"Hope Is The Lies We Tell Ourselves About The Future,"

This quote symbolizes my relationship to the Oakland Raiders.

For the first time in many years, I feel like my high hopes for the Raider's upcoming season may actually be followed by results, but I don't want to get too crazy...

For too long I have said, "It'll all be better next year," only to be dissapointed with another double-digit loss season. Now, of course, being a Raider fan, I am always optimistic about my team.

I would always go into a season hoping that things would change, but they never did. But this off-season has a different feeling. The optimism I regularly feel has been backed up by changes.

I give credit to Mr. Davis this off-season because he seems to be coming to his senses and finally giving some control to Tom Cable. Releasing Russell, signing Campbell, drafting McClain and even signing John Henderson were all moves that Cable wanted, and to Davis' credit, he got them done.

I was one of those people who kept bashing Al for his... questionable, to say the least, decisions, but I finally agree with the moves he has made.

I'm beginning to feel a shift in Raider Nation, I believe the wind is blowing in our favor again. Now, I'm not predicting playoffs, although I would certainly welcome them with open arms, all I want out of this season is improvement.

I want more than 5 wins. I want a QB to throw more touchdowns than picks. I want an adequate rush defense. I want the Raiders to show me that I can still believe in them.

I no longer want to go into a season hoping that it will all turn out well, I don't want to be guarded in my optimism, I want to go into a season knowing that my team will contend. This year will show all of the NFL if the Raiders are ready to step up and become prominent again. This is a big year for Raider Nation.

GO RAIDERS!