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"Commitment to Excellence?..."
Christmas has come early in the form of a win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. They played smart, took care of the ball and lo and behold a win was final reward. A much needed win for the Raiders and fans. Sunday’s game showed the Raiders still do have some pride in winning.
This season has been a huge let down and I’ve been more than vocal in my criticism, but perhaps my expectations go beyond winning 4 games a season.
I read a comment in an article written from a fan that I have a great deal of respect for. The line that had me thinking was this, “Just when people are ready to write the Raiders off, they do something completely unexpected.” Aren’t they supposed to win each week?
The win Sunday was much needed, but in no way makes up for the fact the Raiders are still 4-10. The win Sunday was not going to change the reality that the Raiders are not going to the playoffs. A moral victory perhaps, but moral victories aren’t going to suffice when expectations were high this year.
This season has tested the resolve of fans, players, coaches and most certainly Al Davis.
I hear and read the slogans so often used to describe the Oakland Raiders, “Commitment to Excellence”, “Pride and poise” and “Just win baby”. One has to ask the question, does the organization honestly believe in those slogans or are they merely hollow words that shouldn’t be taken to heart?
Apparently some fans take offense to my questioning the direction of the organization or more precisely Al Davis.
Recently someone wrote a reply to last weeks article with this:
If we have any self-respect at all, we will eat crow when needed. Hitman is right on when he asks to look back over the last 20 years and be honest with ourselves regarding the way that the Raiders have fared.
Since our last SB victory in 83, we have missed the playoffs 12 times. We've missed it 60% of the time for that time frame. One was the strike season of 1987 so you can probably throw that one out.
In the 8 times we did make the playoffs, we were 1-7 in seeing it through to the Super Bowl. So if our goal every year is to make it to the Bowl, we are a paltry 1-19. If our goal is to win the Bowl we are 0 -20. 20 years 10 seasons playing .500 football or worse. 8 playoff appearances. One Super Bowl meltdown. Bottom line: Last 20 years 0 and 20
In Al Davis’ 40-year association with the Raiders, let’s compare his first 20 years with his last 20.
From 1963 – 1983 the Raiders won 12 Division Titles, 1 AFL Championship, 3 AFC Championships and won 3 Super Bowl Championships. From 1984 – 2004 The Raiders won 5 Division Titles and 1 AFC Championship.
Are we only going to give Al Davis credit for the first 20 years of success, but blame the last 20 seasons of failure on coaches and players?
Is it all Al Davis’ fault? No, not at all, but HE does controls all aspects of the organization and is responsible for both its success and failure. Comes with the title.
As fans we cannot continue to view past success as a positive for current failure. We do have to question the direction of the team; we do have to hold players, coaches and ownership responsible for the product we as consumers pay for.
We have a right to express concern and dismay when that product is not up to par.
People feel I’m overly critical of the team or more specific Al Davis. As I have told many others, if Al is the Raiders as most like to proclaim then yes I have to be critical of the man that directs the ship.
I expect more; because I have experienced the thrill of watching the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders win the ultimate prize. Perhaps if more fans have had that experience they too, might be more critical of the team.
I expect more of MY owner and MYteam. I truly believe in a “Commitment to Excellence”… I didn’t coin the phrase I’m just following the mantra. Just my opinion.
HITMAN
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