Sep 23, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) celebrates with offensive coordinator Greg Knapp after kicking a 43-yard field goal as time expired against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Steelers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Watching the Oakland Raiders during the first two games of the season was rough. A team filled with potential and optimism looked about as awake as Jamarcus Russell at a team meeting. Losing the home opener in prime time was bad enough, and then to travel to Miami only to slap Reggie Bush on the arm once or twice as he made his way through the secondary was scary to say the least. Between the horrid execution of the new offense and a pile of injuries on top of an already thin roster this team was in a must win situation this afternoon.

Suddenly in week 3 Darren McFadden came sweeping in like an autumn wind. The threat of McFadden on the ground (and a healthy Denarius Moore) gave Palmer total control of the game. The field general of the silver and black drove down the field repeatedly in this skirmish between foes. The game was a classic western shootout. The last shot was of course fired by The Polish Cannon, Seabastian Janikowski, who has yet to miss a field goal this season.

Despite a scary concussion given out to Darius Heyward-Bey late in the game the Raiders managed to show extreme progress under Greg Knap’s new scheme. The offense still lacks that spark Hue Jackson contributed, however the players showed that they are not giving up on this season yet no matter who the coaches are. Raider Nation rejoiced as Oakland scored more points against the Steelers then both of the first two games combined. Knapp is still in question for even committing to this new scheme to begin with, but we can finally lay that issue to rest for now as the players have proven their ability to overcome.

Now that the offense has elevated their level of play it is up to the defense to decide if this team will continue to build off of the victory. Allowing 3o plus points is simply unacceptable. Allen must do what he can with this makeshift secondary to stay competitive. Had it not been for the numerous Pittsburgh fumbles and penalties this game would have most likely been lost. Great teams don’t rely on the other team to make mistakes and neither can Oakland.

Next week the Raiders will have another opportunity to beat a squad from the AFC West. A trip to Mile High will give Palmer a chance to match wits with Peyton Manning and Dennis Allen’s former defense. As of now San Diego sits atop the AFC West at 2-1. The Raiders are more then capable of getting their mojo back with a win against the Broncos putting them that much closer to winning the west and sealing the ever elusive playoff bid.

Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

Dennis Allen is learning on the job so we all have to be patient. At least we didn’t have to wait for more than three weeks for Coach Allen to open his account in the NFL.

Today the new Oakland Raiders played like the vintage Oakland Raiders.

Was the 34-31 come from behind win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and thing of beauty? Not even.

Are there still more questions than answers about this team? Not even Alex Trebek has as many questions staring him in the face as Coach Allen still does.

The secondary is in shambles. The injuries keep piling up. The doubting still outweighs the believing.

So nothing has inherently changed. However there will never be an apology necessary whenever a Raiders team just wins, baby.

First things first.

Our thoughts are with Darrius Heyward-Bey who was carted off the field after suffering a horrendous helmet-to-helmet hit (that went unflagged, mind you) in the fourth quarter. We saw something similar in Minnesota last season and DHB was able to play the next week. This time something feels much different. Let’s hope there are no long term ramifications. As much as I want to see DHB in Silver and Black I’d sleep much better just knowing he’s healthy, able-bodied and has all his faculties.

As for the game…

Darren McFadden must read JBB because he heard our call to arms. The Raiders needed a lift and he did just that with a 64-yard TD run in the first quarter. That one play was good for more yards than he’s run for in the first two games combined.

Run DMC racked up 113 rushing yards this afternoon, giving Greg Knapp’s zone scheme a momentary stay of execution. Knapp has been taking plenty of heat this week with a lot of that coming from this very blog.

With regards to Knapp, his offense looked better today than it ever has since he’s been employed by the Raiders.

Carson Palmer moved the ball with ease on a Steelers defense that was without two of its top players. No matter the injuries, Oakland’s O was pretty much unstoppable answering Pittsburgh time and time again including 13 unanswered points to close the contest.

Sebastian Janikowski’s 43-yard game-winner appeared academic but given the way the season has gone thus far it didn’t stop this Raider fan from holding his breath.

Of course the Raiders defense is still extremely suspect.

