Oakland Raiders: Like Aretha Franklin Says, "You Better Think"

There was a time the lyrics in popular music inspired us to "think" and to ask for "respect." That's what the Oakland Raiders want us to do as they also do it: think and get a little respect.

As always I am looking at the data. On the Football Outsiders website, I noticed that the Raiders are ranked below the Jacksonville Jaguars in several categories.

On another site, it reports that the Raiders are ranked third in the NFL with 150 rushing yards. The Jaguars are ranked slightly higher with 151 rushing yards. They rank second.

Many of us in the Raider Nation have unwavering support of the Oakland Raiders. Yet, I was surprised when I perused this data:

Jaguars	4	9	11	11	14	7	6	6	5	9	12	8	7	5	7	7
Oakland	8	7	4	8	8	12	10	11	4	5	4	2	4	5	5	6

The Oakland Raiders have had more total wins per season only four times since 1995. In 2008, the Raiders and the Jaguars tied in the total number of wins with five.

It is imperative that the Raiders win on Dec. 12, since this, too, would demonstrate more consistency and confirm that the team is moving up.

One B/R writer commented, "Please no more graphs." On the contrary, there must be a visual way to see the consistency and inconsistency, the efficiency or lack thereof.

As one person said to me, "the truth shall set you free." Don't you agree? After all, if you deal with the reality of the situation, you just may muster up the strength and fortitude to shift to a more positive situation.

If you remember the old television show, To Tell the Truth, then you must realize that by dealing with the reality of the Raiders' challenge, the young players just might be convinced to play hard and play smart to get their "house in order."

Go Raiders! Think smart, play smart and win!