Oakland Raiders Blog

As the Oakland Raiders went into the 2nd half ahead 10-3 this Sunday, the Raiders had still failed to score an offensive touchdown. The Raiders stretched their scoreless streak to 15 quarters and only took the lead with another spectacular Johnnie Lee Higgins kickoff return.

But as the Raiders came out the 2nd half, they realized that Denver defense is, well, Denver defense. The Raiders came out and shut down Cutler and company and beat the Broncos 31-10 after losing 41-14 in week one.

Fargas pounded out 104 yards on 24 carries while McFadden delivered the finishing blows with 38 yards and 2 touchdown runs. Ashley Lelie returned to Denver posting a big 7 catch 105 yard against his old team including a monster 51 yard catch over two defenders. As for Russell, the former number one pick worked efficiently and led the Raiders down the field on a number of key drives. He finished the day completing 10 of his 11 passes, throwing one touchdown pass to Lelie, and an outstanding 149.1 QB rating.

After a disappointing loss to Miami last week, this Sundays game against Denver brought Raider fans a glimmer of hope. With a healthy quarterback and backfield, the Raiders displayed what talent could do with proper coaching and belief. The Raiders face division rivals in the upcoming weeks and at 3-8 the Raiders look to top their 4-win season from last year.

So there I am, patting myself on the back for calling this week’s upset as Johnnie Lee Higgens returned a punt for 93-yards with under 5 minutes to go. The Raiders defense, playing solid as usual, just had to shut down the Fish for one drive and I will become a self-ordained seer. Well no, a couple of big plays capped off by Oakland’s homegrown Devone Bess’ 17-yard grab got Miami into field goal range and here we are. Raiders lose 17-15 to the Dolphins as the offense, now under command of interim head coach Tom Cable, extended their streak to 13 straight quarters without scoring an offensive touchdown. The Raiders managed 2 field goals, a sack, anda Higgins punt return, but feeble production from the ground and air game.

Now I’m not one for playing the “what-if” game, but what-if the Raiders managed a mediocre offense this year? A few strong fourth quarter drives, a few clutch third down conversions, a few defensive stands, and the Raiders this year are easily 5-5 and 2nd place in the AFC West and one game out of first place.

I know… the what-if game is a slippery slope and for all we know, with enough what ifs, the Lions also may actually have won a game this year and the Patriots would have won the Superbowl. But no, the Lions are winless and the Patriots are jackasses (or jackass’ ?) for buying the copyrights to the phrase “19-0″ before the Superbowl. But anyhow, let’s take a look at this years close ones:

Week 3: Raiders lose 23-24 and blew a 3-possession lead giving up 17-points to the Bills in the final eight minutes of the game.

Week 4: Raiders went into the half controlling San Diego with a 15-0 lead and then gave up 25-points in the 4th quarter losing 28-18.

Week 11: Raiders couldn’t hold Miami’s last drive despite taking the lead 15-14 with 4-minutes to go.

It’s a shame, I was looking forward to titling this entry with a defeaning RRRAAAAIIIIDDDDEEERRRRSSSS call.

 

Johnnie Lee Higgens 4th Quarter Punt Return

 

The Raiders fell to the Carolina Panthers today 17-6. It’s too bad Al Davis couldn’t wait until the end of this week’s match up to cut DeAngelo Hall. After Hall’s comments last year on Steve Smith:

“You best believe, when he’s hanging in the air, I will be taking a shot at him. Period. I’m trying to kill people this year. Period.”

I was looking forward to what either Smith or Hall would say this week. Oh well. As for today’s game, the Raiders couldn’t manage to score a touchdown despite strong defensive showing barring a freakish run to DeAngelo Williams.

Asomugha dominated and showed everyone (again) why he’s the best corner in the league right now. With Steve Smith coming into the game hot with 100+ receiving yards in each of his last 3 games including 3 TD grabs, Asomugha made him a non-factor. Smith ended the game with once catch for 9 yards while having two passes his way picked off, one by Asomugha. It’s too bad that Asomugha has been SO effective that teams don’t even throw his way. With today’s 2nd half interception being his first of the year, Asomugha’s defensive numbers won’t merit a Defensive Player of the Year, yet he’s certainly shutting down any receivers thrown his way like one.