Cheating Is Encouraged

by Mike Siani

  AFC Conference Championship @ Miami

  Fifteen weeks after the league opener, the Raiders journeyed cross-country to meet the Miami Dolphins for the AFC Championship.

  On the initial series, the Raiders mounted a strong drive that was killed by a heartbreaking penalty. Miami came right back and powered in for the score. The Dolphins had won twenty-three straight in the Orange Bowl, and Raiders efforts went for naught.

  A George Blanda field goal and a Mike Siani touchdown were the only points that Oakland could muster that day. Final score: Miami 27, Oakland 10. The Raiders’ season had ended.

  The silver and black had fought their way into the championship game with a thundering drive down the stretch that earned new respect and admiration. And the single loss could not erase another glorious season to which every Raider contributed. The excellence of head coach John Madden continued, as did the contribution of able assistants.

  The pledge first made in 1963 by Al Davis was a simple one: “Unrivaled Excellence.” As pro football’s winningest team for the past eleven years, the Raiders’ monumental rise to glory stems from a dynamic organization whose motto is “Pride and Poise,” and whose lifeblood is and always will be “Conquest and Character.”

  1974 SEASON (12–2–0)

  December 29, 1974: the AFC Championship game between the Oakland Raiders and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

  The Raiders led 10–3 with only one quarter left before another glorious chapter could be added to the most memorable sports history of our time. A Super Bowl return marred the Oakland Raiders’ unrivaled record of accomplishments, but fate would write a new ending—a rarely called tripping penalty wiped out a Raiders scoring opportunity.

  The football itself bounced away, defying Oakland’s attempt at capture.

  Super Bowl laurels faded in a mist of heartbreak and tears. What remained was a brilliant 12–2 season—best in the game. What remained was a magnificent playoff triumph over the defending World Champion Miami Dolphins in one of the greatest games ever played. What remained was a total domination of professional football since 1963 in terms of consistent victory. No organization even approaches the Raiders’ unbelievable 115 wins against only 42 losses (and 11 ties) during these twelve years. What remained was ten consecutive winning seasons—seven championships in eight years.

  These monumental achievements are history, yet the true greatness of the Raiders remains in its future; a proud future fueled and fired by their relentless, unceasing commitment to excellence.

  Week 1 @ Buffalo

  In Buffalo, the Raiders opened on the road for the fifth consecutive year. Before a Monday night television audience and 80,000 unloving fans, George Blanda kicked two field goals and Clarence Davis rushed 15 yards for a touchdown to put Oakland ahead, 13–7. Art Thoms scored on a fumble return late in the fourth quarter to put the Raiders ahead, 20–14, but a final Buffalo rally sealed a 21–20 Oakland defeat made more damaging by the loss of dependable Tony Cline for two months.

  Week 2 vs. Kansas City

  Cross-country travel left Raiders head coach John Madden and his assistants just five days to prepare for Kansas City. But five days were all that Oakland needed.

  Mike Siani was on the receiving end of one Ken Stabler strike. Then the diverse Oakland attack sprung Pete Banaszak for 20 and a touchdown.

  The silver and black defense was overwhelming. Monte Johnson stormed for one of four Raiders sacks. He also grabbed one of five Raiders interceptions that limited the Chiefs to only 86 yards passing.

  Rookie tight end Dave Casper’s second score of the day made the final score, 27–7.

  Week 3 @ Pittsburgh

  In Pittsburgh, the Raider defense was overpowering, making quarterback Joe Gilliam’s day a disaster. Big Bubba Smith dropped him for a 20-yard setback on one play. The defense rendered them scoreless for the first time in 132 games. Ken Stabler was neither sacked nor intercepted and his bullet to Cliff Branch finished Pittsburgh, 17–0.

  Week 4 @ Cleveland

  In Cleveland, Jim Otto, George Buehler, John Vella, Art Shell, and Gene Upshaw gave near-perfect protection to a surging attack sparked by Clarence Davis’s extra-effort score. Twice the mighty Raiders fell behind by 10 points before rallying, while ringing up 445 yards and a record 90 offensive plays.

  The defense clicked on interceptions by Jack Tatum and three in the last quarter by George Atkinson. Defensive captain Willie Brown picked off another as the Raiders rolled for 40 points en route to becoming 1974’s top scoring team. Final score: Raiders 40, Cleveland 24.

