Silver and Black Report

Does Steve Wisniewski have a Hall of Fame profile?

For a third straight year, the Hall of Fame committee bypassed former Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown for induction. There’s no denying he’s a hall of famer and will eventually get in…

But, when?

None of the six men elected; Curtis Martin, Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy, Willie Roaf, Dermontti Dawson, and senior selection Jack Butler, were wide receivers. Cris Carter and Andre Reed, both who were on the finalist list, played the same position and deserve induction as well. So it could take some time before we see probably the most deserving Raider not in Canton, with a bronze bust in the hall of immortals.

I’ll take a look at the five Raiders that deserve induction into the NFL Hall of Fame:

Tim Brown – Wide Receiver 

Brown, the Silver & Black’s 6^th overall pick in the 1988 draft, played 16-years for the Raiders and currently holds the team record for games played (240), season’s active (16), touchdowns (104), all purpose yards (19,431) and yards from scrimmage (14,924). Brown also has the NFL record with 10-consecutive seasons with at least 75-catches and the mark for being the oldest player (35) to return a punt for a touchdown. Brown was a 9-time pro bowl selection, a second team all-pro in 1997 and was on the NFL’s all decade team for the ‘90s.

Ron Wolf – GM/Personnel

Wolf was an architect of great Silver & Black clubs, as he had a vital role in drafting future hall of fame performers such as, Art Shell, Gene Upshaw, Howie Long and Marcus Allen. He also helped bring in Ken Stabler, Jack Tatum and Matt Millen. Wolf had two tenures with the Raiders, from 1963-to-1975 and again in 1978-1990.

With the Packers, his first major move was to hire Mike Holmgren, who eventually won Super Bowl XXXI, made a second big game appearance a year later against the Broncos while making the playoffs six-times as the general manager. Wolf inked Reggie White, the first marquee player in the league’s free-agent era.

Wolf remained a good friend of Al Davis throughout the years and Oakland consulted with the former executive on many occasions, just recently during their search for a new general manager.

Ray Guy – Punter

He was a major contributor on all three Raider championship teams, was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, a six-time All-Pro, the punter on the league’s storied 75^th Anniversary team and the first punter ever taken in the first-round of the draft. Guy never had a punt returned for a score, with his prowess being stuff of legends league wide.

The NFL has to recognize specialist and their contributions – it’s a travesty they don’t respect kickers and punters, especially since from year-to-year, the emphasis on special teams and how it can affect the outcome of games and ultimately, championship runs, is scrutinized by executives, coaches, players, media and fans.

If any special teamer deserves to get in first, it should be the greatest punter of all-time.

Cliff Branch – Wide Receiver 

Branch’s snubbing is mind-boggling. Especially when you consider that ‘Bullet’ Bob Hayes was inducted in 2009. Branch has been to one more Pro Bowl than Hayes, has two more First-Team All Pro selections, has two more Super Bowl rings and was a greater contributor to Oakland’s lore, than Hayes was to the Cowboys history.

Not only does Branch trump Hayes in awards, championships and highlights, but his stats are comparable. The Raider target played three-more seasons, but his 501-receptions for 8,685-yards and 67 touchdowns are just as impressive as Hayes’ 371-catches for 7,414-yards and 71 touchdowns.

Hayes was legendary due to his world class speed, but ask any cornerbacks who played against Branch in the 70s and ask them who much of a threat he was and they’ll tell you.

Steve Wisniewski – Guard

Yes, one of my all-time favorite players, but a guard who is truly deserving of Hall of Fame honors.

‘The Wiz’ was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection in 13-seasons. More impressive were the eight-times he was chosen as an All-Pro at his spot, including six straight recognitions from 1991-1996. Very few linemen in Raider history embodied what the team was about. He was tough, fiery and many accused him of being the dirtiest player in the league. Opponents hated lining up against him, but they all admired his grit in the trenches, as he was equally adept as a pass and run blocker.

THOUGHTS ON OTHERS…

Ken Stabler, George Blanda and Jim Plunkett

I’m not a big proponent for Tom Flores or Jim Plunkett’s inductions. Sorry Raider fans, but when I think of Hall of Fame, neither of those players come to mind.

Plunkett floundered for eight-years before his 1980 run with the Silver & Black. Undoubtedly, he did great things for the organization after that, winning two Super Bowls, but his credentials are not Canton worthy. Plunkett ended with 164 touchdowns and 198 interceptions. What’s your argument; that his career started slow? Well, with Oakland/Los Angeles, he had 80 touchdowns and 81 interceptions. He did have a 38-19 record with the Silver & Black, but his 72-72-career mark is not inspiring.

As for Flores, yes… he was the man on the sideline of two Super Bowl victories and his contributions run deep, going back to his playing days with the Raiders. His 83-53 record with the Silver & Black as coach in nine-seasons were impressive, but he was never considered a mastermind, rarely do you ever remember him being a difference maker for his coaching analytics and was known more for being a caretaker to great Raider teams.

His three-years in Seattle in which he posted a 14-34 record really smudged his résumé. A 97-87 record is mediocre, but those two Super Bowl victories are headlights that should catch the attention of some voters. Unfortunately, and rightfully I think, shouldn’t blind people into voting for him.

Lester Hayes was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time Super Bowl champion and the 1980 Defensive Player of the Year. Of the others mentioned in this section, he may be the one most deserving. I could’ve easily snuck him into my top-five, as his coverage ability and great nicknames; “the Judge” and “Lester the Molester” were indicative of his style pf play in bump and run coverage.

Ken Stabler in action during pre-game festivities.

Ken Stabler was clutch, a coach on the field and led the Raiders to victory in Superbowl XI. Two of his targets are in the Hall of Fame, but not the guy who got ‘em the ball?

‘The Snake’ had a career record of 96-49-1 and a masterful 69-26-1 run with the Raiders. He was a Hall of Fame finalist in 1990, 1991 and 2003. You have to think that as time passes, Stabler will be buried under an avalanche of great passers that will be inducted before him.

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Howie Long & Al Davis share a moment in Canton.

In this two part series, SBReport.net takes a look at the nineteen Raiders that have been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Howie Long – Defensive Lineman – Inducted: 2000

In 13-seasons, Long was one of the league’s most versatile linemen, equally adept at end or tackle. An eight-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion (XVIII), Long was fierce as a Raider and could’ve played in any era of football.

Ronnie Lott – Safety – Inducted: 2000

Arguably the greatest safety to ever play, Lott made a pit stop in Los Angeles for two seasons (1991-1992). He led the league in interceptions (8) in 1991 and made the last of his ten Pro Bowls as a member of the Raiders.

Dave Casper – Tight End – Inducted: 2002

The tight end was selected five times to Pro Bowl squads, was a five-time All Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion (XI and XV). He was also involved in two of the Raiders most historic plays; the “Ghost to the Post” versus the Colts during a 1977 divisional playoff game and “the Holy Roller” in 1978 against the Chargers.

Marcus Allen – Running Back – Inducted: 1993

One of the greatest weapons the Raiders ever had. His 74-yard run for a score in Super Bowl XVIII and 191-yard performance remains one of the greatest memories in club history. In 1982, he was the league’s offensive rookie of the year and in 1985, the NFL’s most valuable player.

James Lofton – Wide Receiver – Inducted: 2003

James Lofton spent time on the Oakland coaching staff.

He played two years for the Silver & Black and was a coach with the Raiders in 2008. Lofton was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time first team All Pro and ended with 764 passes for 14,004 yards and 75 touchdowns in his 16-campaigns.

Bob Brown – Tackle – Inducted: 2004

Brown played in Oakland the last three-years of his career. In 1971, his first season with the Silver & Black, Brown played in his last of six Pro Bowls.

John Madden – Head Coach – Inducted: 2006

The Raider Nation was in attendance during Madden's induction ceremony.

The legendary figure began his career as a linebackers coach with the Raiders in 1967. He then became their head coach in 1969 and won a Super Bowl in 1976. Madden ended with a 103-32-7 regular season record and later became the voice of the league as an analyst for varying networks.

Rod Woodson – Cornerback/Safety – Inducted: 2009

The league never saw a player so adept at cornerback and have a equally impressive end to his career at free-safety. Woodson tallied 71-career interceptions and was a Super Bowl champion with the Ravens in 2000, as part of the best defenses the league has ever seen. His arrival in Oakland was vital in 2002. The then 37-year old Woodson led the NFL in interceptions (8), making the Pro Bowl and helping the team to the Super Bowl.

Rod Woodson helped Oakland reach a Super Bowl in 2002 & was a secondary coach in 2011.

Jerry Rice – Wide Receiver – Inducted: 2010

The “GOAT” was with the Raiders from 2001-through-2004. The 13-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time Super Bowl champion had 243-receptions, 3,286-yards and 18 touchdowns with Oakland.

Part one of SBReport’s look at Raider hall of famers:

A look back at all the Raiders in the NFL Hall of Fame (pt. 1)

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Jim Otto during pre-game festivities in Oakland.

In this two part series, SBReport.net takes a look at the nineteen Raiders that have been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Jim Otto – Center – Inducted: 1980

You can call him Mr. Raider. Otto joined the newfound Raiders in 1960 and the team never saw another center along the offensive line for 15-campaigns. He was a nine-time AFL All-Star, three-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro. Till this date, Otto still remains a presence at Raider games and works for the organization.

George Blanda – Quarterback/Kicker – Inducted: 1981

From 1967-to-1975, Blanda provided Raider fans with memorable moments. At 43, he had a remarkable streak of games that featured him tossing three touchdowns in relief of an injured Daryle Lamonica versus the Steelers, kicking a 48-yard field goal with three seconds remaining to salvage a tie against the Chiefs and against the Browns, Blanda came off the bench to toss a tying score and then kick a game winning field goal as time wound down. He had two more amazing feats; again tossing a game winning touchdown versus the Broncos in relief and booting another field goal to seal the contest versus the Chargers.

Willie Brown – Cornerback – Inducted: 1984

The defensive back has one of the most vivid moments in Super Bowl history when he intercepted Fran Tarkenton and dashed 75-yards for a score. He played for Oakland from 1967-to-1978. Brown has remained a coach for the Silver & Black and one of the most beloved figures in franchise history.

Gene Upshaw – Guard – Inducted: 1987

He played his entire 307 preseason, regular season, and post-season game career with the Raiders. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, three time All Pro and two time Super Bowl champion was a dominant guard, who later became a historic figure as executive director of the NFLPA.

Fred Biletnikoff – Wide Receiver – Inducted: 1988

"Freddy B" & Art Shell during inductions in Canton in 2006.

“Freddy B” compiled 589 passes for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns during his 14-year career with Oakland Raiders from1965 through 1978. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, six-time All Pro and MVP of Super Bowl XI.

Art Shell – Tackle – Inducted: 1989

Not many players in league history were as complete as Shell. Equally great as a run and pass blocker, Shell was selected to eight Pro Bowls and was an All Pro first team tackle three-times. His post-player career included a AFC coach of the year award in 1990, when his club tallied 12-wins and made an appearance in the championship game that season.

Ted Hendricks – Linebacker – Inducted: 1990

“The Mad Stork” donned the Silver & Black from 1975-to-1983. In 1976, he was a full-time player for the Raiders in a 3-4 defense that ranked 6th that season in sacks tallied. A four-time Super Bowl champion, Hendricks attained the nickname “Kick ‘em in the Head Ted” as a Raider.

Ted Hendricks in Oakland prior to the game versus the Browns in 2011.

Al Davis – Owner – Inducted: 1992

Davis was one of the most legendary figures in league history. As an owner, head coach, general manager and commissioner, Davis’ impact in football is widespread, on the field and off of it. No other person embodied what the Raiders were all about.

