Raider Nation ready for a new beginning

September 8, 3:05 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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This is the day that the Oakland Raiders have been eagerly anticipating since the season ending loss to the San Diego Chargers last December. It is the opening game of a brand new season. This is the official dawn of the JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden eras, a time of rebirth for the Raider Nation. This is a chance to feel the Autumn Wind blow anew. 

The Raider Nation has endured an eventful offseason, with numerous rumors flying about the status of Lane Kiffin's job, Rob Ryan's non-firing, and the usual litany of stories about how Al Davis has lost it. The Raider Nation saw the Raiders go on a major spending spree, bringing in big name free agents right and left. The Raiders added the most dynamic offensive player in the draft. Optimism reigned supreme in the Raider Nation.

Minicamps came and went, with various reports on the quality of the team. The Nation gave a collective "what the duce?" when star free agent acquisition Javon Walker was found beaten and robbed a Las Vegas alley. The Nation was nearly in a state of rebellion when Nnamdi Asomugha was not locked down to a long term deal as the deadline came and went to do so with franchise tagged players.

All of that is in the past. The 66th Mob is already in Oakland tailgating in preparation for opening night. The spikes have been polished, and the face paint prepared. There is a sense of optimism washing over the Nation. It is palpable in all those who bleed Silver and Black.

The McAfee Coliseum will be packed with the faithful in Silver and Black, cheering loudly for their team. The Nation will do everything they can to disrupt Jay Cutler's team from hearing his calls. The Nation will be jeering Mike Shanahan and the hated Broncos. The Nation is ready for some football. The Nation is ready to see the rise of the Silver and Black once again.

By the time the ball is kicked off in Oakland, every other game for the opening weekend will be concluded, and the entire NFL will train their eyes on the House of Thrills for their last football fix of the week. This is no ordinary football game. This is the Oakland Raiders and the Denver Broncos and their hate filled rivalry to close the opening of this fledgling season. The games leading up to this moment were only an appetizer for the Nation. So it begins on Monday Night.