The Oakland Raiders have been one of the most dominant teams in the NFL this season. Currently, they sit closely behind Kansas City in the AFC West standings, and --if their success continues-- will very likely secure a playoff spot for the first time in 13 seasons. After growing up and seeing little more than consistent struggle from the Raiders, I've really enjoyed watching a team I heard so much about from my dad finally be such a dangerous team. So, in honor of Oakland's sudden surge in success, I want to take a look at the history of one of the more unique franchises in the NFL.
In 1960, the Oakland Raiders began playing in the AFL and continued to do so until the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 (subsequently becoming a member of the AFC). There was little success in the franchise until the installation of Al Davis as head coach.
Though no championships were won under this future famed owner while he was a coach, the Raiders did manage to snag an AFL Championship (under John Rauch as head coach and Davis as general manager) before the merger in 1970. Before the conclusion of the 20th century, the Raiders won three Super Bowls, their first being in 1976 under football legend John Madden. In that time, they also produced future Hall of Fame players on both sides of the ball, including defensive end Howie Long and running back Marcus Allen. The Raiders won their last Super Bowl in 1983 (as the Los Angeles Raiders, which they were from 1982 to 1994), and have not even made the postseason since their blowout loss to former coach John Gruden and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII.
It is safe to say that since 2002, the Raiders have been on quite a downward slope. However, under Jack Del Rio, Oakland has shown significant improvement and will likely go on to --at the very least-- snag their first winning season in 13 years.
Aside from their overall lack of success throughout most of my childhood, the Raiders always stood out to me as a team. Not unlike the New Orleans Saints, there's a very distinct culture behind Raiders football and among the fans.
The fans are visibly dedicated to their team, and that type of fierce devotion is something I'll always admire. In my mind, the Raiders have also represented the darker, dirtier, less conventional side of NFL football, and I've always loved that. I grew up hearing stories about how terrifying the Raiders were as a team because they had a reputation for playing tough (and often penalty-worthy) football. Though it wasn't always the safest and best way to play, it made watching their games a lot more fun. Ironically enough, Oakland made a point of upholding such a reputation just this year, where they set an NFL record for getting called for 24 penalties in a single game (and, surprisingly enough, the Raiders still went on to defeat the Buccaneers that day). In an odd sort of way, it paid tribute to the Raiders of the past --as several of the penalty records are held by the Raiders teams of the late 20th century-- which I think it somewhat appropriate, considering their surge back to the top of the league this year. Personally, I can't wait to see the success of the Oakland Raiders on the field and as a team opposing fans love to hate continue to unfold.
