There Was Extremely Little Rhyme or Reason to This Raider Season

Marcus, the deposed Raider,

changed to clothes of white and red.

But memories of Big Al’s prison

never left the runner’s head.

Big Al, the Raider owner,

used to laugh and call him names.

He wouldn’t let poor Marcus

play in any Raider games.

Then one smoggy Christmas Eve

K.C. came to play.

Marcus with his trademark flight

led his team and won that night.

Then how the fans adored him

and they shouted, “Hey, Big Al,

Marcus the deposed Raider

Got the vengeful last laugh, pal!”

J. GREGORY WILSON, Santa Monica

*

The Raiders have put together an almost perfect recipe for a balanced team. Take 12-4 player talent at all levels and mix with 4-12 coaching from the top down, and you get a marvelously balanced 8-8 team, which the Raiders would have been if Seattle makes that field goal two weeks ago. Not to mention the fact that Art Shell makes the playoffs three years out of six.

MICHAEL O’KELLEY, Santa Barbara

*

Steve Springer hit the nail right on the head in his Raider analysis. However, I shudder at the words, “So look for Shell to stay.” You don’t change a man’s habits and personality after all these years. This man must leave if the terrific talent of this team is to be fully utilized. I’m sure Shell is a nice guy, but as a football coach, he’s just an empty shell.

BOB HUTTON, Burbank

*

Jimmy Johnson is an OK broadcaster.

The Raiders had an OK season.

Jimmy Johnson is a great football coach.

The Raiders had the talent to go to the Super Bowl.

Hmmm.

DOUG M. LITTLETON, San Marino

*

If the Raiders’ luck holds, Chuck Knox will be available next year.

DWIGHT CATES, Ventura