For the (7-4) Oakland Raiders, the bad-boy renegade image of “Raider Nation” may be being used against them as an excuse to snub a legit NFL playoff contender.
As the NFL begins to enter the December home stretch for Week 13, pre-season media-anointed contenders such as the (4-8) Philadelphia Eagles and other teams such as the (6-5) New York Giants, (7-4) Dallas Cowboys, (8-3) New England Patriots, (6-5) New York Jets, (8-3) Baltimore Ravens, (11-0) Green Bay Packers, (8-3) Pittsburgh Steelers and (8-3) New Orleans Saints have long been the proverbial darlings in the national media.
Other teams such as the upstart (8-3) Houston Texans and the resurgent (9-2) San Francisco 49ers have also gained attention in 2011.
Except one that seems to be flying under the radar—courtesy of a long-held media bias.
This team currently leads it’s own division at 7-4 and in its last twelve divisional games is 10-2. It boasts one of the most potent and physical running back tandems in the league and has defeated two out of four playoff teams from 2010.
While this team does not have the glamour of the Cowboys, the grit of the Steelers or the media-produced hype of the Patriots, this team does have a stout defensive line and recently acquired both a Pro-Bowl quarterback and a first-round linebacker in mid-season.
With a 4-1 road record, this team would be a very dangerous sleeper in the playoffs, and along with a big chip on its shoulder for long being perceived—and snubbed—by the media may also have the best motivation and drive in winning a Super Bowl—the death of its legendary maverick of an owner.
That team is the Oakland Raiders.
Oakland which currently leads the AFC West, was recently ranked 10th in ESPN’s most recent Power Rankings, below the Texans—whom they defeated the day after owner Al Davis’ death, 23-20—may be getting a raw deal in the national media.
John Doublin of Raider Nation Times writes that the mainstream media already had a bias towards Oakland even before the season started.
“It seems that most of the “mainstream” sports media decides before the seasons starts which teams they intend to cover no matter what. Curiously, the Oakland Raiders are never on that list—unless it’s negative coverage.”
With the exception of a 31-19 loss to the Patriots in Week 4, the Raiders have defeated conference championship runner-up teams in both the (7-5) Chicago Bears and the fore-mentioned Jets.
One reason for the possible slight by the media towards the Raiders may be their strength of schedule.
Oakland’s 2011-12 strength of schedule is tied for 19th in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons. The Raiders opponents have a combined record of 126-130-0 and a winning percentage of .492
With all due respect, but it is really unfair that media outlets such as ESPN, Fox Sports and CBS Sports punish a team for its strength of schedule and hold it’s own outlaw image against it is blatantly un-ethical.
It’s even more wrong when the media flat-out snubs a quality team that could realistically dethrone one of it’s beloved own favorites—such as New York, New England or Dallas—in the NFL playoffs.
And in the playoffs, one of the key things a team must do is run the ball.
Oakland has all of the key ingredients to be a tough out in the AFC. The Raiders offensive line has given up the fifth fewest sacks in the league at 19.
The Raiders also have the fourth-best running offense—led by running backs Michael Bush and Darren McFadden—as they average 149.2 yards a game.
If the Raiders were to get into the playoffs and run the ball effectively, they would also be able to control the clock and keep a high-flying offense such as the Patriots off the field.
Since acquiring Pro Bowl quarterback Carson Palmer from the Cincinnati Bengals, the Raiders are 3-1 and look to have a more balanced and complete offense with Palmer under center.
With all due respect to Jason Campbell, but Palmer looks a better fit under center than Campbell, as Palmer simply has to manage the game and make timely throws instead of trying to attack down-field like he did during his days in the Queen City of Cincinnati.
Oakland’s wide receiver corps of Darrius Heyward-Bey, Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford are also all very explosive and also very underrated.
Heyward-Bey, the 24-year old third year standout from Maryland, has finally emerged as one of the NFL’s top playmakers, as his 519 yards receiving and 35 receptions lead the team.
