LAKE FOREST | The Bears appear to be an emotionally brittle bunch,
having lost five of their first eight games and basically been written
off by fans hoping for a repeat Super Bowl appearance.
They lost veteran guard Ruben Brown (shoulder) on Thursday and likely
won't have cornerback Nate Vasher (hamstring) for a sixth straight game.
If that's not bad enough, they're ranked 23rd in points scored, 26th in
total offense, 31st in rushing offense and 27th in total defense.
This afternoon, the Bears will descend into the Oakland Raiders'
infamous Black Hole at McAfee Coliseum, home of the NFL's most raucous fans.
This is trick or treat with chains.
"Oakland fans are v-e-r-y strange," said defensive end Adewale Ogunleye,
rolling his eyes for effect.
"Even though it's not Halloween coming up, I'm sure there'll be costumes
in the stands," added quarterback Brian Griese.
Linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, a California native, was a bit more candid.
"It's dangerous in the stands, so if our fans are in the stands, be
careful," Ayanbadejo warned. "Everybody on the field, we should be good."
You're kidding, right?
"I grew up just 100 miles from Oakland. I've been to more Raiders and
Niners games as a fan than any other team," Ayanbadejo said. "I know
what it's all about, being in the Black Hole.
"Crazy fans like that can be a home-field advantage. You know what it's
like to play in Soldier Field with the cold. Our fans are loud and can
be rowdy -- and their fans do the same thing. They get loud, they get
rowdy and they try to intimidate the players."
The Black Hole has nationwide notoriety and was the subject of the
documentary "Oakland Raider Parking Lot" a few years ago.
Being ranked 23rd in total offense and 16th in total defense, the
Raiders (2-6) welcome any advantages they can get.
"It's a good thing the rules are a lot more stringent than they used to
be because you get beer and popcorn and all kinds of stuff thrown on
you," Ayanbadejo said. "Fans can definitely dictate a little bit of the
game.
"They've got the shoulder pads on with the spikes, the Mad Max leather,
the tattoos and the painted faces. All you see is silver and black
everywhere. But that's exactly how you want your fans to be.
"They're known as the No. 1 fans in the league and they take it to a
whole other level."
For opposing teams, the harassment begins as their shuttles enter the
Coliseum parking lot.
"Oh yeah, it starts before you even put your uniform on," Ayanbadejo
said. "You go to Green Bay, you pull up, and they're throwing hot dogs
at the bus. The Raiders do the same thing. ... It's very dangerous."
Oakland leads the series, 6-5, with the last four meetings decided by
seven points or less.
"Probably don't wear any Bears apparel and try not to cheer too loud,"
Ayanbadejo said of fans making the trip. "After we beat 'em, contain
yourself a little bit."
Bears (3-5) at Raiders (2-6)
When: 3:15 p.m. today.
TV/Radio: Fox (Ch. 32)/WBBM-AM (780).
Fast fact: The Bears' opponents have had 14 drives of 80 yards or more
-- 13 resulting in a touchdown.
