The legend of Al Davis is well told. The late, great owner of the Raiders did it all in pro football and revolutionized the sport, helping it become the powerhouse it is today.
But there are some stories about Davis that have yet to be revealed.
Former Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell recently told an incredible tale about Davis during an appearance on Next Round Live. Campbell remembered a time when Davis called an unconventional but successful play from his upstairs perch at the venerable Oakland Coliseum.
The date? Halloween, 2010. The opponent? The Seattle Seahawks. The Raiders shellacked Seattle that day, 33-3, and one touchdown was a direct result of Davis’ demand to “throw the ball deep.”
Take a listen below, thanks to the Raiders’ official Twitter account.
That is simply sensational. Davis’ demand wasn’t entirely practical given the coverage on defense, but Campbell, his coaches and his teammates executed the play for a deep touchdown to Davis’ speedy wide receiver, Darrius Heyward-Bey.
There are many stories about Davis calling plays from upstairs, but this one is interesting because of the timing. The Raiders were on a roll for the first time in years, having dismantled the Broncos the week before, 59-14. Davis was definitely feeling himself, and his roster, during the Seahawks game.
His confidence was well-founded. The Raiders, under head coach Tom Cable, went undefeated in the AFC West that year and outscored their opponents by 39 points during the campaign. The Raiders offense was 10th in the NFL in yardage that season and the defense ranked 11th in yards against.
They ultimately finished 8-8, however. Still, it was the first sign of life from the franchise since it lost to coach Jon Gruden and the Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII.
Davis famously said he doesn’t want to take what the defense gives him, he’d rather take what he wants. That spirit was in full force when Cambell chucked the football downfield, against all odds. Now, the Raiders have to recall another Davis classic — Just Win Baby — as they attempt to make a run to the Super Bowl with the Al Davis Memorial Torch on display inside Allegiant Stadium.
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