  Week 5 @ San Diego

  In San Diego, Coach Madden’s team was on the road for the fourth time in five weeks, and the defense was angry.

  On offense, Snake struck twice—once to Cliff Branch and once to Bob Moore—giving the Raiders a 14–10 win and upping their record to 4–1.

  Week 6 vs. Cincinnati

  The tough Cincinnati Bengals jumped ahead to a quick 14–3 lead. Ageless George Blanda, the oldest player in NFL history, kicked two field goals to keep the Raiders’ attack moving. His second put Oakland ahead, 23–21, but the Bengals bounced back and led 27–23 with 1:36 to go.

  Daring comebacks are a Raider trademark, but the silver and black needed more than just a field goal. With calm and poise, Ken Stabler marched them goalward. Although playing without time-outs or huddles, the Raiders remained disciplined, cold, and relentless. Finally the game hinged on a few seconds and a few plays.

  Stabler threw to Siani and he made it to the five with thirteen seconds left. Stabler next handed off to Charlie Smith and he rushed for the winning score.

  The Raiders with their 30–27 win now carried a five-game winning streak as they traveled to meet their cross-bay rivals.

  Week 7 @ San Francisco

  The silver and black had triumphed in San Francisco during preseason play. The return visit would end the same way, as Marv Hubbard powered for 117 yards and one touchdown.

  Next, Stabler passed to Cliff Branch for 64 yards and another Raiders score. It was exhibition season revisited. The domination continued, as under unyielding pressure the Niners lost the ball and George Atkinson’s recovery set up a Stabler-to-Dave Casper score.

  Then Ray Guy, pro football’s leading punter, boomed a punt, and the 49ers return man dropped the ball. Harold Hart recovered and ran it back 60 yards for the score to end the San Francisco earthquake of 1974. Final score: Oakland 35, San Francisco 24.

  Week 8 @ Denver

  In Denver, the Raiders were undaunted by a Rocky Mountain winter. Even in the snow, John Madden’s forces were ready. Twice Ken Stabler found Fred Biletnikoff for scores. These helped Biletnikoff to become the first player in Raiders history to score 60 touchdowns. Cliff Branch also hit pay dirt twice to continue his route to the playoffs and a league-leading 13 TD catches. It was seven in a row for the silver and black. Final score: Oakland 28, Denver 17.

  Week 9 vs. Detroit

  Back in Oakland for the season’s ninth week, the Raiders faced the Detroit Lions, who saw their own four-game winning streak demolished. Linebacker Dan Conners came up with two interceptions to help Oakland finish second in that NFL department. Then came time to remind pro football that the bomb was back in Oakland, as Stabler threw long to Cliff Branch for a score, while the Raider runners blasted out 284 yards.

  Final score: Oakland 35, Detroit 13—eight in a row.

  Week 10 vs. San Diego

  The San Diego Chargers came to Oakland with lightning bolts on their helmets, but the real lightning wore #21 for the silver and black, as Cliff Branch scored on a 60-yard bomb from Kenny Stabler.

  The defense pounded the Chargers, while Oakland’s Gerald Irons and Skip Thomas destroyed Charger hopes.

  Final score: Oakland 17, San Diego 10—their ninth in a row.

  Week 11 vs. Denver

  When the Broncos came to Oakland, they were meeting the first team in the entire NFL to earn a playoff spot. Seven times in eight years the Raiders had w
on the Western Division Championship. But despite Ken Stabler’s two TDs to Biletnikoff and a field goal by George Blanda, it wasn’t enough for the win. The Raider winning streak ended with the final score of 20–17.

  Week 12 vs. New England

  Unfortunately for the New England Patriots, they would have to pay for that loss to Denver. It was an enormous love-in for Oakland fans, as Stabler hit Branch (twice), Biletnikoff, and Moore in the end zone for scores.

  Twin terrors Horace Jones and Otis Sistrunk pounded Plunkett and company all day. Pressure paid off when Skip Thomas scored on an interception. Then rookies Larry Lawrence and Harold Hart ran an option and finalized the Oakland victory, 41–26.

  Week 13 @ Kansas City

  In a cold, windy Kansas City, the Raiders played the Chiefs for the first time in a decade without a championship at stake.

  Throughout the bitter day, the Oakland defense made big plays as Horace Jones recovered a fumble and ran 45 yards. With Brown and Tatum still out, Jimmy Warren stepped in and made a crucial interception.