Moore, the rookie out of Tennessee, leads Oakland in receiving touchdowns with four and appears to have developed a real chemistry with Palmer.
Moore would have a breakout performance by catching two touchdown passes on five catches in a 24-17 win over the San Diego Chargers. Moore would also have 123 yards receiving.
Ford, the second-year flanker out of Clemson, appears to be the real wildcard in the Raiders offense out of the slot. Ford currently has 17 catches for 260 yards and one touchdown.
Ford is also one of the most best—and most unheralded—kick returners in the NFL not named Devin Hester, Joshua Cribbs or Patrick Peterson.
Ford has 341 kick return yards on 11 returns for an average of 31.0, Ford also has a 101 yard punt return for a touchdown against Cleveland during a 24-17 Week 6 victory over the Browns.
On defense, the Raiders are led by former first rounder’s in Pro Bowl defensive tackle Richard Seymour, Kamerion Wimbley, Aaron Curry and Rolando McClain.
Wimbley currently leads the Raiders in sacks with 7.0 and as a team, Oakland has a total of 32 sacks—an average of 2.4—per game, and getting after an opposing quarterback down the stretch will be key for the Raiders.
Counting the (3-8) Miami Dolphins game on Sunday, Oakland’s next five opponents have a combined record of 29-24—highlighted by a key game—against the undefeated defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
The media may never admit this, but Oakland may be the one team that may be able to slow down the Packers due to their running game and physical defense.
They say that ignorance is bliss, and while the national media may continue to ignore the Silver and Black at it’s own peril, that may be just what the Raiders need.
Follow me on Twitter, @Dawgfather_76
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ford went to clemson
Thanks for the correction. good eye Chris!
much..much love for writing this. raider nation has recognized it all season.. and are pretty much just enjoying the ability to fly under the radar. however.. it is very disrespectful for the national media to just dismiss a team that has suffered through MASSIVE injuries..the loss of an owner.. and still be at 7-4. and like you wrote.. the only time oakland receives coverage is for something negative. i had NEVER seen anyone on ESPN speak about the oakland raiders until yesterday.. only to report about rolando mcclain. and when doing that.. they painted a picture of terror to accompany it. yes..the allegations against mcclain are horrible.. but they are only allegations..and the charges are only a misdemeanor. i am pretty sure when the green bay packers LB was arrested.. there was not much attention shown to him besides online. the raiders however..make sportscenter. i really hope oakland continues to win and forces the national media to give them their due. although..in the end they’ll find some way to speak about other things..and completely ignore the oakland raiders.
Charlie,
You are most welcome and I have NO problem stating FACTS. The fact that I as a Cleveland browns fan can see this, says something about the blatant and obvious East Coast bias against Oakland is so sickening at times. And even though I didn’t mention McClain you bring up a very good point. And last I check, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Dallas aren’t exactly choir boys either.
Personally, I’m just waiting till the raiders get into the playoffs and knock off one of the “favorites” it’ll be even MORE fun to call them out on their hypocrisy right there and watch them squirm. Thanks for reading!
A huge reason for the media bias is the recent history of this team. After several losing seasons the Raiders have earned a reputation. Then, add the record setting pace for penalties, the injuries, and the remaining schedule that includes games against Packers, Lions, and Chargers and its understandable that the national media is reluctant to jump on the bandwagon. As a fan, I am grateful the media is staying away. The Raiders have a young team and they don’t need the distraction of the media spotlight. Just enjoy them winning again, hope for Broncos losses, and smile every time they forget about the Raiders. Believe me, their opponents know how good they are!
Kenneth,
Thanks for the feedback! You make some very good points about the long-held bad boy image that Oakland/LA has carried with them, and while the penalties and recent record of losing may be a reason, there is no excuse for ESPN to rank HOU(who the raiders beat above Oakland), the Pack are the defending champs, the Lions are having their best season in over 15 years and SD is SD, all high-flying flash with no substance, all I’m trying to do is give them their proper due. Thanks again!
