The Oakland Raiders got their season started with a bang on Monday night, as a fired up crowd helped will them to victory. Here is our first edition of Kenny’s Korner, featuring Kenny King Jr., the son of Raiders Super Bowl hero, Kenny King.
The chants from Oakland Raiders fans started the moment you hit the parking lot, and they echoed through RingCentral Coliseum. Raider Nation came out fired up for the final home opener in Oakland and the team made a huge statement with a 24-16 victory over the rival Denver Broncos.
A team that was supposed to be broken after releasing seven-time pro bowler Antonio Brown looked to be more connected than ever, it was almost as if he was never there, because lets be honest, he rarely was.
With the first installation of King’s Korner, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the fans, the loyal members of Raider Nation. Because of the Nation, the Raiders played with an attitude that we haven’t seen in a few years.
The Coliseum was loud, the Coliseum was rocking, and the fans got their money’s worth. As Raiders fans, it hasn’t always been the easiest road, but Raider Nation never waivers and comes out in full force week in, week out!
Let’s hear it for the rookies, Clelin Ferrell, Maxx Crosby, Josh Jacobs, Hunter Renfrow, Foster Moreau and Johnathan Abram, who all played a major part in the game plan. Before the game started, Ferrell and Crosby ran to the Black Hole to fire up the fans and kept that same energy on the field.
Captain Vontaze Burfict eliminated any concerns about his ability to lead, his athleticism and self control. The offensive line held the Broncos to zero sacks, yes zero sacks against the elite pas rush of Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. Rookie running back, Josh Jacobs finished the evening with 85 yards rushing, 28 yard receiving and two touchdowns in his Raiders debut.
Team captain, Derek Carr was on fire last night, finishing 22-of-26 for 259 yards, one TD and is now only 81 yards from being the Raiders all-time passing leader. What I saw from this team in the opener is a young team with a confident leader who has full control of this team, no distractions, no drama, just a TEAM of MEN who want to be Raiders and play Raider football.
On to KC.