End Of An Era for the Raiders Or Error?
“The Autumn Wind is a pirate
blustering in from sea,
with a rollicking song, he sweeps along,
swaggering boisterously.
His face is weather beaten.
He wears a hooded sash,
With a silver hat above his head,
And a bristling black mustache.
He growls as he storms the country,
A villain big and bold.
And the tress all shake and quiver and quake,
As he robs them of their gold.
The Autumn Wind is a raider,
Pillaging just for fun.
He’ll knock you ’round and upside down,
And laugh when he’s conquered and won.”
End Of An Era
This Sunday December 15th, 2019 marks the end of the Oakland Raiders. Since their return in 1995, they have posted a record of 159 wins and 238 losses. Counting just “home” games, they have 91 wins, and 108 losses. In the 25 years of being back to Oakland, they have started 26 different quarterbacks, and had 12 different head coaches. That’s just crazy; our fearless leader has passed and his son took over the ship to steer in a new direction.
Related: Should Raiders Gamble with Riverboat Ron?
…Or Error?
How much different would it have been if owner Al Davis had accepted the NFL’s offer and built the new stadium in Inglewood? He could have waited until 1997 and join the UCLA Bruins in their new stadium, maybe even (most likely) get a second NFL team too. He balked at the idea and went back to Oakland for their promised renovations. I can’t blame him though, the hype then was bringing the Chargers to share since the Rams left. I couldn’t imagine Raiders and the Bolts sharing a stadium.
Al’s Legacy
Al Davis always wanted a new stadium but never wanted to be grounded to it. He really did just pillaged and got what he could from Oakland. When Los Angeles looked good, he went and got what was given to him. Then, he went back to Oakland for more. I can’t recall many times Davis said Oakland Raiders, or Los Angeles Raiders. They were just “The Raiders.” He prided himself on the team being known and loved worldwide and balked at the NFL every chance he got. Which is why the NFL still f***s the Raiders, but that’s a whole other story.
Mark’s Legacy
In comes Mark Davis, the Raiders new head honcho. He almost went back to Los Angeles, was willing to share with Chargers (which still disgusts me, am I right?). Stan Kroenke, being the powerful and rich mogul he is, took over that deal. He bought (or tried) the L.A. brand and allowed the Chargers to move in. After failed negotiations with Oakland, the Raiders were out. The NFL stepped in and allowed the move, which happened to be Sin City, Las Vegas. What’s better? That new L.A. market for the Rams is still loyal to the Raiders. NFL messed up.
Fan Rivalry
Growing up in Los Angeles and moving to Arizona, I would catch crap from Oakland fans. To some of them, L.A. Raider fans were traitors. I think they were just bitter pansies for being jealous and upset Raiders were doing better in L.A. but that’s neither here nor there.
Raiders returned to Oakland and those L.A. fans stayed true; well, some did, but Oakland fans were no longer bitter. L.A. fans were fine with them going back home and some of us made multiple trips to see them and meet the Nation. Things have been fine, the Nation continued to grow.
Sin City Raiders
Now, the team is on to Las Vegas. L.A. fans, Oakland fans, fans across the Nation love Vegas! No matter who steers the ship (coaches), no matter the first mate (starting quarterback), Raider Nation just got stronger. It’s time to say bon voyage to Oakland. Raiders are off to pillage Las Vegas after Sunday, with a plunder of Carson and Denver along the way. The future is bright!
Just Win Baby!
For more Raiders content keep it here at the Ramble, to see other stuff Ben has wrote and designed check out eagleyeforum.com
You might also like: Time to park the Carr in Carson