Oakland Raiders Defeat of the Kansas City Chiefs Could Symbolize Overcoming Adversity

Damali Binta – Oct 23, 2011

Over the past several years, the Raiders have had an interesting pattern for wins at the end of Week 6. As we moved to Week 7, we hoped for a 5-2 record. We have, however, a 4-3.

Moving up is what we want. No more dips in the data. During bye week the Raiders have a lot of work to do.

One observation is that the number of wins in Week 6 in each of 2002 and 2011 is four. It suggests that the performance level of the Oakland Raiders is somewhat comparable to that of 2002, if you confine the discussion to the first six weeks of the season. Here is the data for total wins in Week 6, from 2002 to 2011. The number of wins, in 2011, is four for Week 6.

2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
4	2	2	1	0	2	1	2	2	4

It also means it has been about nine years since the Oakland Raiders have had four wins at the end of Week 6.

The rivalry between the Chiefs and the Raiders has been heated for many years. It will be more heated in 2011 because so much adversity has tried to chisel away the spirit and effectiveness of the 2011 team.

The expectation is victory. That expectation was not met. A victory would have indicated that the Oakland Raiders are moving up in performance and that the current record is not a fluke, but a solid indication of positive development.

If we compare the Week 7 situation with, say, the record of the Oakland Raiders in 1969, the following observations can be made. When the kicker had only a 54.1 percent accuracy in getting field goals in 1969, the receivers were extremely competent.

Historical Observation

For example, George Blanda at 42 years old had a field goal made (FGM) percentage of 54.1. This is coupled with the fact that there were two wide receivers who could get those touchdowns. Fred Biletnikoff had 12 touchdowns in 1969. His yards/reception average was 15.5. Another receiver and score grabber was Warren Wells who had 14 touchdowns in 1969. Wells' yards/reception average was 26.8. Wells was designated as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL in 1969.

Week 7 - The Real Deal

Now back to 2011. If we are challenged in the kicker position because of the injury of Sebastian Janikowski, then we must have a Biletnikoff or Wells type producing those touchdowns to make those points.

It means that Darren McFadden, Denarius Moore, Michael Bush and others must rise to the occasion and get more of those touchdowns in the future, especially after bye week.

Conclusion

The efficiency of the Oakland Raiders who can get those touchdowns must increase dramatically to make up for a possible gap or lower accuracy percentage in the kicker position.

We appreciate the field goals. We want more touchdowns, however, to become victorious in the remaining portion of the 2011 season.