This is a Test! Oakland Raiders Must Keep Working, Learning, and Thinking!

Damali Binta – Aug 14, 2012

Believe it or not, I did not want the Oakland Raiders to win the first preseason game with only field goals. Well, there were two of them, and both were missed.

Next, I wanted the team to make a touchdown in the first quarter to show us that they are driven to do a better job in 2012 than in 2011. Again, it didn't happen.

The good stuff was that the Oakland Raiders did a better job in the defense, but somehow were unable to put a score on the board. Let's just say that the difference in scores could have been wider, so let's be glad that we are shaken by the loss, but we are aware of the need for more hard work.

Looking at the game was somewhat like grading a paper in calculus and noticing that the student missed every single problem in one section of the examination. When the score is zero, it makes a teacher or coach wonder if the team is learning fast enough.

One thing was clear: more competence was witnessed in the Oakland Raiders' defense. The Dallas Cowboys had a difficult time making a touchdown, and their field goal was the only score they put on the board.

The game was a Monday Night Football presentation, and it was informative in terms of letting the Raider Nation see the areas that need to be improved.

Terrell Pryor added a little excitement to the event. Overall, however, the Oakland Raiders need to focus and have more passion for winning.

Carson Palmer still needs to get in sync with the receivers. Matt Leinart's  performance got my attention, too. It's clear, however, that all of the guys need to work harder and play smarter.

Also, some of the folks in the Raider Nation had high hopes for the first game. There were predictions like 21-14, 27-10, and more. Every respondent in a Raider Nation Geek Quiz cited the Raiders as victors on Aug. 13, 2012. It just didn't happen.

It's a good thing that the needs of the Oakland Raiders became evident in the first game because it gives the team time to get things straight.

I wish we had a microphone in the locker room to hear what Reggie McKenzie and Dennis Allen had to say about the performance of the team on Aug. 13, 2012. What they said in the media is surely not as strong as what they may have said in that locker room!

Words from Mama Raider

Visit me on Twitter  @dbintayael