2003-2009 R.I.P Oakland Raiders: The Silver and Black Return To Glory!

We all like to think positive. It's much better to think of good things and happy times than sitting in misery complaining about how crappy things have been. Oakland Raiders fans are good about living in the past sometimes, which is what owner Al David typically does when referring to "the greatness of the Raiders".

Since the Raiders last were respectful, and played a meaningful game, that being the Super Bowl in January of 2003; a lot of hurt has been cast upon the Raider Nation. Too many bad decisions, personnel mostly, has lead the Raiders to seven consecutive losing seasons.

For those who follow the beloved Silver and Black, the numbers don't need to be repeated in terms of wins and losses. It has been bad, it has been ugly, and it has been relentless. The Oakland Raiders have the worst record over the last seven seasons as any team in any seven year stretch. Ever. Ouch.

But let us not live in the past like some recurring nightmare. At the same time, we as football fans and Oakland Raider faithful supporters should not also not look to some far off distant future to a time when the Raiders will hopefully be good.

What the Oakland Raiders need, what the Raider Nation needs, and what the National Football League needs is for the Raiders to become important again. The Raiders are one of the most storied franchises in professional football, if not in all of sports.

The NFL is a much better place, for advertising purposes, public relation purposes, and the overall enjoyment and betterment of the league when the Raiders are relevant, talented, and feared as they once were.

This year I don't want to get my hopes up, as has happened in seasons past, only to be let down by mistakes, injuries, bad decisions, and bad luck that leads to another 4-12 or 5-11 season.

What needs to happen, what has to happen, is at least an 8-8 record. Sure a 7-9 won/loss record would look much better on paper, but really it would only be a two game improvement over last season. That's not quite good enough to satisfy the Raiders players and coaches, nor for Al Davis; nor for the Raider faithful.

The Raiders really have to get to .500 this year at least to make it a truly successful season and cement the fact that a corner has been turned and the Raiders are making noise again.

If you look at the schedule, an 8-8 record is possible. It's attainable. It's realistic. The Raider organization from top to bottom has been preaching patience, improvement, and trust. We, as Raider fans, have almost exhausted all of these items mentioned in reference to the Raiders.

I know it will be very difficult to take another horrible season. The last seven years have made football in general less exciting, and has made the football season seem long and unnecessary because of how poorly the Raiders have done. I am tired of going to bed mad Sunday night, and waking up depressed Monday morning.

So my wish is to get an early holiday present, I want the Raiders to be good this season. I want the Raiders to matter Monday morning at the water cooler among conversations. I want the Raiders to unleash some pent up anger, frustration, and vengeance on the NFL.

Specifically speaking, if wishes really do come true, then I wish for some things to happen this season. I won't get greedy, just a few things please, and I will be very grateful. Here is the list:

1. Get to .500 at least; 9-7 would be great.

2. Beat the San Francisco 49ers. Please. I don't want to hear any garbage from the Niner fans.

3. Punch San Diego in the mouth at least once this year.

I am naive, again I think the Raiders will be good this year. My heart can't take another lousy season; Monday mornings are tough enough without waking up to another Raider disappointment.

Could this be the year the Raiders finally get out of this rut they are in? I hope so, I am betting another season of Sunday dedication to the Silver and Black.

Raider Nation, let us join hands together for a moment of silence. The Oakland Raiders we have known for the last seven years are dead. Welcome back boys to pride and poise; we missed you dearly!