GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Raiders had an unusual week in preparing for the Arizona Cardinals. Poor air quality forced the team indoors Thursday and Friday, turning full practices into walk-throughs.
Coaches and players were careful to say those inconveniences didn’t compare to the tragic loss of life and property by those impacted by the Camp Fire in Northern California and the other blazes raging through Southern California.
Raiders coach Jon Gruden told his team several times this week to win one for those going through tough times near these fires. Tight end Lee Smith said that was a motivating factor Sunday, and the team was happy to deliver a 23-21 comeback win over the Cardinals.
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“Especially with the conditions this week and all the tragedy going on in [Northern and Southern California] -- people are losing their lives -- so it makes football and the stresses in our day seem extra small,” Smith said. “With everything that happened this week, Coach Gruden talked a lot about giving this win to all the Raiders fans in turmoil. Let’s give them a win. Let’s give them something to smile about while every baby picture of their kids is burnt up. People are losing husbands, fathers, brothers, and sisters.
“Coach Gruden talked all week about getting a win for those people. That’s an important thing to me, and hopefully we put a smile on someone’s face going through what they’re going through.”
