Oakland Raiders: One Person You Could Blame For Recent Struggles

Oakland Raider fans are passionate, strong, and demonstrate never-ending loyalty to their team.

Unfortunately, this creates a bit of bias when looking at their own team’s shortcomings. As of right now, things seem to be trending upwards for the Raiders. Other than that, however, there was nothing to be proud about if your a Raider fan since 2003, except for the fact that you are still supporting your team. I mean come on! What’s so great about a team that has won 8 games or less every year since 03?

Although Raider fans do have something to be proud of now, a future, they cannot be so blind to the teams’ failures in recent years. Now that my criticism is done, I need to say that Raider fans are bit better than some of the 49er bandwagons.

I know, Raider fans. With the way that I’m writing, it seems to be that I’m blaming the fans for the recent struggles, but I just wanted to get that off my chest. I like the Raiders and think they’ll do well, but they haven’t continually been the best team in the league.

The actual person that you should blame for recent struggles is Darren McFadden. And keep in mind that we can blame a guy without it being his fault.

He has potential to be a perennial pro-bowler, and one of the best Running Backs in the league, but his injuries keep persisting and he cannot deliver when he is on crutches. Now that he’s had an offseason to get healthy, he may be the final piece that the Raiders need. They’ve solidified their offensive and defensive lines, added a capable quarterback, and their GM is putting his plan into motion.

Eliminating bias, I think that the Raiders could have had a shot to make the playoffs if McFadden had the chance to be that great player that everyone thought he would be. The title of this article seems like “blaming” is a negative thing, but in this case, it’s not his fault that he keep getting injured. Hopefully he can stay healthy and give Oakland’s offense a huge boost.

If he is able to remain on the offensive line, the Raiders will be able to rejuvenate their lineup and put the pressure on other teams. This could lead to more and more victories, but how good will it actually be?

A playoff birth is a little bit too much to ask for, considering they may just be stepping back to their winning ways, but I think that an 8-8 record is completely fair for the Raiders.