Raiders bye week banter

By Anthony Carroll  |   Friday, October 05, 2007  |  Comments( 32 )

Oakland Raiders
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With a slightly enjoyable, mostly painful bye week ahead in Oakland, here's a hit-and-miss list of thoughts for Raider Nation to chew on until their team resumes play on Oct. 14.

Despite missing half of last weekend's game, running back LaMont Jordan still ranks second in the NFL in rushing with 424 yards. The Raiders, as a whole, rank first.

In a divisional side note, Broncos running back Travis Henry, the loving father of nine illegitimate children, tested positive for marijuana on Thursday and now faces up to a one-year suspension. Henry, in an attempt to avoid the suspension, plans to sue the NFL. That's a good plan. Another good plan: Not smoking marijuana.

Two of the top five interception leaders in the NFL are on Oakland's roster, 25-year-old Kirk Morrison and 24-year-old Thomas Howard. Both have three picks in four games.

Yes, you read that second statement correctly. Travis Henry has nine -- yes, nine -- illegitimate children. What a role model.

Oakland has 12 touchdowns this year. It had 16 all last season.

The aforementioned Morrison, with three INTs and 25 tackles, was named the AFC defensive player of the month Thursday.

With 261 yards rushing, backup halfback Justin Fargas has just 1 yard fewer than '06 NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson and two fewer than the Chiefs' Larry Johnson.

Think LaMont Jordan is strictly a short-yardage back? As of today, the 5-foot-10, 230-pounder ranks second in the NFL in 10-plus-yard rushes with 14.

Another side note: On third and short (under 3 yards), Jordan is a solid 5 for 6. That percentage ranks third in the NFL among all backs with at least five third-and-short attempts.

It seems NFL.com has wide receiver Mike Williams' photograph mixed up with the Jaguars' 370-pound offensive lineman with the same name: Take a look. Funny thing is, if the Raiders' Williams keeps playing like he is, he may find himself on the bench, where he'll begin to slowly evolve into that player in the picture.

Ronald Curry has seven first-down grabs on third down. That's tied for third in the league.

The Raiders are winning the time of possession battle by an average of 5:12 each game. Only three teams can say they manage the clock better (the Patriots, Ravens and Steelers).

At his current pace, ex-Raiders wideout Randy Moss will surpass 2,000 yards receiving. Still, it was a good trade for Oakland. Only a multi-faced player like Randy Moss can make that happen.

Despite all the draft buzz, perhaps the two most important additions to the Raiders' roster this season came via free agency and trades. That is, fullback Justin Griffith from Atlanta (signed as a free agent) and defensive tackle Gerard Warren (acquired from Denver).

At this pace, the Raiders will end the season with eight wins. They haven't reached eight wins in five years.

Since I began writing this, Travis Henry has fathered his 10th illegitimate child. Just kidding, I hope ...

Anthony Carroll, a senior writer for RealFootball365.com, can be contacted at acarroll@realfootball365.com.
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About Anthony Carroll

Anthony Carroll began writing for RealFootball365.com on Sept. 26, 2005, making him one of the longest tenured contributors to the “365” team. As a senior writer, Anthony has taken on the task of delivering original content to the silver and black faithful year round, despite having to deal...
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No.1
Raider Glory		02:46 AM
10/05/2007
Good article A.C. If Michael Bush plays this year and doesn't reinjure his foot.....I predict we will be 1st in RUSHING the ball...
No.2
raidersensation		02:55 AM
10/05/2007
Good stat crunching, AC. ------------------------------------------------- HOLY CRAP! Turner busted for marijuana? It couldn't...
No.3
Raiderusmaximus		05:33 AM
10/05/2007
Decent reading however I still say this Raider team needs to defeat rivals in the AFC West. Particularly Denver since Shanahan...
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