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Win a good start for frustrated Raider fans
By Stephanie Black
December 21, 2004
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Tennessee Titans quarterback Billy Volek (7) shakes off a tackle attempt by the Oakland Raiders' Travian Smith in the second quarter on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2004 in Oakland, Calif. Raiders won 40-35.
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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OAKLAND - The Oakland Raiders beat the visiting
Tennessee Titans 40-35 Sunday at the Oakland Coliseum,
a great win at home that was important to many fans,
personal seat license (PSL) holders, and the team
considering the looming PSL crisis.
The Raiders should be trying to sell as many tickets
as possible and market their team's skills to bring as
many fans as possible into the stadium for next
season. Raiders wide receiver Doug Gabriel wanted to
show his support for the Raider Nation as he stopped
by the Black Hole tail gate party. It must have been
his mojo when he scored a touchdown and jumped into
the Black Hole.
Communication is key and if coaches are going to put
together a winning team for the Oakland Raiders, they
need to talk to their veterans and ask them how they
fit into this system, ask them how they can lead, and
create opportunities for them to lead.
Quarterback Kerry Collins was speaking of leadership
and the ability to allow one to lead. I'm wondering
how long Collins could go during a season without
throwing a turnover. Collins couldn't leave this game
without turning the ball over at least once.
Collins has improved in the Oakland system
consistently over the past month, but can this NFC
quarterback become a mobile AFC quarterback? Doubtful
at this point.
Enter Marquis Tuiososopo, who continues to sit on the
sidelines. the question becomes what kind of a leader
are the Raiders looking for and what kind of offense
can Turner build around a 50-50 chance leader in
Collins. This team needs to be looking for a running
game and a solid leader at quarterback. The players
aren't ready to talk draft yet, but it looks like
they're going to have to start planning on bringing in
some more talent to support this team and support this
young cast of players.
Stefani Black is heard on Sportstalk on KVVN 1430 San
Jose and KLIB 1110 Sacramento, she also can be heard
on raidersfanradio.com, and she writes in this space
each week for Raiders football.
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