December 2, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) is congratulated by tackle Jared Veldheer (68) after making a field goal during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The re-signing of Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski is one of the smartest off-season moves that the organization has completed. First off, he has been the leading scorer for the Oakland Raiders for the past 10 years. He has only become better with age, and he has one of the strongest legs in the NFL. This guy deserves to retire as a Oakland Raider. Now, he has been given the opportunity to do so. If this wasn’t enough, directly after signing his contract extension, Seabass made a statement that says so much for this new organization. He said, “Raider Nation, we’re going to be back. I promise you that.”

Never mind what the critics, pundits, analysts, player evaluators, or the NFL is saying, the actual players know what is really going on. If the players believe, Raider Nation should believe. Believe in your team, the Oakland Raiders, they will prevail over all this hatred and criticism. Every player who makes it to the NFL gets a shot to prove themselves to the football world. Nobody believes we have a chance, well, Seabass is saying otherwise. Other players including, Lamarr Houston, Charles Woodson, and Tyvon Branch have professed their admiration for the direction this coaching staff is taking the team. They believe and so do I.

It’s a new era with new players. These players are ready to prove themselves and their coaches to the rest of the football world. I can’t wait to hear the back pedaling in every pundits comments when the Raiders bring it in the regular season. Young, hungry, and something to prove is one of the best combinations in my book. Mix in the direction of veteran players at key positions and a coaching staff that wants to prove themselves as well, and you will have all the makings of a winning organization. Look out football world, the Raiders are coming.