Cut Al Davis some slack
The Shadow
By JayMcrey
The media has rarely been kind to Al Davis, and they've placed the blame
for Oakland's recent failures squarely on his shoulders. In spite of all
the negative press directed at Al Davis and his Oakland Raiders there
are countless reasons to give Al a pass and be optimistic about
Oakland's future, but to know where you're going you must first remember
where you've been.
A history lesson for those who have forgotten:
The Oakland Raiders franchise began in1960. They began by posting a
record of 9 win and 33 losses in their first 3 seasons. Al Davis became
the head coach and general manager in 1963, and led the team to a 10-4
record in his first season, a nine game turnaround that still stands as
one of, if not the best single season turnarounds in pro football
history. The Raiders continued to dominate the AFL until it merged with
the NFL in 1970. A merger which Al Davis helped to orchestrate.
Despite the teams early, and more recent struggles (24 wins and 72
losses since losing Superbowl XXXVII) , Oakland is still one of the top
five winningest franchises in NFL history. In fact they have a.500 or
better winning percentage against 25 of the other 31 teams. The other
six: New England and New Orleans(win/loss is even but percentages are
reduced because of a tie), Jacksonville and the Houston Texans 1-3,and
Baltimore 1-4. Which leaves only the Kansas City Chiefs who aside from
the fact the Raiders ended a 17 game losing streak to the Chiefs in 2007
only trail in their longest standing rivalry by 7 games 41-51-2 (a
couple of which they are likely to make up this coming season).
I know that some of the loudest voices calling for Al Davis's head come
from within the Raider Nation, but in light of his history of success I
think everyone should give him a pass for the last 6 years, and look to
the future. From what I can tell it is pretty bright. No wonder he's
always wearing shades.
JUST WIN BABY!!