Raiders Lose To Chiefs 20-13 Second Time Around
Russell Completed Just 35.7 Percent Of His Passes Sunday
The Raiders opening drive was like no other. For the first time in 52 games, the Raiders looked as if they would score a touchdown on their opening drive. A big pass to Zach Miller, a hook and ladder from McFadden to Curry, and the Raiders were a few yards from scoring. Sadly, the drive stalled and the Raiders settled for a 23-yard field goal from Janikowski. But all looked good, the defense had been holding Tyler Thigpen and the Kansas City running game, and the Raiders moved the ball well.
There was only one problem, the Raiders got too cute. On the Raiders second drive, they methodically plowed to the KC 25 yard line. But after stalling again with back to back to back incomplete passes, the Raiders ran a fake field goal play on 4th and 10. Lechler took the snap as if he were setting up for the field goal, Janikowski streaked to the left, except Lechler’s no Chris Paul, and Lechler’s no-look behind the back pass missed Janikowski completely and KC would return the fumble for a touchdown.
Jamarcus Russell finished the day competing 10 of his 28 passes with no touchdowns or interceptions. Fargas ran for a hard fought 82 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown, but fumbled the ball on a crucial drive in the fourth quarter. While McFadden was still being used sparingly and given only 7 carries for 13 yards.
I’m all for the Raiders trying new things to stir the players imagination and to get the offense moving, but a fake field goal run with the kicker on 4th and 10? Really? With the AFC West the way it is this year, the Raiders with a win were still mathematically in the race for a playoff spot. Had they pulled off the win, the Raiders would tie San Diego for second, and three games out of first. But I’m just having dreams, let’s spend the remaining games developing the team.
The Raiders gear up for a short break this week as they travel to San Diego for Thursday Night Football.