Raiders Beat Chiefs to Sweep their division

What is with these Oakland Raiders? They take rivalries to heart, don’t they? They have played so tough against divisional opponents and have swept the AFC West 6-0, yet, have only mustered two wins against teams outside their division. We can’t label them all that inconsistent, as in their division they were the most consistent at beating their rivals and they sure ended their season on a high. Arrowhead is a very difficult place to play at the best of times, but when facing one of the best running backs in the league, it becomes even harder. So where did it all go right?

Whether Kansas City were looking to the post season or not, they were hammered by an Oakland team that just looked much better in every department. My rookie of the year Jacoby Ford, proved himself once again on an end around, while the Oakland defence looked the best I have seen them all year against the NFL’s second best running team. They limited the Chiefs to just one touchdown coming from Jamaal Charles and it was clear that Oakland were playing for pride.

And a lot of it they have, too. A great example of this pride running right through the team, even don to the rookies is starting Left Tackle Jared Veldheer, who has helped the Oakland running offence to amount a 2,494 yard season. Something that he can take great pride in.

A lot has to be said for Michael Bush this season, who has kept up with Darren McFadden in the running game and had himself an excellent game on Sunday with McFadden out. He gained 137 yards rushing, a touchdown and four receptions for 34 yards. When one player is attaining those sorts of numbers in one game, it really takes the pressure off the other players and opens up the passing game, allowing Oakland’s offence to run rings around the Kansas City defence.

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Word on the street is that Cable is on his way out and Hue Jackson, who is currently the offensive co-ordinator is a prime candidate for the job. I will stand up and say - I don’t know if I like this. Ok, the Raiders have been more explosive on offence since Jackson was appointed, however, Cable and Jackson have had beef from day one and I don’t think that simply getting rid of Cable is the answer.

Hue Jackson was largely responsible for the turnaround of this Oakland team from last season where they ranked 31 st in the NFL for total offence, but does Tom Cable not deserve any credit? It’s not down to me but I don’t think Cable’s input should be overlooked. After all, the team did manage a dramatic end to the season, as opposed to one where they were fighting for the first draft pick. The Raiders have until 18 th of January to decide either way.

It’s great that the season has ended on a high for the Raiders, as this then gives them confidence going into the off-season and if they can sort out their administration issues and come back next year firing on all cylinders, they can make a bid for the playoffs. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ – but I can see this year having a very positive effect on all of the rookies that have had a chance to play on a team that wasn’t getting beaten every week.

As for the post season, I will be covering the New England Patriots! They are my pick to make it to the Superbowl and it will be interesting to watch them in their bid. I will be doing pre-game articles as well as post game ones to track their journey through the playoffs. So stay tuned!

All the best from the UK, as always, and I hope that you all had a great New Year.

By: Tom Greenhalgh
ProFootball-fans.com Oakland Raiders Correspondent