The Oakland Raiders have struggled in recent weeks as a result of countless injuries and a tough schedule. With just three weeks left in the regular season, the time is now for the Raiders to make their move. Mistakes cannot be made, and if they are, it's tough to see the team reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
According to this report from Kate Longworth of CSNBayArea, Oakland is taking a 'backs to the wall' mentality at practice as they prepare for the Detroit Lions.
Recognizing that the season is slipping away from them, head coach Hue Jackson said there's sense of urgency on the practice field this week. And the players agreed.
"We're professionals. We're smart guys, we know what's going on," offensive lineman Khalif Barnes said. "We had a good week of practice. Guys were flying around. You could feel the intensity. I understand what he (Jackson) is talking about, it was a better week this week than the past."
The remanning stretch of schedule is not easy -- vs. Detroit, @ Kansas City, vs. San Diego -- but the Raiders still have a chance assuming they're able to play with a sense of urgency in the next three weeks.
"Our guys are doing a really good job of communicating right now, " coach Jackson said. "Guys understand that if things don't come out the way you want, you have to make adjustments and take the next step."
It's now or never for Oakland. Will they play like their backs are against the wall, or will they fall apart and have to build for 2012?
For more on the team, head on over to Silver and Black Pride.