Raiders owner Al Davis puts NFL on its toes

[Cntrygal]

A seemingly ageless man (he's 73) of mystery, mystique and nylon warmup suits, Davis has been away from the Super Bowl spotlight far too long. Like nearly two decades. His 1983 Raiders (then the Los Angeles Raiders; Al's team moves around some) won the Super Bowl. Then came this drought. Davis' ongoing football themes of "Pride and Poise," and "Commitment to Excellence" ring rather hollow.

But it also might rain on Davis' Super Bowl drought today.

The Raiders are heavily favored to win the AFC Championship Game in Oakland against the Titans.

If so, Davis could ride the wave down the coast, end up in San Diego all week, and it's a guarantee that every league honcho from Paul Tagliabue on down would be jumpy, waiting for Big Al to do something, say something, create something.

Davis makes the NFL nervous.

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[Cntrygal]

Davis won't get credit he so richly deserves

This should be his moment in the sun. This week, the national media should proclaim him the NFL's runaway executive of the year. Instead, Al Davis will be given credit only for being the silver and black sheep of the NFL family, a reputation he surely has earned.

But for a moment, look beyond this man's ruthless business decisions. Focus only on the football team Davis -- at 73 -- has created in the bitter wake of Jon Gruden.

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