Impressive Sunday For Raiders and Niners
By Frank Luna
I'm not even going to go into what victory Sunday was more impressive, the Raiders or the Niners. It's safe to say most fans probably pinned a lost on both teams before Sunday unfolded. With the passing of Al Davis on Saturday night, the Raiders needed little incentive to play their hearts out in the hostile confines of Reliant Stadium. While the offense started out slow, the defense punished the Texans high-powered offense with a blocked punt and tipped interception which resulted in two 50-yard plus Janikowski field golds. Jason Campbell got the offense back on track in the second half and although Houston racked up 473 yards of offense, the Raider defense managed to keep the Texans out of the end zone in the last two quarters. Michael Huff's interception in the end zone sealed an impressive Raider road victory.
The 49ers scored and equally ominous victory at home against Tampa Bay, not just beating them, but pummeling the up and coming Bucs by 45 points! Can you say, 'statement game?' San Francisco has played the last six quarters like a team on a mission, rolling over the Bucs after an improbable road victory in Philadelphia. Alex Smith has finally started to look like the top draft pick he is.
There's plenty of season yet to play, but these early victories set up both bay area teams for a legitimate run at the playoff. All they have to do is stay healthy, focused and..."Just win, baby!"