  Then, in an intense finish, veteran quarterback Daryle Lamonica hit Cliff Branch for a narrow 7–6 Raiders win.

  Week 14 vs. Dallas

  Before the final league game against Dallas, Kenny Stabler was presented the 1974 Gorman Award as the player who best exemplified the pride and spirit of the Oakland Raiders.

  Then a national TV audience saw a Raiders team bound for glory as Fred Biletnikoff led the way while achieving his eighth consecutive season of 40 or more receptions.

  Ken Stabler then found Charlie Smith on a pattern that would loom large in the upcoming playoff classic. Suddenly the Cowboys were struggling for survival when Phil Villapiano recovered a fumble.

  On the next play, Blanda found Branch for a score. It was the first pass that Blanda had thrown since 1972. This pass helped close the league season with a 27–23 Oakland victory, and George Blanda was named NFL Man of the Year.

  AFC Divisional Playoffs vs. Miami

  From the opening kickoff, the Raider–Dolphin playoff game exploded with excitement as Dolphin Nat Moore raced 89 yards to score. The sellout Coliseum crowd despaired, but the pride and poise that made these Raiders so feared and respected never wavered.

  Next, Charlie Smith caught a Stabler pass in the end zone for a score.

  After missing the end zone by inches the first time, Biletnikoff caught a deflected pass in the end zone for a second Raiders score. Following in Biletnikoff’s footsteps, Branch caught a bomb from Stabler on the 30 and ran it in for a touchdown, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

  Miami trailed 21–19, but they had not become two-time world champions by giving up. They roared back and powered into the end zone to lead again, 26–21. With only 2:01 left and with pro football’s most disciplined defense to overcome, the Oakland Raider hopes hung by a thread.

  But Stabler took the reins and led the charge. He went to Biletnikoff for 18 and then again for 20 more. With forty seconds left, Stabler hit Frank Pitts for a crucial five yards. Now it was do or die.

  Stabler then faded back, was hit, and lobbed the ball to Davis for the score. With twenty-one seconds left, Griese was intercepted by Villapiano. Raiders 28, Miami 26.

  AFC Conference Championship vs. Pittsburgh

  The Raiders would once again play their formidable foes: the Pittsburgh Steelers. But with two Blanda field goals and a touchdown by Cliff Branch, it would not be enough and, once again, the Raiders would go down in flames. Final score: Steelers 24, Raiders 13.

  SECOND HALF: 1975-1980

  A COLORFUL CAST OF MISFITS

  PLAYERS, NICKNAMES, SUPERSTITIONS, AND THE TWO COKE CUPS

  THE OAKLAND RAIDERS, by far, are the most colorful, unusual, and bizarre team in the NFL. Despite their outlaw appearance, this menagerie of misfits and rebels is damn entertaining!

  From their inception in 1960 to their Super Bowl wins this renegade team has displayed a number of colorful characters and personalities unmatched by any other NFL team.

  FRED BILETNIKOFF

  Fred Biletnikoff’s football hero was a 5’ 9”, 178-pound wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles by the name of Tommy McDonald. He was the inspiration for Biletnikoff wanting to be a wide receiver. Freddy himself was a 6’ 1”, 190-pound wide receiver drafted out of Florida State by the Raiders in the second round of the 1965 AFL draft.

  Freddy knew from the very start that he had to be not only a physical ball player, but also a mentally fit player. Biletnikoff was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. His presenter was his former boss, Al Davis.

  Freddy may have not been the biggest guy on the team or the fastest, but Stabler knew that he had the heart to play . . . and play well.

  “Freddy represented everything the team was. He wasn’t the biggest, and hell, I could outrun him, but he had a tremendous heart. He would always find a way to come up with the ball—those rawboned hands always snatching a ball out of the air when you needed it most.

  “As a wide receiver I had the opportunity to play my entire career with Freddy. He was incredible. I’ve seen players today drop more passes in one game than I ever saw Fred Biletnikoff drop in his entire career!”

  During quarterback David Humm’s rookie year, he had the opportunity to work out with Biletnikoff.

  “My rookie year I measured 6’ 1” and weighed in at 180 pounds. I decide I’m going to stay behind and work out as late as the latest guys, and the last one to leave was always Fred. I would work out with Freddy and his bag of balls, jump rope, hit the speed bag, do all the stuff in cycles.