Mike Haynes – Cornerback – Inducted: 1997

Speed, range and cover abilities – Haynes was the epitome of bump and run coverage. A nine-time Pro Bow selection and a member of the leagues’ 75th anniversary team, Haynes was a Raider from 1983-1989. He tallied 18 interceptions wearing the Silver & Black.

Eric Dickerson – Running Back – Inducted: 1999

He was a Raider for one season, acquired from the Rams for fourth and eighth round picks in the 1992 draft. He rushed for 729-yards – with his lone shinning moment on the Monday Night Football stage versus the Chiefs, darting 40 yards for a score.

Part two of SBReport’s look at Raider hall of famers:

A look back at all the Raiders in the NFL Hall of Fame (pt. 2)

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Former Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown is among 17 finalist to be considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012. The 44-member selection committee will meet on Feb. 4 in Indianapolis, the day before Super Bowl XLVI, to pick who will in inducted with other immortals in Canton.

Brown, the Silver & Black’s 6^th overall pick in the 1988 draft, played 16-years for the Raiders. He was a prolific wide receiver and a threat on special teams as a returner early in his career, coming out of Notre Dame where he won the 1987 Heisman Trophy.

He currently holds the team record for games played (240), season’s active (16), touchdowns (104), many other receiving marks along with marks for all purpose yards (19,431) and yards from scrimmage (14,924). Brown also has the NFL record with 10-consecutive seasons with at least 75-catches and the mark for being the oldest player (35) to return a punt for a touchdown.

Among other accolades, he was a 9-time pro bowl selection, a second team all-pro in 1997 and was on the NFL’s all decade team for the ‘90s.

In February of 2010, his former coach campaigned for his enshrinement. “He dominated the game. He’s a first ballot Hall of Famer, without a doubt,” said Jon Gruden.

“What Tim Brown did with the quarterback position the way it was is quite amazing. The number of quarterbacks who threw him touchdown passes…

“He did not have a Joe Montana for eight years, a Peyton Manning, a Brett Favre. Not to be discriminatory against the quarterbacks he did have, but he played in different offenses and was great in any system.”

During his time as a Raider, his teams compiled a 134-122 record with 6 playoff appearances.

Here is fan reaction on twitter regarding his nomination:

“he’s one of the best wrs and punt returners of all time..over 1000 rec with some of the worst qbs ..should have been in last year” - brian fried

“Tim Brown was a Great WR, Returner, and stabilizing force in the locker room perrenially. Carter was a great DIVA WR, Brown Wins!” – Ray Shirey

“Brown deserves to be Saturday. 105 totally TDs, 19,000+ combined net yards (5th nfl), 14,934 receiving yards (second to only GOAT)”  “(cont’d) 1,094 career receptions (3rd nfl history) and not to mention everything he did as a punt and kickoff return man” - Chris McClain

“Brown. You consider he played a lot of special teams early on. To stay healthy enough to evolve into an elite WR is impressive” - Trent Hawkes

“Carter took a backseat when Randy Moss came in, Tim Brown still was a beast when Jerry Rice came in” - Ismael Cosio

“Timmy Brown you have to include his return TD’s and YDs” - The Raider Guy

“Carter and Brown’s stats aren’t all that different, and Carter had better quarterbacks and was on better teams. #JustSaying” “Tim Brown did it consistently with no real talent at QB. If he and Jerry Rice switched teams, he’d be looked at as the GOAT.” – Ronaldo Spettacolare

“Can’t see him getting in on Sat. Chris Carter is his competition, Tim likely gets in next year. Cant believe Tim almost was Bronco” – TheReverendJimNorton

“Look at Tim’s production. Then look at the QBs he played with over his career. The answer will be self-evident.” -Brad Bordyn

“Tim Brown deserves to be in the HOF because of the numbers he produced with a carousel of subpar QB’s. Numbers don’t lie.” - Jerry

“Brown was an all-time great Raider, but compared to his peers he was merely very good. Sorry, no HOF for #81.” - Chris Holmes

“Jim Plumkett should be going in, he got two superbowls. Tim brown got the big EGG, ZERO, NADA! Nuff Said” - Andrew Bill Ena

“any WR with 1000 catches DESERVES to make it into HOF, should be rule like baseballs 3000 hits” - doug

“the only reason I see why he doesn’t get a nod is lack of a SB title.” – JB

Click on the Twitter capsule below to follow me and give your thoughts on anything Raider related, for 24/7 coverage of the Silver & Black and up to date postings.

