Raiders Impressive In Pre-Season Opener

By Barbara Mason
Raiderdrive/Bay Area Sports Drive

8/12/10 The Oakland Raiders took on the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas Thursday night for their first pre-season showing of 2010.  The Silver and Black were  impressive on both sides of the ball as well as special teams.  Oakland showed a lot of depth on defense being able to put pressure on the quarterback throughout the entire game.    This was the second game in which Dallas was unable to find the end zone thanks to the play of the Raider defense.

The offense turned in a solid performance amassing over 200 yards in the second half.  #89 Nick Miller put Oakland up on the board in the fourth quarter catching a Kyle Boller pass for the apparent touchdown.  While the catch was called incomplete, Oakland challenged and won putting 6 up followed by the successful PAT...Story>>>

Oakland Loses A Legend And a Gentleman

By Barbara Mason

The world of the Silver and Black was sent reeling when the news of the passing of former Oakland Raider Jack Tatum broke early this morning.  The 61-year old sucumbed to a massive heart attack leaving his wife Denise, his children, friends and a dedicated nation of grieving fans.

You can’t think of the glory days of Oakland without thinking of safety Jack Tatum. He was known for his punishing hits, his aggressiveness and intimidating style of play.  “If a receiver caught a ball, I felt that I was doing something wrong,” he said.   This first round draft pick out of Ohio State played in 3 Pro Bowls and played in the Super Bowl in the 1976 season.

His aggressive nature was left on the field as he was a quiet, reserved and generally nice guy off the field.  Anyone who knew him respected this down to earth, generous and soft-spoken gentleman.   After retiring from the game, he settled down with wife Denise spending precious time with his children.

Jack Tatum gave us memories that will never be forgotten.  While he may have been misunderstood by some, those people he loved most, the Raider Nation, loved him right back.  They supported him throughout his career and when he retired that support continued.  Jack Tatum will forever be in our hearts.  Our sincere condolences go to Denise his wife, his children and the Raider Organization.

The man, the legend, the "Assassin"

 Kicking It with the Raider Nation


I think JaMarcus is doing fine………”Leroy Francis Jr.

By Barbara Mason 10/26/09
Raiderdrive.com/BayArea Sports Drive

This week’s fan coverage will highlight long time Raider fan Leroy Francis Jr.   He remembers well the day back in 1960 when he became an Oakland fan, It was the Raiders very first game at Kezar stadium and to this day, Oakland has been the only team Leroy has ever known.  Next year will be his 50^th year with the Raiders and I would think that a huge celebration is already in the works.  Just imagine the history that he has witnessed over the years.  He could no doubt write a book...More >>>