Raiders

Owner: Joe Decker
Coach: Art Shell

June 25th, 2011
Associated Zone

Alameda, California

The Oakland Raiders Front Office Staff returned to work this past week after a two month hiatus. When questioned about the extended vacation GM Joe Decker responded, "We are well aware other teams have chosen not to take time away this summer, we decided it was in the best interest of the franchise (and our personal lives) to take some time away during the league's dead period."

This week found the Raiders' Staff begin their initial evaluations of their roster and begin creating training camp invitations. Coming off a very active draft weekend, the Raiders welcome multiple new faces into the fold for the 2011-2012 campaign.

"We like the nucleus we've put together and look forward to seeing what Coach Shell can do with this group of talent."

Decker was asked about the possibility of additional roster moves prior to convening this year's camp, "We're pretty content with the group we've put together and don't anticipate making any large roster changing moves. We've got a couple of spots we're looking at on both sides of the line of scrimmage."

This could certainly mean this year's camp is especially important for the likes of Marcus Spears, Levi Jones, Reggie Wells, and other aging linemen.

The Raiders Front Office announced they will be in the office weekly moving towards the upcoming NML Season.

October 16th, 2011
Associated Zone
Oakland, CA

After an off-season of personnel moves, the Oakland Raiders entered the 2011 NML campaign with high hopes. Following an inaugural year ending in a 4-12 record, several additions/changes have occurred. Gone are playmakers, Dexter McCluster and Aaron Hernandez as the Raiders placed a large focus on Defense in the off-season.

With the additions of linebackers, Clay Matthews, DJ Williams and Cameron Wake; the Raiders entered the year with one of the better front 7's in the league. One of the best moves of the off-season include the addition of RB Mike Goodson for a mere third round draft pick.

Coming into Week 1 of the Season all hopes were high facing off against the Denver Broncos. With new ownership at the helm, not much was known about the Broncos entering the game. After a scoreless first-half, second year QB Colt McCoy spoke up at halftime, "LISTEN...IS THIS WHAT WE CAME HERE FOR? NO...NOW PULL YOUR HEADS OUT* AND LETS GO" [sic]

The Raiders came out and scored 24 unanswered points to win the game 24-3 over the Broncos. Highlighting the game was newcomer Mike Goodson who finished with 132 yards rushing and 3 TD's.

Week 2 saw the Raiders face off against the Buffalo Bills. A team that has had success in the past, the Bills would be a good measuring for the 2nd Year Raiders. Facing a 24-21 deficit with 2:31 left in the game, QB Colt McCoy stepped up and found newly acquired WR Kealoha Pilares for a 52 yard TD to take the league for good. The revamped defense came up with the hold as the Raiders moved to 2-0.

Week 3 found the Raiders back home as the rival Jets came to town. The beginning of the game was the worst possible start as McCoy's first two passes went for TD's....to the other team. Trailing 14-0 and staring at two of the premier players in the league on the opposing sideline (Michael Vick and Adrian Peterson) morale was low. LB Clay Matthews was seen on the sideline leading a team meeting. While many expletives were heard, the message to the team was simple...Who Do We Want To Be?

The team responded with one of the best comebacks in this franchise's young history. The Raiders defense posted 11 sacks and RB Mike Goodson came through with his third 100 yard game as the Raiders cameback to win 25-21.

Week 4 saw a visit from the New England Patriots as the trek through the UFC East continued. Prior to the season Patriots ownership was replaced with former Arizona Front Office staff.

The Patriots entered with a vaunted pass offense headed up by Peyton Manning. With a large dose of the air-game ahead of them, the Raiders prepared for a donnybrook. And Pass they did. The Patriots ended the day with 422 yards passing, however they were unable to convert on all of their chances and ended up mustering a futile 20 points. "We employed a bend-don't-break gameplan today. We knew they'd get some yards, we just couldn't let them end in touchdowns" - LB Clay Matthews said.

With that said, 3 additional TD's still wouldn't have been enough. The Raiders offense put together a 48 point output setting several franchise records in the process. RB Mike Goodson ended with 317 yards rushing and a mind blowing 15.09 YPC average. According to league records, this is a new league record for single game rushing by an individual and team rushing, as the Raiders put up 403 total rushing yards.

Remembering the beating the Raiders received at the hands of the Cardinals last season GM Joe Decker was quoted, "This one was special for us. We remember how they continued to pass well after the game was in hand. Hopefully this is a statement to others, that the Raiders are for real this year."

The Raiders enter week 5 preparing to play the Houston Texans. The game features two of the better defenses in the league and should be a low scoring affair.

Through the first four games of the year, the Raiders are 4-0 and in sole possession of first place in the UFC West.