As we move on to week 4, it's really difficult not to envision how easily the Oakland Raiders could be 2-1 right now, and how we could be one game back from the Overachiefers and positively looking out on what looks to be a successful season. Instead, it seems many of us are doubting anyone we can point a finger towards. I've seen the Coaches get called out, which I certainly sympathize with, as certainly I'm less than enthused with the job our offense did in the red zone this past weekend. I've seen the O-Line get blamed, which is also fair, and last but not least, I've seen Janikowski eat blame.

In my opinion, Janikowski crapped the mattress and put the final nail in the coffin in a game in which we suffered a death from severe blood loss after repeatedly shooting ourselves in the foot. While Janikowski did cost us the game in theory, arguments can easily be made as to whether or not the team had doomed itself by not capitalizing on the several chances Arizona tossed gently into our laps time and time again.

While I think it's easy to be upset right now, there are a few reasons why I think this game here is a crux in our season, and a game we will all look back on and remember as a time where the Raiders finally recognized what it takes to be competitive in this league. In fact, for the first time in a long time, I get the feeling that the Raiders actually want to win. This was evidenced by their quick pulling of Jason Campbell, and the quick and sudden acknowledgement that they simply do not have the personnel on that O-Line to justify using a pocket passer, unwilling to scramble and make things happen. I feel that in years past, they would have simply went with Campbell because he was Al's choice, and I applaud Mr. Davis for doing what is best for this team quickly. They have said it year after year in the past, and then have made loser moves. This year, the moves they are making are not being decided by politics, we aren't being subjected to a broken locker room with a care free coach and an owner who wants things his way or the highway. We are experiencing and enjoying a team that understands that it isn't too far away and that as long as they recognize their mistakes and work to correct them, they can compete against anyone in the league.

That being said, I ask you all not to suggest our record at the end of the season, and not to rosterbate as to what you think we should do to fix the gaping holes in our offensive line. I just want to gauge the fanbase. Are these losses part of something bigger, or part of the same old funked up Raiders? Are we headed nowhere fast, or are we finally turning the page on the 2000's and moving back towards greatness?