The Oakland Raiders are off to a terrific start this season under the helm of head coach Jack Del Rio. The team is 4-0 on the road this season and is atop the AFC West with the Denver Broncos. The Raiders gear up for a Sunday matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their explosive offense.
After defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team elected to stay in Florida for another week, to cancel out the travel required to go to Oakland.
While Florida is surely a tourist attraction, coach Del Rio has his roster prepared for their Week 8 matchup. The Raiders have a historic franchise, based with Super Bowl rings, one of the most recognizable owners in sports and a fan base ready to go all out for the silver and black.
The Raiders fan base is always recognized as one of the liveliest groups of fans, an extension of the team off the field. Much to the tone of Seattle’s “12th man”, Raiders nation is just as lively.
During a press conference on Friday, Del Rio saluted the fans and what they have meant to the team, via Kyle Martin of Raiders.com:
“They’re a big presence. We really appreciate their support,” Del Rio said. “They do a tremendous job. Our fans travel. Where ever we’ve been thus far, they’ve been there in large numbers and I think it’ll be the same. Come on out, Raider Nation. We’re excited about it.”
The fans always represent strong whether at home or on the road. The excitement of this team is special, because the players also comprehend the importance of the best start in more than a decade.
Although the organization is currently in an internal battle about the potential relocation to Las Vegas, the fans have been contacted to give their input on the scenario. Also, external factors in Las Vegas also may put a halt to any relocation in general.
Whether the team is in any city in the United States, the fans of Raiders nation always come out strong and ready to cheer on their team. The Sunday contest against the Buccaneers is slated for a 10:00 A.M. start time, on CBS.