Ben Roethlisberger shredded the Raiders and their second rate secondary. Let’s be clear. Michael Huff is not the answer at corner and after Matt Girodano’s injury it could be even more confounding for Reggie McKenzie and Coach Allen to field a secondary that is only slightly better than an elite collegiate program.

Stay tuned for that.

Something else that is troubling is the Raiders lack of a pass rush. All afternoon long Big Ben stood in the pocket looking more comfortable than Brett Favre on a massage table. That has got to change. If the Raiders can’t cover anybody then they had better be able to pressure opposing QBs into careless mistakes.

Still, the Silver and Black defense was opportunistic causing a very important fumble just when it looked like the Steelers were on their way to a win. But this cannot become the norm. High scoring shootouts might be entertaining but they’re no more a recipe for winning a Super Bowl than Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are for a recipe to box office success.

After this weekend the AFC West looks just as wild and wide open as ever. The top two teams in the division lost on their home fields while the bottom two won in impressive fashion. The race is officially on and Oakland is in the mix, baby.

Much props to Coach Allen for some gutsy if not ill-advised calls. At least we know he’s unafraid to gamble. Now he just needs to know when and where an on-side kick is most appropriate.

Again, a win is a win. And in Raider country nothing else matters. Style points only matter in ice skating and gymnastics. In pro football the only stat that matters can be found on the scoreboard. Today, the Raiders showed the heart, determination and desire necessary to win against any opponent.

So, just as Marcus Allen checked his baggage to pay homage to Al Davis so too will this blogger and all his whining about the state of the franchise. After it was all said and done the Raiders paid the ultimate respect to Mr. Davis and Raider Nation by doing what they’re paid to do.

Just win, baby!

On a personal note to all the Steeler fans in my family…well…I’ll just let Shaq say it for me…

Jan 27, 2012; Ko Olina, HI, USA; AFC quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers (7) chats with AFC punter Shane Lechler of the Oakland Raiders (9) as they await their team photo at AFC media day for the 2012 Pro Bowl at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

The Oakland Raiders have one of the proudest and finest franchises in all the land. A team that started with a band of outcasts in the early 60′s made being misfits an identity. That identity lived in Al Davis, and has been passed on throughout generations of those who choose to fly the skull and crossbones proudly. Reggie Mckenzie has promised change to this storied franchise, but he has no intention of changing anything other then the check marks in the win column (and Al’s horrid defense). This is still Oakland land of the misfits home of the bully, and win or lose opponents will still feel the sting of every hit and the brutality this franchise has always brought to the game.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of those few franchises who also participate in a different brand of football. Formed in the fires and hardships of the industrial town in which they play for, the Steelers have always played the game with a work mans attitude. Their franchise goes all the way back to the 30′s. Every year this franchise is one that can be a potential super bowl contender (not that they need another one).

The Steelers represent everything the Raiders are not. The Steelers are the Starsky to Oakland’s Hutch, a disciplined workman mentality against the swagger of a street brawling loose cannon mentality. Despite the rivalry between the two franchises both fan bases can respect one another knowing they are the salt and pepper of the NFL. Come Sunday, what Oakland and Pittsburgh look like on paper will not matter. For when two storied teams such as these clash, the game is decided on pure brutality. Fans will be able to relive the days when the likes of Ken Stabler, Cliff Branch, Fred Biletnikoff, Willie Brown, and George Atkinson squared off against Terry Bradshaw, Lynn Swann, and the Steel Curtain.

Not only is this a great match up of rival teams, this is also the perfect time for Oakland to revive any chance of having a winning season. Winning Sunday will give the Raiders the confidence and reassurance of Raider Nation. Greg Knapp should be wanting this win more then anybody. His wretched zone blocking and horrid play calling might be overlooked by the Nation if Oakland wins. This game will also provide Darren McFadden a chance to prove himself against a team who prides themselves on defense. McFadden is surely frustrated after the first two games, and it would be nice to see him prove to the NFL that he is not going the way of CJ2k. Of course, it would also be nice to see Greg Knapp mysteriously vanish and Al Saunders take back the reigns, but I’m not banking on that either.

So, on Sunday whether or not we see a one sided game expect to get some physical play. If we are lucky maybe we can see Richard Seymour go Chris Brown on Big Ben all over again! However, the win would be just as good.