  “I’d say to Freddy, ‘You done?’ He’d say, ‘No, no, no!’ I mean we would be out in the dark working out by the light of the back door.”

  “I just loved going out there and staying after practice,” said Biletnikoff. “It was fun to be able to think about your routes, your footwork. I mean, the ball’s not always going to be perfect. I liked being able to think about how high it might be, how low, covering my ass and catching all of those balls, too. You got to practice like you’re going to play.”

  Freddy made his opinion clear regarding the NFL’s uniform “dress code.”

  “You can’t go out on the field unless you feel good. The more comfortable you make yourself, the better you feel. So to make the uniform roomier, I would cut underneath the jersey—underneath my arms, and you’d feel like you didn’t have a jersey on.

  “Then I would slit the back of my pants, because they were real tight pants. It looked ragged, but it was comfortable. And right where the jersey comes around the front, I would slice that down so it wasn’t so tight around my neck.”

  Pat Toomay remembered Al Davis’ response to Freddy’s unique uniform.

  “One time we won a game in Cleveland late in the year. There are three buses for the players afterwards. I always got on the last one, and this time there was just Fred, Snake, and I in the back. Snake had a pint of whiskey in his bag. They had a drink. We were about ready to go. Then [Al] Davis gets on, the last guy. He sits behind the driver. Next he turned around and looked towards the back of the bus, stands up, and holds up a letter from the league, points to it, and says to Fred, ‘You cost me another $2,500 with the way you mess with your uniform.’”

  “Biletnikoff says, ‘Fuck you, Al! You told me, ‘Whatever it takes.’ Davis looked at him, and he laughed, and sat back down and just shook his head.”

  Fred turned and said to me, ‘I guess I told him.’”

  Back in the day, Freddy used a then ‘legal substance’ that was rightfully named Stickum. Stabler recalled what equipment manager Dick Romanski would have to go through.

  “Dick Romanski would get the stuff for Biletnikoff. It looked like a huge glob of goo. From afar, it looked like it might be a four-inch bloody gash seeping through his socks. After he catches that first pass you have to go right to the official and get a new ball because that one was all sticky. He was that way the whole game. Madden swears he once caught a pass that
stuck to his forearm.”

  “You needed paint turpentine to get the stuff off,” said Pete Banaszak. “Fred would have it everywhere—his uniform, his head, his nose, and his mouth.”

  “It took me a day to wash off Biletnikoff’s helmet,” said Romanski. “But Freddy didn’t really need the help in catching a ball. He just used it to remind himself to hold on to the ball. Not that he needed to. Best pass catcher I ever saw!”

  According to Freddy, it was more psychological than anything else.

  “It was more psychological than physical. I never used it in practice or training camp. Only games. The biggest thing was you were able to hold on to the ball when you were fighting with the defensive back, and you have to have any opportunity you can to get a grip on it. But yeah, you’re going to pull some balls out of your ass with it. Sometimes it helped a great deal.”

  “Whenever he fell, he’d try and protect himself and turn to where he didn’t get his hands in the dirt and the grass,” said tackle John Vella. “I’d be across from him in the huddle, and there were times when his fingers would be stuck together, and he had a bunch of grass stuck to them. Stabler would be calling the play, and Freddy would be saying, ‘JV, help me out.’ I’m reaching over to separate his fingers because they’re all stuck together.

  “I remember being in the locker room at halftime and Fred couldn’t hold the cigarette. He’d have Romanski actually hold the cigarette for him so he could smoke it!”

  Monte Johnson describes Freddy’s “dinosaur-like” noises as part of his pre-game ritual.

  “Madden made the comment one time, ‘Depending on how many times Freddy threw up, you knew what kind of game he’d have.’” I think it was superstition, but whatever it was, Freddy would disappear into the bathroom, calling dinosaurs. That’s what we called it, because he would make these odd, groveling, groaning noises. Like a dinosaur might make.”

  This was Freddy’s response to Johnson.

  “I was just real nervous and intense. It was the waiting, waiting for hours. Every game to me wasn’t just a game. It was a big game. Every game meant something to our team, and to me. The thought that you were never prepared enough when you went on the field—putting that on yourself is going to make anyone sick—until everything starts. And then you’re fine. Then everything falls into place.”