By Chris Macaluso
LSUsports.net
(1/11/01)
Oakland Raiders cornerback Tory James said he’s always enjoyed playing in the confines of Networks Associates Coliseum (formerly the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum), even while he was starting for Western Conference rival Denver.
The former LSU standout, who played four years in Baton Rouge from 1992-1995, was drafted 44th overall in the 1996 draft by the Broncos. After four seasons and two Super Bowl Championships in the Mile High City, James moved to Oakland as a free agent to join one of the NFL’s most talented defensive teams.
While Raider fans donning black jerseys adorned with silver spikes and carrying medieval weapons have never intimidated James, he admits its better to have them on your side. And at no time in the past have Raider fans been behind James more than they are now.
“I’ve never experienced a place before where the fans were so intense,” James said. “They get behind us like no other fans in the league and I don’t think anyone wants to come in and play us.”
The Miami Dolphins found out early how intimidating and loud Oakland fans can be in last week’s Divisional Playoff game when James returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown on the Dolphins first offensive drive. James’ play ended what proved to be Miami’s only decent offensive drive of the game and laid the groundwork for the Raiders 27-0 victory putting the Raiders just one win away from their first Super Bowl appearance since 1983.
“I feel like that play really took something out of the Dolphins offense,” James said. “But it wasn’t the only big play we made on defense.”
In fact, it wasn’t the only big play made by James as both he and teammate Eric Allen intercepted passes from Dolphin quarterback Jay Fiedler in the second half. James had just two interceptions the entire regular season, playing with All-Pro corners Eric Allen and Charles Woodson. James intercepted two passes in a game one other time in his career when he picked off the San Diego Chargers twice as a member of the Broncos last season.
He finished his college career with 11 picks including one in his last college game, LSU’s 45-26 Independence Bowl win over Michigan State in 1995.
“I didn’t really feel anything as I ran the ball back,” said James of his touchdown last Saturday. “I didn’t start thinking about it until after it happened and how much it changed the game.”
The Oakland Defense held the Dolphins to just 204 total yards last Sunday. Dolphin tailback Lamar Smith, who set an NFL Playoff record with 40 carries for 209 yards and two touchdowns in Miami’s 23-17 opening round win over Indianapolis, was held to just four yards on eight carries by the Raiders.
The Miami ground game was good for just 40 yards the entire contest. James said it’s going to take a repeat performance by the Raider Defense to beat the Baltimore Ravens in this Sunday’s AFC Championship Game.
“We have to play the best game we’ve ever played,” he said. “We have to play like we played against Miami and step it up even more.”
The Ravens advanced to this weekend’s game by smothering the favored Tennessee Titans with an outstanding defensive performance. James said he knows Baltimore will be ready to play, but he gives the advantage to his team.
“They have to come into our house and that’s tough,” he said. “Playing here is unlike anywhere else in the league. We have an advantage because you can be standing right next to your teammate and not hear him it’s so loud. The entire city is talking about the game The excitement is unbelievable.”
Sunday’s contest will be the third AFC Championship Game for James. He said his experience has helped him and his teammates better prepare for what they are about to face.
“Just being there before helps,” James said. “I know what to expect. I know were going to have to play as well as we are capable to win this game.”