Carlos Rogers is Ready for the Silver and Black
Jan 19, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is shoved by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) during the second half of the 2013 NFC Championship football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Amid all this commotion involving the Oakland Raiders, Raider Nation, and free agent wide receiver DeSean Jackson, General Manager Reggie McKenzie brought in another defensive back to bolster the secondary of the Raiders. Pro-Bowl caliber player Carlos Rogers has joined the Silver and Black to not only improve the defense, but he will further help to change the atmosphere of the franchise.
After reading articles about Carlos Rogers, I found his comments to www.raiders.com to be very powerful. When asked about his decision to join the Raiders Rogers stated, “…I have been watching the progress of a lot of teams. The Raiders have been one of the teams that have been more active in the off-season, trying to turn this thing around. I see where this team is going, and it wasn’t hard to come here and finalize the deal.”
When asked about being able to play with defensive back Tarell Brown again Rogers stated, “It’s going to be fun… We were a big part of the puzzle that turned San Francisco’s defense around, so hopefully we can translate that over here and be even better.” He continued to discuss the fact that he and Charles Woodson have been friends since college, and he was really looking forward to playing on the same team with him.
Rogers was asked about playing for a team whose colors don’t include red and he stated, “I like this Black and Silver…there’s just something with that uniform. You look good and you’ll play good in it.”
To be a winning team in the NFL, it takes dedication, commitment, perseverance, proven veteran talent, young up and comers, and a will to win. These are the players and philosophies that McKenzie is trying to bring to the Oakland Raiders. So far, and mostly in this off-season, I have witnessed a change in the atmosphere. This doesn’t automatically lead to a winning organization, but it is a very, very good start.
There is a lot that Raider Nation will have to see from the coaching staff, especially Head Coach Dennis Allen. There is so much that he has to prove in order for many of us fans to actually buy into everything. So far, I haven’t seen that leadership from him yet. Maybe, just maybe, he can prove me wrong, maybe…
However, with players like Carlos Rogers, the aura and mystique of the Oakland Raiders will once again be thrust upon the NFL. Those of us in the Raider Nation who have stuck it out through thick and thin times will once again be rewarded with the pride that our loyalty has been desiring. Here in the month of April, the “Autumn Winds” are stirring, and I can’t wait to see them when they’re gusting!