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With Super Bowl XLVI right around the corner, we should revisit an article originally posted on January 27^th, 2010, regarding the top ten moments in Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders history.

What are some of your favorites memories from Super Bowl’s the Raiders played in?

Here’s a peek at my list:

• #10 – The greatest WR does it again – Super Bowl XXXVII
• #9 – Kenny King’s 80-yard Touchdown – Super Bowl XV
• #8 – ‘The Assassin’ left his mark – Super Bowl XI
• #7 – Rod Martin’s INT parade – Super Bowl XV
• #6 – Davis celebrates his 3rd Title – Super Bowl XVIII

Want to know what was in the top-five and details accompanying each moment? Go here:

Top 10 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders Super Bowl Moments

Follow me on twitter and tweet me your best Super Bowl Raider moments. I’ll also have a special Super Bowl edition of ‘Countdown to Paydirt,’ with game info and some predictions for this Sunday’s match-up between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, on Friday. Best fan tweets regarding the game this weekend will be posted on SBReport.net.

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Shane Lechler and Jon Condo pose for a photo at the Pro Bowl.

SBReport.net was live at Pro Bowl Ohana Day Saturday at Aloha Stadium, covering the league’s festivities prior to their all-star game.

Pro Bowl Ohana Day ran from 9 a.m. till noon and was open to the public. The NFL offered fans a behind-the-scenes look at the final AFC and NFC practices.

The Oakland Raiders had a presence at the event, with four pro-bowl selections.

Richard Seymour, Shane Lechler, Sebastian Janikowski and Jon Condo donned their conference jerseys. Raiderette of the year – Anna –  represented along with other AFC cheerleading representatives.

Here’s a look at the happenings, brought to you exclusively by SBReport.net:

It was all smiles for Lechler and Janikowski during the walk-through. Both specialist kept things light, as they enjoyed their first visit to Hawaii together. In 1991, the Raiders Jeff Jaeger and Jeff Gossett were teammates at the Pro Bowl. As November wound down, I posed the question:

Oakland Raiders: Is their kicking tandem the best ever?

Seymour spent time with the NFL Network. The defensive lineman is a seven time pro bowl selection, six time All Pro and three time Super Bowl champion.

2011, Raiderette of the year Anna, shined on the sidelines.

A faithful member of the Raider Nation says, “Aloha.”

Stay tuned for exclusive images from the Pro Bowl all weekend, only at SBReport.net.

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(Image rights belong to Raiders.com)

This week, the Oakland Raiders officially announced the hiring of Dennis Allen to be their next head coach.

Allen, 39, becomes the 18^th coach in the organizations history, its tenth headman since thy returned to Oakland in 1995 and their seventh over the last ten seasons.

In their release, the team stated:

The Oakland Raiders will introduce Head Coach Dennis Allen on Monday, January 30, 2012 at noon.

As first reported by Kate Longworth of CSN Bay Area, terms of the deal are for four years.

Oakland, under Al Davis, operated differently than what we’ve seen early on with Reggie McKenzie, as the likes of Norv Turner, Art Shell, Tom Cable and Hue Jackson were generally given two or three-year deals when given the head coaching job.

No coach has been as successful in Oakland as Jon Gruden, who compiled a 40-28 record from 1998-2001 but left for Tampa Bay for four draft picks (first- and second-round choices in 2002, a first-round selection in ’03 and a second-rounder in ’04), along with $8 million paid over three years.

Lane Kiffin compiled a 5-15 regular season record.

