Raiders Trying To Get To .500

NFL News - September 3rd, 2009 - Written by John

Part of the problem, the Modesto Bee reports, is that the Oakland Raiders simply didn't care. Not enough to reflect on a loss, not enough to cut the music and jokes in the postgame locker room, not even enough to frown.

It was an infectious mentality that plagued the once-powerful AFC West team and drove them to the cellar of the NFL. So much so that corner back Nnamdi Asomugha, who signed the richest contract ever given to an NFL defensive back during the off-season, dogged his teammates publicly about their lack of desire and utter disrespect for the sanctity of competition. It came to a tipping point last December, when the Raiders lost to San Diego, 34-7, and were seeing laughing and joking and playing loud music as they dressed down.

At the start of the 2009 season, his voice seems to be making an influence. The Raiders have publicly become more invested in their performances on the field, The Modesto Bee reports, and are improving through three games of the preseason..

"No one's accepting what happened," tight end Zach Miller told the BEe. "Guys are mad about what happened, and we just want to fix it so it doesn't happen again. Guys care more."

They will try to get to .500 Thursday as they take on the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth preseason game Thursday night. BetUS is favoring the Seahawks by three points with an even line. Taking the Raiders straight up will payout +150.

Quarterback JaMarcus Russell has played well so far for Oakland this preseason, with a 96.3-percent rating.

The Seahawks will try to see what they can get from their rushing attack. Veteran back, Edgerrin James, recently signed with the club and may see a couple carries. If not, look for back-up, Justin Forsett, to get the bulk of the rushes. Thursday will also be one final opportunity for quarterback, Matt Hasselbeck, to get a few more reps. Hasselbeck was plagued with injuries and only threw 209 passes in 2009.

To discuss this and other NFL related stories be sure to check out our new forum at:
https://www.usaplayers.com/forums/