Oakland Raiders: You've Got Work To Do To Outscore the 49ers

This is a reality check. As we study our opponents, one by one, we must be honest about the needs of the Oakland Raiders.

As a teacher, sometimes I have to return test grades that are not good. Those assessments need to be done early during the semester. The educational jargon is "You must raise their level of concern."

This study is done early during preseason to alert the Oakland Raiders.

The chart in the article photo shows that the Oakand Raiders must raise their level of concern and they must not waver or be unstable in their preparation. They must have a constant and steady work ethic. Also, they must elevate the intensity and thoroughness of their preparation as the season progresses.

Here is the chart:

Oakland	49Eers	Year	Compare
9	2	1978	O
9	2	1979	O
11	6	1980	O
7	13	1981	S
8	3	1982	O
12	10	1983	O
11	15	1984	S
12	10	1985	O
8	10	1986	S
5	13	1987	S
7	10	1988	S
8	14	1989	S
12	14	1990	S
9	10	1991	S
7	14	1992	S
10	10	1993	TIE
9	13	1994	S
8	11	1995	S
7	12	1996	S
4	13	1997	S
8	12	1998	S
8	4	1999	O
12	6	2000	O
10	12	2001	S
11	10	2002	O
4	7	2003	S
5	2	2004	O
4	4	2005	TIE
2	7	2006	S
4	5	2007	S
5	7	2008	S
5	8	2009	S

There are periods when Oakland dominated the 49ers, but as you can see, using this measure, the 49ers have more periods with maximum wins.

Another observation is that even though the Oakland Raiders have been challenged during the past seven years, in 2004 they defeated the 49ers, and in 2005 there was a tie.

The coding scheme is S for the San Francisco 49ers when their score is greater when compared to the Oakland Raiders. And, O is used when the Raiders have the maximum. Tie is used when the wins are the same during a given year.

There is no time for the Oakland Raiders to dilly-dally. They must stay on the course and press toward the mark of victories.

In conclusion, Tee-Baby, an associate of mine says, "You can only do better if you really know where you are. Some folks think they are good, but they are not."

We have had our reality check so we realize that the Oakland Raiders have more work to do.

Go Raiders!