Bill Callahan (2002-2003) was fired one year after taking the Raiders to Super Bowl XXXVII. In his second season, the team turned on him in the midst of its 4-12 season, and Davis felt Callahan had lost control of the players.

Here’s a list of Raider coaches in their history and their records:

• Eddie Erdelatz (1960-1961) 6-10 in the regular season
• Marty Feldman (1961-1962) 2-15 in the regular season
• Red Conkright (1962) 1-8 in the regular season
• Al Davis (1963-1965) 23-16-3 in the regular season
• John Rauch (1966-1968) 33-8-1 in the regular season (2-2 in the playoffs)
• John Madden (1969-1978) 103-32-7 in the regular season (9-7 in the playoffs)
• Tom Flores (1979-1987) 83-53 in the regular season (8-3 in the playoffs)
• Mike Shanahan (1988-1989) 8-12 in the regular season
• Art Shell (1989-1994) 54-38 in the regular season (2-3 in the playoffs)
• Mike White (1995-1996) 15-17 in the regular season
• Joe Bugel (1997) 4-12 in the regular season
• Jon Gruden (1998-2001) 38-26 in the regular season (2-2 in the playoffs)
• Bill Callahan (2002-2003) 15-17 in the regular season (2-1 in the payoffs)
• Norv Turner (2004-2005) 9-23 in the regular season
• Art Shell (2006) 2-14 in the regular season
• Lane Kiffin (2007-2008) 5-15 in the regular season
• Tom Cable (2008-2010) 17-27 in the regular season
• Hue Jackson (2011) 8-8 in the regular season

In January of 2010, SBReport published:

The Oakland Raiders: A carousel of coaches

That capsule highlighted the constant change with the Silver & Black and the circumstances around those hirings/firings, along with speculation regarding the likes of Sean Payton and Steve Sarkisian.

While in Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, Shane Lechler talked about his new coach,  who he has known since 1994. “He’s a pay-attention-to detail guy,” Lechler told CSNCalifornia.com. “I’m not saying we haven’t had that here before, but D.A.’s going to take it to another level.”

It’s not the first time that the all-world punter has been boisterous about head coaching happenings in Oakland. In January of 2011, he had this to say about Al Davis decision to let Cable walk: “I just looked at my wife. I can go through another head coach. It’s not fun.”

He continued, “I think this is going to be a huge set back for us, to tell you the truth. Tom was good and how he handled the whole dealing with Al [Davis] and all that situation. He was one of the better coaches I’ve had that can handle that part of it and not let part of it bother the football team. And that’s what I enjoyed about him.”

“Yes I do respect him,” said Lechler then of Jackson taking over. “Whether he can call plays and pull off the whole head coaching deal and deal with Al Davis on the side, I don’t know, that’s a lot on somebody’s plate.”

Tom Cable in one of his final contests with the Silver & Black on Nov. 28, 2010.

With the hiring, Allen also marks the first defensive-minded head coach since the late Davis hired Madden to replace Rauch in 1969.

Since, Flores and every other coach until Jackson had offensive pedigrees and a background as either a play caller or an offensive line staffer.

In a video on CSNBayarea.com, the new Raider coach stated, “I think they are an outstanding organization and it will be an honor to be able to work for them.”

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Photo Credit: Darryl Bush (originally published in SF Chronicle)

January 19, 2003… the last time the Oakland Raiders participated in a conference championship game.

The Silver & Black advanced to the Super Bowl with a 41-24 home win versus the Tennessee Titans.

That was a daylong celebration for the Raider Nation. It began with the early tailgating, which then erupted onto a Network Coliseum parking lot concert featuring Metallica.

Yes, with Bob Rock on bass, Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich played Fuel, Master of Puppets, Sad, But True, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Seek & Destroy and Battery – as if the Raider faithful needed more adrenaline prior to the contest. (Yup, click on any of those songs to watch the performance on youTube)

League MVP Rich Gannon was 29-41 for 286-yards, three scores and no interceptions. His 2-yard scamper for a score early in the 4^th quarter ignited a crowd that was at a fever pitch all afternoon, but Zack Crockett’s 7-yard run with 3:25 remaining was the final nail in the Titans coffin.

