-live traumatic experience.
Eventually I catch up with all the news during the week. For at least a couple days, though, I yearn to be football-free. My wife says that after a Raiders loss I’m even crankier than my ‘normal self’ for a few days. That’s saying something for a man whose demeanor tends to be described as ‘bitter’ … and that reference comes from friends.
After a win, though, it’s completely different. I consume football non-stop on Sunday.
Post-game show on the radio, check.
Sunday night highlights and primetime game, check.
Rabid consumption of all Raider’s related stories online, check.
I cannot consume enough football after a Raiders’ victory.
Courtesy: pinterest,com
Logically, I understand this type of behavior is over-the-top ridiculous, but sports has nothing to do with logic, does it? Sports is all about heart and emotion. For 3 hours every Sunday I set aside every other important, stressful, and meaningful thing in my life and lose myself in the game. I shout, swear, celebrate, dance, laugh and almost cry at times. I’m a Raider fan, after all. I thoroughly enjoy every moment of it … even the bad.
I’m glad to report things seem to be on the upswing–with my ailing back as well as with the Raiders. Oakland halted its three-game slide with a 24-21 comeback win over the Tennessee Titans. It wasn’t pretty, but they earned the W.
As for me, I’m pain free in both mind and spirit … thanks to a Raiders’ win and the wonder of modern medicine (aka some kick-ass muscle relaxers).
Game Day Observations
Welcome to the starting lineup, David Amerson! What a game by the free agent CB, who was cut by Washington earlier this season. Amerson finally pushed D.J. Hayden out of the starting lineup, and he responded with a career game. Targeted nine times, Amerson allowed just one catch (for 5 yards) and also had an interception and four pass deflections. Last Sunday this former 2nd round pick from Cal looked the part.
David Amerson stifles the Titals (photo silverandblackpride.com
Since Aldon Smith was suspended two games ago, Khalil Mack has picked up the slack with his second straight dominating performance. Mack caused havoc everywhere, both in Detroit and in Tennessee. Maybe those nagging injuries (from earlier in the season) were hampering him more than the Raiders let on. No matter. Right now Mack looks like pure terror for any O-lineman.
Jack Del Rio and Bill Musgrave must stop being so conservative at the end of games! It cost them the game against Chicago when they seemed to accept a late field goal instead of pushing for a first down to end the game. It almost cost them in San Diego when they stopped trying to score in the 3rd Quarter. And it almost cost them against Tennessee when they went ‘run heavy’ in the 2nd Half. I understand it was raining, but Carr seemed to throw the ball fine on the final drive. Plus, Carr fumbled anyway! Lean on Carr and your passing game fellas … it’s easily the best part of this Raiders team right now.
I’m so glad to see Derek Carr and Amari Cooper bounce back from their worst efforts of the season in Detroit. Carr had another 300-yard game along with 3 TD’s and, of course, a game-winning drive. Cooper was back to his normal self, too, with 7 catches for 115 yards. (Did I mention I was in Detroit to see the Raiders live? I must have really brought some bad mojo with me from Ann Arbor.)
I’m back to railing against the officials this week, even though the Raiders did get a gift on that key 4th down to extend the drive. I’ve heard the Titans and media rail against that call all week, a call that was definitely questionable, but did anyone watch the rest of the game? The Raiders had 11 penalties for 94 yards including two 3rd Down PIs on the Titan’s second TD drive (one was very questionable). On the Titan’s third TD drive, there was a weak personal foul penalty on Mack plus another 3rd Down PI in the end zone. It was a complete acting job by the receiver! Whine all you want, Titan fans, because Raider Nation is just going to laugh at your pain. By the way, there were only four flags on the Titans for a total of 25 yards. Boo hoo!
Player of the Game
Seth Roberts scorches the Titans (newsday.com)
How could I not go with WR Seth Roberts?! The man had a career high 6 catches for 113 yards and two TDs, including the game winner. I have complained about Roberts several times this year (drops and the fact that Rod Streater is inactive every week), but Roberts is balling right now. He’s making big plays and is a perfect slot receiver between Cooper and Michael Crabtree.
Shout out to the man, “Slot” Roberts!
There was never any doubt.
