Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff Hopes Rest on “Criminal Element”

Back in the 1970s the Raiders and Steelers rivalry was about as intense as it can get. There were cheapshots, trashtalk and lawsuits aplenty. The Raiders in general and George Atkinson specifically were labeled the “Criminal Element ” by Steelers coach Chuck Noll. 

Now more than 30 years later the Steelers playoff hopes may rest on a Raiders victory against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. In part because of their own inability to beat the Raiders themselves.

I wonder if Lynn Swann will be cheering for the Raiders on Sunday. I saw a video on youtube (type in Oakland Raiders feud) where he once said he felt his life was in danger when playing the Raiders! George Atkinson’s humorous response was that Lynn Swann was SOFT! That was a different era and I wonder if players like Atkinson, Tatum, Blount, or Lambert could even play in the league today.

As a Raiders fan I’ve never liked the Steelers but I’ve always respected them. They have a good owner, passionate but not completely annoying fans and have always played a hard-nosed physical style of football. The kind of football I love.

That’s why I hope we can help them out this Sunday. That and my disdain for the Colts and Patriots.

When the Colts let the Jets win Sunday they hurt the Steelers. When New England lays down for Houston that will hurt the Steelers. If the Steelers miss the playoffs that means the AFC will more than likely be represented by the Colts, Chargers, or Pats; three teams capable of losing to Pittsburgh with a healthy Polamalu. Does anyone really want to see that?

So I hope even Lynn Swann joins Raider Nation this Sunday, with all the other Steel Curtain faithful and helps cheer us on to victory. Then after the game I’ll be looking for a few Steeler fans at my local sports bar to pick up my extensive bar tab. I will thank them and wish them well… until the next time we play them in a meaningful game and then I’ll hate them again. SOFT!

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Could Osi Umenyiora End Up In Oakland?

Osi Umenyiora is not happy being a New York Giant. http://www.scoresreport.com/tag/giants-to-release-osi-umenyiora/

It appears the Giants aren’t happy with him either as he played only about five snaps in their embarrassing home loss to the Carolina Panthers.

If they release him they get nothing for a player who should command something in return and is under contract through 2012. That’s why it makes a lot of sense for the Giants to explore trade possibilities.

Now let’s say you’re Giants GM Jerry Reese and you’re trying to figure out how to get the most in return for your disgruntled big name “superstar”. Who would overpay for a big name? Who would disregard scouts who think Umenyiora is a one-dimensional third down pass rusher? Who would you call?

You know you’re nodding your heads as you read this my fellow Raider fans because you know who Jerry Reese is going to call. You also know that Umenyiora is big, fast and a flashy talent. Does that sound like the type of player Al Davis can say no to? I don’t think so either.

So the question is how much does Al give up for his services and can he help the team?

The second part of that question is much easier to answer than the first. There is no doubt if used correctly Umenyiora could make a positive impact on the Raiders d-line. Anyone who watched the Giants-Pats Super Bowl knows what a destructive force that Osi can be. The first part is much tougher. At what cost is it worth to bring in a player who doesn’t play the run particularly well to play for a defense that has a problem stopping the run?

I think most teams would probably pony up a third round pick for Osi’s services. I also wouldn’t be shocked if Al pays a steeper price.

I think Al would give up a second round pick or more to bring in this kind of player. At Al’s age the future is now and he will overpay if he thinks a player can help this team right now.

If this somehow did go down it would definitely make the kind of big splash that Al so loves as well. Stayed tuned Raider Nation the time between now and draft day will be interesting indeed!

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Oakland Raiders: According to Most, No Chance at All

Something I typically like to do is check out stories and previews from the perspective of the writers who cover the team the Raiders will face that week. This week that means I’ve been reading a lot about the Baltimore Ravens.

From most reports, this game is already a foregone conclusion. A game where the Raiders shouldn’t even bother showing up, and a game that will give the Ravens their “rightful” place in the playoffs.

While I respectfully and optimistically disagree for many reasons I do see why some would think that is the case. However, at least one Baltimore Sun correspondent (and only one) thinks differently.

Ken Murray’s prediction was: Ravens 24, Raiders 21. His comment was this game is a lot tougher than it looks. Ken Murray is a smart man. This game will be tougher than it looks.

I know all the reasons why the Ravens are supposed to dominate on Sunday. The Ravens are motivated. The Raiders can’t stop the run. The Raiders have nothing to play for. Charlie Frye is starting at quarterback. On and on and on!

It’s easy to make assumptions based on statistical evidence. It’s probably the best way to be correct on a regular basis. However, it does not guarantee certainty. If it did the Raiders would not have four wins against statistically superior teams.

This Sunday, the Raiders will get a chance to decide several things. Pride and poise will be tested. They will have a chance to alter the playoff landscape. They might even have a chance to alter their own futures and the futures of their coaching staff.

I don’t think they’ll lay down. I think they’ll rise up. I think we may just see the best performance we’ve seen all year. I think much like last year, which is very frustrating I might add, they will have saved the best for last!

I think Ken Murray is a smart man. I think he might have accidentally flip-flopped the score though. Raiders 24, Ravens 21.

Or maybe he and I are both idiots! We’ll see on Sunday!

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