“It’s amazing what you remember at funny times,” said Tim Brown after the game. “It’s just a great feeling to know that after watching this for 14-years, watching people play this game, to actually be on your way, it’s pushing a dream boat.”

Brown, 36 at the time, had nine catches for 73-yards.

Oakland only ran the ball 17-times that afternoon – a norm for that team, who were carried by an epic year-round performance from Gannon.

Tennessee ranked second in the league that year versus the run, but 25^th against the pass. Unfortunately for them, the Silver & Black were the leagues best passing club.

“Tennessee’s got a great defensive line, a good set of linebackers, but their defensive backs are kind of suspect,” stated starting left guard Frank Middleton. “We knew that going in. You have to take advantage of that.”

The attendance: 62,544. Not one person in that building will forget the on-field celebration, Bill Callahan hoisting the Lamar Hunt trophy and the melodic chants of “RAAAAAIDERS,” that rung loudly at the house of thrills.

Veterans like Brown and Gannon joined Bill Romanowski, Jerry Rice, Rod Woodson, Charlie Garner and Lincoln Kennedy on the field stage to celebrate their Super Bowl berth.

On that Sunday nine-years ago, Oakland felt right at home… as AFC champions.

GAME NOTES

• Anthony Dorsett, who played for the Titans on their 1999 Super Bowl team, recovered a fumble that eventually led to a score that gave the Raiders a 21-17 lead.
• The Titans fought hard that weekend. Steve McNair played a tough contest and with Joe Nedney declared out at halftime, it curtailed Jeff Fisher’s strategy throughout the game. A 50-yard field goal attempt was nixed, and when Craig Hentrich attempted a punt at a crucial spot in the contest, the Raiders special teams, featuring Crocket, Tim Johnson, Eric Johnson and Clarence Love tackled the punter at the Titans 16-yard line. A few plays later, Sebastian Janikowski booted a field goal to make it 27-17 with 4:29 left in the 3^rd quarter.
• Oakland ran only one running play over the first three quarters.
• “We were making a lot of dumb mistakes out there,” starting linebacker Eric Barton said. “Fortunately, we sucked it up and stopped it. That shows the character of this team.” The Raiders compiled 14 penalties for 127 yards, as they landed some vicious hits on McNair and battered the Eddie George, who ran the ball for 67-yards on 15-carries. “McNair played like a true warrior today,” said Callahan. “He had no quit in him, no die in him.”
• “We fought all year long,” Rice said after his 5-catches for 79-yards. “When we lost four straight games, this team stuck together and now we’re going to the Super Bowl.”
• Doug Jolley had 3-catches for 13-yards and a score. Jerry Porter had 4-receptions for 52-yards and a touchdown. Garner tallied 7-receptions for 55-yards and one touchdown.

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(Screen capture moments before the 'Tuck Rule' play)

ESPN posted a narrative from those involved on that fateful evening, when the Oakland Raiders and the New England Patriots played through a snowstorm on January 19, 2002.

The ‘tuck rule game’ brings back awful memories for fans of the Silver & Black and memorable moments for those that follow the Patriots.

The setting, quality of play and outcome was stunning. Through the snow, the wind and exasperating elements of playoff football, both teams engaged in what will forever be one of the greatest contests the league has ever seen.

That was ten-years ago today.

How time flies?

Tom Brady on that night was an excitable passer in his first playoff game. Now, he’s an all-time great figure and one of the most epic quarterbacks to ever step on a football field. That was one of the foundation wins for a Patriot organization that would go on to be a dynasty.

The Raiders with that devastating defeat in the snow were catapulted the following season to their last divisional crown, and an appearance in a Super Bowl.

Yes, Oakland had immediate success stemming from that loss, but the fortunes of both organizations have been vastly different a decade later.

New England is competing for a chance at their fourth world title with Brady this weekend, while Oakland is in search for their seventh head coach in that span.