This is one great article. Who cares about the media & what they say. It means absolutley nothing. I think being snubbed by the media is a good thing. We (RAIDERNATION) don’t need attention to define who we are, weather it’s good or bad press.we just do OUR own thing & we’ll be just fine.
Mr Raider,
And I have enjoyed all the great and positive feedback from Raider fans like yourself, I feel like I’m part of the family. LOL
The Raiders haven’t put up an impressive win since Palmer has been under center. The last 3 wins came against a San Diego team in the middle of a complete disaster losing streak, a Vikings team that is a joke of a football organization, and the Bears in their first game without Jay Cutler. They may be a good team, but they have done nothing to impress of late, so until then, the teams who are beating real contenders will get the coverage. Also, you might want to proofread yourself next time you publish a column. (Most best? Really?)
Stan,
Thanks for commenting, but I have to respectfully disagree.
What part of being 3-1 as a QB, when you’re a recently-retired QB is NOT impressive? San Diego may be in the middle of a “a complete disaster losing streak” but they are still a very potent and deadly team that has a Pro Bowl QB in Rivers, the best TE in football in Gates and a absoulte stud at WR in Jackson.
Minnesota is not a “joke” as they are transitioning to a new QB in Ponder and still have the best RB in the league in AP and the Bears may not have had Cutler, but the raiders were without, McFadden, Moore, Ford and along with Seymour playing only a total of 11 plays, Oakland was also without it’s starting two CB’s.
I’m not sure if you’re being a hater or need to buy a pair of glasses, but Oakland has beaten TWO playoff teams in the Bears and Jets.
In terms of your last comment, ” the teams who are beating real contenders will get the coverage, ” Ummm..OK, so the Pats who lost to the Bills and were destroyed by the Steelers and nipped by the Giants deserve to be held up on proverbial pedestal when they haven’t even made it to the AFC title game in 4 years AND possess the next-to-last worst defense int he league?
Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Oakland would have a FIELD day attacking that defense all day. I’m not sure what Oakland needs to do to “impress you” but before trying to nit-pick and attack my writing for lack of proof-reading, you may want to check yourself in the mirror and face reality that the Raiders are for real. Fact.
Thanks for the reply, and sorry if i sounded a little agressive in the original comment.
I think they have a future with a defense that has been stout for a few years now, perhaps the best running back tandem in the league, and a talented QB in Palmer, but I think today’s game pulled back the curtain on the 2011 Raiders. It was a tough task, flying across the country to play a surging Dolphins team, but it’s a game that a serious playoff contender has to win. I wish Oakland the best of luck, but just don’t think this is the year for them.
I’m just tired of not being able to see our Raiders be on ESPN or NFL network in a positive fashion either great point. We respectively won against The Bears last week but no where do we hear anyone taking us seriously. What Bothers me the most is seeing Tebow flooding the shows where it gets to a point where I can’t watch it anymore, like okay guys there are other teams in the NFL that are doing their part to get football cred, talk about them for a change, get off the bandwagons and do your job as anaysts. I know last week we got off an ugly win only scoring one touchdown but seriously even if Cutler was there and we won the same way, we woudn’t have gotten any credit. I believe to give credit to teams when they are due, and I believe we should be ranked lower in this week’s ESPN power ranking but hey we are the Raider Nation, we see this every day, we’ll just prove it to the world every Sunday and leave all the members of the Tebow fan club keep talking about their idol. Enough already with this overall bias towards teams with bad boy images. Raider nation just win baby!!!
It is really good to see someone give the Raiders their due. I have been a Raider fan forever and as so, I have seen my team get a bad deal when it comes to being televised and also when it comes to the media for years now. It is definitely sad that we can not get coverage as other teams do. Even when we excel at playing, people only see the past experiences and never recognize what is in the now. I am tired of all the negativity that comes up for the Raiders. You are right, if it ain’t bad publicity with the Raiders, then no one wants to write it or talk about it in the media. It sad to say that as a Raider fan, I’ve had to get use to that, but it will never keep me or my team down. Gotta Love: RAIDER NATION BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dude, when you say “With all due respect, but…” leave out the “but”.