There is Another "Ghost" in Raider Nation

The Raiders have another big-play tight end, and Zach Miller is that "Ghost."

This is the third ghost to appear in Raider Nation.  Todd Christiansen appeared in  Raider Nation just a few years after Dave Casper.

It was a long time coming this time around. Raider fans have endured tight ends like Rickey Dudley, Teyo Johnson, and Courtney Anderson in the past.

Older Raider fans will never forget the play the original "Ghost" (Casper) made during the playoffs of the 1977 season. It was a Willie Mays, over-the-head type of catch.

The play was promptly named "Ghost to the Post." I'm sure even younger Raider fans have knowledge of it, as it is still featured on "NFL Films."

Casper did much more than make that clutch playoff catch. He was named to the All-Pro Team four straight times and went to five Pro Bowls in his illustrious Hall of Fame career.

Christiansen isn't really known for one play. However, he is known as a part of the movement towards tight ends becoming primary receivers during the '80s.

Christiansen is also remembered for his many clutch catches. Those catches mightily contributed to numerous playoff runs, including the Super Bowl season in 1983.

Zach Miller hasn't gone to the playoffs or a Pro Bowl yet but does have his signature play. This one is called "Ghost to the House."

Then-quarterback JaMarcus Russell managed to hit Miller in a 2009 game versus the Philadelphia Eagles. Miller then made a couple of Eagles miss and headed houseward.

The end result of it was an 86-yard touchdown reception for Miller. It also meant that a big-play tight end had arrived in Raider Nation.

Is this the beginning of another legendary "Ghost?"

I've always thought so.

I dare compare him to the other legends because his numbers are better at this point than those of the other two. You must also take into account who his quarterback was.

With quarterback Jason Campbell in Oakland, Miller figures to really be an ace in the hole now. This will especially be the case on third down in the red zone.

So what does this really mean for the Raiders?

I'll give you a hint.

The Dallas Cowboys had Jay Novacek to go along with "The Triplets." The San Francisco 49ers had guys like Russ Francis and Brent Jones to go along with the big stars.

The Raiders have their young guys ready to emerge with Miller.

Do you see where I'm going with this?

A "Ghost" in Raider Nation means a Super Bowl should come at some point.

At some point.