RealClearSports: Raiders New GM Proclaims 'New Era'

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

OAKLAND – The little analysis of Hue Jackson by Al Davis is right there in the Oakland Raiders media guide. “The fire in Hue,’’ said Davis, “will set a flame that will burn for a long time in the hearts and minds of the Raider football team and Raider nation.’’

It was snuffed out, however, by Al’s son, Mark, who took over the team upon Al’s death.

On Tuesday, Mark Davis hired Reggie McKenzie from the Green Bay Packers as general manager, the position Al held de facto for decades.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2012

SF Examiner: It all comes down to one game for the Oakland Raiders

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

Oh, those Raiders. So many penalties. “After the flags, guys come up to me on the sidelines, and say, that’s what happens when you play for the Raiders,”  mused quarterback Carson Palmer.

Oh those Raiders, blown out by Green Bay, giving up a late lead to Detroit, ranked fourth-worst in the NFL in total defense.

Oh those Raiders...

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2011 SF Newspaper Company

SF Examiner: When big plays are needed, Raiders are unable to deliver

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

The Raiders had the game, and then they didn’t.

“We let it slip,” Raiders safety Tyvon Branch said.

They had the game, then the Detroit Lions had it.

“We can’t finish,” said Oakland coach Hue Jackson. “To say I’m disappointed is an understatement.”

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2011 SF Newspaper Company

SF Examiner: Jackson creates winning culture with the Raiders

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

The blend is unusual in pro football, excitement and candor. Hue Jackson doesn’t stop believing. Or demanding.

When you wait half a lifetime to become a head coach, you look at things differently, and even when the score is wrong, approvingly.

Jackson isn’t the only reason the Raiders have moved out of the darkness...

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2011 SF Newspaper Company

RealClearSports: Raiders Audacious, Resilient, Winning

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

OAKLAND, Calif. - Something's happening here on the east shore of San Francisco Bay. Something strange, something emotional, something that has brought together an audacious coach, resilient players and an relenting belief in the spirit of a man whose basic concept of sport as in life could be reduced to three words: "Just win, baby."

Just win. Al Davis said that a thousand times.

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2011 RealClearSports