One is better than none

Posted: Monday, January 02, 2012 by Travis Cody in
10

And none is how many NFL playoff appearances Oakland and San Francisco have had since 2002.

For three weeks, my Raiders have gotten the exact breaks they needed to earn a spot in the NFL playoffs.  The only thing they didn't do?  They couldn't win a damn game.

In fact, they went 0-4 to end the season and missed the playoffs yet again.  The best thing I can say about the end of the 2011 season for my Raiders is that it has rekindled my sincere and intense dislike for every other team in the AFC West.  That severe emotion had been dormant for a long time.

Now it's back with a vengeance.  

But I have to wait until next year to see if my Raiders can build on back to back 8-8 seasons. 

Still, there is some football joy coming my way.

San Francisco beat the Rams yesterday to lock up the 2nd seed in the NFC playoffs and a first round bye.  They'll get at least one home game and if they keep winning and the Packers somehow lose, SF will host the NFC Championship game. 

I don't want to get ahead of myself though.  This 49er team does have some flaws.  They have trouble scoring in the red zone.  They aren't particularly potent offensively, although the run game is outstanding and they don't usually beat themselves with turnovers.  Plus, kicker David Akers is a tremendous weapon.

The strength of this team is its defense.  SF ranks 1st in points against and rushing yards allowed, and 4th in total yards allowed.  They are outstanding at forcing turnovers, with a +28 turnover ratio.

They aren't my Raiders, but they'll do.  It's a red and gold January for me, rather than the silver and black I really wanted. 

Go 'Niners!!


10 comments:

  1. I have always been a Cowboys fan and they embarrassed themselves last night. Well, the defense embarrassed themselves. Win and you''re in, lose and you go home...how much more motivation do you need? Apparently that was not enough, as the NY Giants ripped the Cowboys 31-14. Now I will just have to wait until next year to see what changes are made and if they make a difference.

  1. Ivanhoe says:

    At least you have a backup :) My Pats won their division, but I'm very worried about their defense. Go Pats!

  1. I have to say I was sure hoping for SF to lose. It would have helped my Saints.

  1. Driller: My dad was not pleased at the way the Cowboys finished their season either.

    Ivanhoe: It's nice that it's one of my teams this year though. My back up plan over the last 10 years has been the Colts or the Giants. I'm glad to be rooting for my own guys now.

    Charles: It's definitely better to have that bye week and host a game.

  1. Cherie says:

    SF knocked the Saints out of the 2nd seed! Congratulations! That's great! I'm definitely happy to see them there since they've had some hard luck the past several years. Guess it goes to show how important the right leadership is.

  1. You know, I don't want to jinx it, but we have the possibility down here in Louisiana to have the college champion and the Superbowl champions in one year. It could happen.

  1. Anonymous says:

    SOrry no black and silver for you during the post-season. And sorry for your serious dislike of the resto of the west! I don't suppose you would consider blue and orange??? There is joy in Tebow-ville - for now anyway. ;-)

  1. Anonymous says:

    Sorry no black and silver for you during the post-season. And sorry for your serious dislike of the resto of the west! I don't suppose you would consider blue and orange??? There is joy in Tebow-ville - for now anyway. ;-)

  1. and my Giants whooped on them Cowboys and are moving forward - sorry Driller

    and my partner and I won our Fantasy Football season with Matt Flynn as QB for the last game...

  1. Wellllll. I gotta admit, I'm hoping the Niners go all the way.

    I would have been okay with the Raiders.
    Maybe.

    I've got my hopes up for sure.