The Raiders almost pulled off the upset over Atlanta on Sunday. It was a hard fought game against a tough opponent.
The first half was dominated by the Raiders in rushing, passing, time of possession, turnovers and the score. The team was playing great on offense, defense and special teams. You can tell the coaches did their homework because they were ready to play.
The defense hadn't had an interception through the first 4 games, but they picked Matt Ryan off three times in the first half. Hanson had a sweet pick undercutting the route perfectly, Huff saved a touchdown with his pick and a hit by Philip Wheeler caused Ryan's pass to float into Branch's outstretched hands as if he were fielding a punt.
The offense was clicking better this week and there was good pass distribution to the receivers. The running game was a little better working both Goodson and McFadden. The receivers were constantly extending plays by twisting and turning away from defenders. It was exciting to see them play with heart keeping drives alive. And while the running game didn't average well again this week, there were a few breakout plays that give me a little hope for the new scheme.
Unfortunately, the penalties killed us. Right back to 'normal' at 12 for 110 yards. A few of those penalties gave the Falcons a new set of downs which has always been the bane of our existance. Carson Palmer's pick-6 was the nail in the coffin.
All in all, you have to feel encouraged on how well the team played even in a loss. As Raider fans we know that the team tends to play to the level of their opponents, showing up for tough games when the pundits say there is no chance. But there is a stretch of three winnable games coming up, so I hope the team is as prepared as they were on Sunday.
The victory in this defeat was the Raiders playing strong through 4 quarters and not giving up until the game was over. There is hope for a respectable season.
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Comments (14) Add A Comment
You don't get into the playoffs by 'almost' pulling off an upset.. still counts as a loss.. and wins and losses are all that counts when playoff time comes around
WILD FAN
Total Comments (22932)
Thanks for that, but there aren't many Raider fans thinking playoffs this year. New coaches, new schemes on both offense and defense, new players... The Raiders are rebuilding.
LoveItHateIt
Portland, OR
Total Comments (11670)
Cup half-empty kinda guy?
Mondo Jay
Total Comments (20022)
Well, the blog is kinda reaching for the positives.
Will be watching your game tonight. Hope it ends in a tie. Haha!
LoveItHateIt
Portland, OR
Total Comments (11670)
Yeah I felt the same way, but it's no wonder Samuel jumped that route. It was the same exact pattern that was nearly intercepted the previous play.
Jacksonville is one of those teams that we typically play down to. I hope we don't make that mistake next week because it always bites us in the butt. It would be nice to see some consistency from this team.
LoveItHateIt
Portland, OR
Total Comments (11670)
Raiders have been 'rebuilding' for how many years now??
WILD FAN
Total Comments (22932)
Half-empty.. half-full.. just depends whats in my glass at the time
WILD FAN
Total Comments (22932)
That was the Cowboys playing
WILD FAN
Total Comments (22932)
Yeah, thanks for that too. Raider fans are well aware of this statement also - but I like the way you took out the most pertinent part of my response to you.
Maybe you should stick to NASCAR because you haven't told me anything new with either of your comments.
Have a nice day.
LoveItHateIt
Portland, OR
Total Comments (11670)
No disrespect intended..
2003-09.. Raiders had losing records.. 2010-11 both years 8-8.. they seemed to be on the way back.. but some reason they don't keep head coaches around too long and if you want to 'build' a winner.. can't keep changing coaches every couple of years..but thats nothing 'new'..
Wasn't trying to tell you anything 'new' either.. was just commenting on your post.. guess next time I'll just keep my opinion to myself and skip your posts altogether and go hang out on the Nascar posts.. sorry
WILD FAN
Total Comments (22932)
Like Al.. I wish Jerry would hurry up and die.. maybe things in Big D would get better
WILD FAN
Total Comments (22932)
Here's the deal - playoffs aren't in the cards this year and even if the Raiders did manage to sneak in, it will be one and done. Most of us know this. Yeah, the Raiders have been rebuilding for years but with a new GM and all new coaches as a result, added to losing almost 50% of the players from last year... it is what it is, whether they've rebuilt in the past or not.
Apologies for taking your posts the way I did. But when you come in saying something and I politely respond to it - yet you ignore that response and reply with some other years old Raider bashing comment, I'll call you on it. So yeah, if you want to skip my posts in the future that's just fine.
LoveItHateIt
Portland, OR
Total Comments (11670)
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