Photo Win a good start for frustrated Raider fans

By Stephanie Black

December 21, 2004
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)
 



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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