Notable Quotables: Oakland Raiders Week 15

Notable quotes from Jack Del Rio and other members of the Oakland Raiders, following the win in Week 15 against the San Diego Chargers.

The Oakland Raiders are in the playoffs for the first time since 2002. And the players are excited.

It’s widely considered inappropriate to celebrate merely making the playoffs, as there’s “more to be done.” Well, this team realizes that. But they also realize how long it’s been, how proud the Raider tradition is, and how much this fanbase wanted and needed this.

How much a team that started 0-10 in 2014 wanted and needed this.

And they’re loving it!

Even as their eyes are on a bigger prize:

The longest tenured Raider and the only one with the team for their last playoff appearance in 2002 was happy as well, and expressed it in few words as is his way:

Raider Nation represented in San Diego, and it didn’t go unnoticed:

The players who suffered through the quagmire of 2014 always knew they were building to something special. Derek Carr in particular believed in this team, but it wasn’t always easy. Carr and Khalil Mack always made it their mission to return this team to glory, and made it their focus.

This team has definitely come together, and nobody is closer than Mack and Carr. Check out this USA Today Raiders Wire piece dedicated specifically to their love for one another.

Now that the team is back in the playoffs it’s time to appreciate some of the things that got them here, and in position to return for the near future.

GM Reggie McKenzie has built a monster in his four years in Oakland, turning a team with a salary-cap quagmire into a financial powerhouse and a team bereft of talent into one stocked full with young, hungry players. But that all starts at the top, and coach Jack Del Rio loves working for an owner willing to listen and do what it takes to win.

Just look at this year’s Pro Bowl selections. McKenzie focused on the offensive line the past two offseasons, and it has paid off in spades. Davis gave him carte blanche and an open chequebook.

Three of his signees the – Kelechi Osemele, Donald Penn and Rodney Hudson – are now Pro Bowl starters. Gabe Jackson, who moved from LG to RG to accommodate Osemele’s presence, is an alternate. McKenzie picked Jackson in the 3rd round of the 2015 draft.

Osemele is one of the nastiest and most punishing run blockers in the NFL, and he’s thoroughly enjoying his first season in Oakland. He loves his linemates and is impressed with their ability to gel together so quickly.

It’s hard to believe the dominant Osemele has never been to the Pro Bowl before, but this is his first selection and something to cross off his bucket list.

Hudson, also a first-time Pro Bowler, had some effusive praise for the attitude and aggressiveness of the man on his left shoulder:

Osemele is a big fan of Hudson’s and very impressed with the center’s football IQ and leadership:

Another big free agent signee expected to shore up the defense was Bruce Irvin. While he didn’t dominate through the first half of the season, he has been a solid all around OLB all season.

Irvin labels himself “Robin” to Mack’s “Batman” and doesn’t discount the importance of a healthy breakfast. His thoughts on his dominant six tackle, two sack performance in San Diego reflect as much:

Irvin’s leadership and sense of humour have been a big part of the attitude turnaround in Oakland. He sees a lot of potential with this defense. Just don’t compare the Raiders to Irvin’s former Seahawks defense when he’s around.

For his part Irvin is having his best season as a pro. He’s stepped up his run stuffing game for 51 tackles. He’s played well in coverage, dropping back roughly 11% of passing downs.

And he’s still a pass rushing beast with seven sacks and 40 other QB pressures. The atmosphere in Oakland and their singular goal of winning has helped him focus.

He won’t rest on his laurels though, even if he himself realizes he’s playing quite well:

The entire team prepares hard during the week, and it’s showing on gameday. During winning time, the Raiders are clutch on both offense and defense. Carr, Cooper, Crabtree and Murray make plays. Batman and Robin harass quarterbacks.

Because of that and so much more, the Raiders are going back to the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Now it’s time to clinch the division. Free-agent signee and Pro Bowl safety Reggie Nelson knows there’s work to do.

And the Tay-Train echoed those thoughts: