They were known for bringing in players other teams deemed outcasts, has-beens, head-cases and criminals.
Yet with this cast of so-called mis-fits they were able to win.
The Raiders were once labeled as the leagues criminal element, neighborhood bullies and as a cast of mis-fits.
Now they're seen simply as a group of mis-fit athletes and track-stars.
Look at some of the great Raider head-cases and criminals we've had: Jon Ritchie, Greg Biekert, George Atkinson, Jack Tatum, Barret Robbins, Bill Romanowski, Darrell Russell, and the list goes on and on.
Then there are the outcasts we've brought in who succeeded in Silver and Black: Charlie Garner, Rich Gannon, Rod Woodson, Jim Plunkett, Jerry Rice, and again the list goes on and on.
Fast forward to today and the Raiders criminal element and mis-fits are all but gone.
The closest thing they have to criminals are a coach with a temper, a running-back who apparently had too much fun in college and a kicker with a slight drinking problem.
All law abiding citizens compared to the likes of George Atkinson, Kenny Stabler, Bill Romanowski, Darrell Russell.
Then there's the outcasts from other teams...The Raiders have two: a defensive end with an arthritic knee, and a receiver with a troubled past and more knee surgeries than he can count.
It wouldn't hurt if the Raiders tried to re-acquire the criminal element the Steelers once accused the Raiders of having.
Tank Johnson for example, sure he has been labeled a as a criminal, but he would do wonders for the Raiders defense.
Michael Vick...Yeah, our QB situation has been that bad. Michael Vick would help the Raiders even if used as nothing more than a gimmick.
The main reason Gradkowski had some success behind the Raiders o-line i...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
