NFL Bay Bridge Awards, Week 6: Bay Area Football, It's Kind Of A Big Deal

For the first time in a long time the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders are relavent in the NFL at the same time, so am I getting ahead of myself looking forward to a Bay Bridge Super Bowl? 

Probably. 

Nevertheless, the Niners and Raiders are riding high right now, even with the heavy hearts of Silver and Black Nation and the all out drama surrounding 'handshake-gate,' or whatever it will eventually be called between Jim Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz. The Bay is abuzz with football fever as their teams are looking like possible playoff contenders, not to mention playing with some serious swagger. 

Niners and Raiders fans alike can rejoice in the fact that their teams aren't going towards a really high pick in the 2012 Draft or anywhere near the 'Suck for Luck' campaign that's gaining steam around the league. Instead they can look upon their respective schedules with optimism instead of the' well maybe if we win out' mentality that has unfortunately plagued the fan bases as of late. Feels good doesn't it?

And now, this weeks Awards:

The Does it Look Like I Care Award goes to....Jim Harbaugh

If you take a look at Jim Harbaugh's post game presser, he certainly doesn't seem to concerned with Jim Schwartz, what he has to say, or what he did or did not do. He simply was elated that his team came out with a win. Though it's not like Schwartz is a perfect angel on the sideline either. Coaches kerfuffles. Gotta love 'em. 

The It's So Hard To Say Goodbye Award goes to...The Raiders

This one goes out to everyone. The tribute put together by the Raiders organization was a very touching, classy effort that made even the staunchest Radier-hater feel a little lump in your throat. Raider Nation, and all lover's of football really, lost an incredible last living link to the time that was 'the good old days' in football, helping to shape it into what it is today. Well done. 

NFL Today Tribute to Al Davis (via Sportbuff99TV)

The Turn Out The Lights Award goes to...The 49ers Defense

Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio called it the best defensive effort he'd ever been apart of. Is that enough for you? From the red zone stops to the deflected passes, to the safeties and non-existant Detroit running game, it was quite the show put on but Patrick Willis and the boys in Motown. Aldon Smith's two sacks including forcing the safety were huge in this game, not to mention the great job done by the secondary to keep Mega-Tron nearly out of the end zone.

The Tough Break Award goes to...Jason Campbell

This one has a literal purpose for this week's winner after breaking his clavicle early on against the Browns on Sunday. Campbell had been playing well this season, but likely will miss a large chunk of the remainder of this year due to the injury. I guess we may be seeing Terrelle Pryor sooner than we thought...

Jason Campbell broken collarbone vs. Browns for Raiders QB (via JohnLundRadio)

The Best In Class Payload Award goes to Frank Gore

The Tank was in the proverbial Beast mode as they say up in Detroit, carrying the ball only 15 times for 141 yards and a TD on the afternoon. Frank broke open runs of 55 yards and 47 along the way, just all in another day's work for number 21. 

The Not In My House, Even Though It's Your House Award goes to...The 49ers O-Line

Everyone always talks about how big and bad the Lions defense is, especially their meaty D-line lead by Ndamukong Suh. But aside from a Kyle Vanden Bosch forced fumble/recovery to begin the 49ers offensive day, the O-line played a big part in Frank Gore's 141 yards on the ground as well as keeping Alex Smith upright (for the most part).  They did well enough to win, which is fine by me. 

The Handy Man Award goes to...Michael Crabtree

Crabs had himself a very nice day, snagging nine balls for 77 yards on the afternoon, many of which came at crucial points of the game. Even though he couldn't get a TD, he's looking like he's improving week-to-week and is ready to have an old fashioned break out game a la Terrell Owens back in the day, also fine by me. 

The Catch Me If You Can Award goes to...Jacoby Ford 

What an asset this kid has turned out to be for the Silver and Black. His 101 yard return against the Browns on Sunday marked the fourth kick return of his career, not even two years long yet in the NFL. Bright future for this one if you ask me, like speed of light bright. Just watch him go...

Week 6, 2011- Raiders vs Browns Jacoby Ford Kickoff Return for a TD (via LBxRAIDER)

The Alright, You Can Stop Now Award goes to...49ers penalties

15 penalties for 120 yards, including a 15 yarder from your coach for not knowing the rules? Come on boys. The Niners tied the Raiders for the most penalties this season with their performance full of multiple false starts and bonehead mistakes. It was ridiculously loud inside Ford Field, but still, got to tighten that up. 

For more on the Raiders, hit up Silver and Black Pride. For more on the 49ers, check out Niners Nation.