It’s not fair to project and assume that Brady and co. would have never been a dynasty without that win. His greatness has shown to be unparalleled, while the team has been the model of consistency since.

It’s also not fair to assume that Oakland would have been able to beat Pittsburgh the following weekend after the tuck game and get in a run of their own.

The facts are, that loss still resonates and brings a lot of joy or pain depending in your rooting interest.

Ten years later, the tuck rule is now common football vernacular and every time a fumble is not a fumble, there’s a Raider fan that feels the pain from that January evening.

RECOLLECTIONS

“It was obvious,” then Raiders head coach Jon Gruden said. “I thought it was a fumble, but the officials thought otherwise.  You can never count on anything in the NFL. Say what you want, (Brady) made some great plays when he had to.”

He was right, Brady made the plays that needed to be made to win the game. For all the hurt that overturned fumble caused, the facts are, Oakland had a chance to win the game.

Late in the fourth quarter, Oakland had the ball with the 2:00 warning looming and a chance to ice the game. But on 2nd and short and 3rd and short, the Patriots defense stuffed Charlie Garner and then Zack Crockett, which forced Oakland to punt with time winding down.

A first down there, on those runs up the gut, behind their powerful offensive line, which they frequently picked up throughout the season, would have had Oakland killing the clock.

And even with the tuck rule coming into effect, it took an Adam Vinatieri 45-yard field goal with 27 seconds left, in dastardly conditions to force the game into overtime.

That conversion in my opinion is the greatest field goal in the league’s history.

After the game, all the talk was about the non-fumble. When asked about the play in the locker room, Brady said, “Uh… You know, he hit me. I wasn’t sure. Yeah, I was throwing the ball. How do you like that? Damn right. Damn right.”

Did it hurt? Yes. Does it still irk watching that play and knowing the outcome? Absolutely.

But those are the types of plays that NFL legends are made of. Remember the ‘holy roller’?

What about the Immaculate Reception? Ouch. Forget about that too.

MORE

Posted in late September prior to Oakland’s game vs. the Patriots:

‘Tuck Rule’ outcome not applicable & irrelevant to these Raiders

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Here’s a look at what some former Raiders did yesterday during the divisional round of the playoffs:

Dave Tollefson – Giants DL

Was shutout from the boxscore and was just a reserve during New York’s 37-20 win versus the top-seeded Packers.

Charles Woodson – Packers CB

“Anything you’ve seen through the regular season happened to us today — missed tackles, (missed) assignments, not getting to the QB. We let them throw for a bunch of yards. Everything that happened during the season happened today,” said the former Oakland cornerback. Woodson was of the goats from yesterday’s defeat.

Winston Moss – Packers Asst. HC/LB coach

Played for the Los Angeles Raiders (1991-94) and in 1993, when he led the Silver & Black in tackles on the team that advanced to the AFC Divisional playoffs, he earned the Ed Block Courage Award. All eyes now turn to Green Bay’s ouster, as there a few candidates that Reggie McKenzie can pick from to be Oakland’s next head coach.

Darren Perry – Packers Secondary/Safeties coach

Perry coached the Raiders secondary for two years (2007-2008), aiding the development of Nnamdi Asomugha and helping the Silver & Black stay within the top-10 versus the pass in both of those campaigns. The Packers allowed 325-yards passing yesterday and were ranked last in the entire league in aerial yards per game.

Greg Knapp – Texans QB coach

Houston’s playoff run came to an abrupt end in Baltimore, as Tyler Yates went 17/35 for 184-yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. Knapp had a tough task at the end of the years, prepping his young passer for a post-season experience after losing the team’s top two passers.

Chris Carr – Ravens CB

Chris Carr in his playing days with the Silver & Black.

Was inactive during Baltimore’s 20-13 victory versus Houston.

Chuck Pagano – Ravens defensive coordinator

Spent two campaigns with the Raiders as a defensive backs coach. In 2006, Oakland led the league in pass defense (150.8) and Asomugha had a breakout year with eight interceptions. Pagano is now the mastermind behind that stout Ravens defense.

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