Oakland Raiders: Does this team stink? Tough love from a Browns fan
By Joel W. Cade
The Oakland Raiders are now 0-3 for 2018. This has prompted fans to ask if the Raiders flat-out stink. A Browns fan offers some tough love.
The Oakland Raiders stink…at least that is what the fan base in Oakland is thinking. For a fan base not used to losing, this team may look like they stink. But to a fan of the Cleveland Browns, this Raiders team is not that bad.
Confession: I am a die hard Cleveland Browns fan. Last week, Browns fans got to enjoy free beer as the team won their first game in 635 days. Let me repeat this: The Browns won their first game in 635 days.
Winning one game in 635 days is the definition of stinking. Browns fans have ample experience watching a team that wreaks of failure. We have seen it all. The Browns have created new ways to lose games since 1999. We have endured pitiful offenses, inept defenses and “special” teams.
So, when it comes to judging whether or not a team truly stinks, Browns fans are uniquely qualified. This is not a knock on Browns fan. Browns fans have embraced this with good humor.
But Raiders fans are facing the possibility of an 0-4 start. If the Raiders lose to the “hapless” Browns, the fan base may start calling for Gruden’s head four games into a 10-year contract. The reality is, the Browns are no longer hapless. 0-4 to start the season is a real possibility.
But fear not Raiders fans. Your team does not stink. Parts of your team do, but overall, you have a below average team. But it is still one that can win games. Just to assure Raiders fans, this Browns fan will explain how and why each phase of your team either stinks or does not.