It's a beautiful thing when our team wins, eh Nation?
Time and time again, we have not seen our Oakland Raider scheme execute in a manner we would like it to. Week after week, we wonder what type of players we have on our team; pondering which players should stay and which players should leave the facility as quickly as the Falcon clears Space.
So, it is kind of weird seeing all of it come together on a special Sunday. Is all forgiven? Of course not! Allen and Knapp, the Nation still wonders today why in the HELL you would pump up the crowd by putting in Terrelle Pryor for one series in which he would only pass one damn time? Now is the time to give him AT LEAST a half to work with. Why not give him the kind practice he actually needs on a real, live field?
Sith Lord knows, we have already seen what Carson Palmer can do… and then some.
Offense:
You would think with an improved running game and decent blocking, CP3 would pass more efficiently on 3rd down and get into the end zone, right? Wrong! I'm pretty sure you all know his negatives by now and can even detect why he can't be our Quarterback of the future. His confidence seems to be lowering as each game passes. Can he improve next year? I'm not so sure.
Even with an improving running game, the guy has a habit of throwing picks time and time again and still lacks chemistry with most of our Receivers. After a season and change there still is no consistency. Palmer supporters, truly ask yourselves; how long is it going to take?
I want him to succeed, I really do. But if the 41% efficiency level on 3rd down keeps going the way it has been, I'll have no choice but to join the masses.
Darren McFadden, welcome back, welcome back, welcome back! It sure has been a minute, hasn't it? Run DMC ran for 110 yards on 30 carries and looked like a pissed off running back tired of a certain blocking philosophy. To vent his frustration, he ran his big heart out.
The knock on him of course is turning into "McFragile", but I tend to believe EVERY Running back gets hurt sometime in their career if they run hard enough. I think everyone mostly has the same opinion: No, we don't want him traded, but if they do, they better get somebody damn good!
Mike Goodson, is a true threat when you're on your A game. Every one of those 89 yards gained was needed to grab the victory. If we get the right scheme in the future? There's no telling what this combo can achieve.
Defense:
Who knew we would pitch a shutout? Yes, we all know it's against the horrible Chiefs, but hey, a bagel is a bagel./
Phillip Wheeler had another solid game with 7 tackles, 1 Sack and was all over the field. The man keeps getting better and better. I still think we have something with Wheeler, Miles Burris, Tyvon Branch and Michael Huff. This team could use a REAL middle linebacker which could come from the draft.
Perhaps a good cornerback or a mean defensive linemen? Hey, we need multiple defensive spots filled and surely the best available player will be needed in 2013.
Special Teams:
I usually don't write much about this unit, but with Sebastian Janikowski kicking for ALL of our points Sunday, he is worth a damn mention. Well, there it was!
I'm glad the leg is still holding up, sir Bass. Thank you for being one of the most consistent Raiders on our Squad.
Shane Lechler, I really hope we can keep you on our squad for consistency reasons, but for money purposes; this might be your last year as a Raider. If that's the case, thanks for being one of the greatest punters ever on our squad. You will always be appreciated by the Lord of the Sith!
Notes from NFL.com Game Summary:
If only the Raiders could play the Kansas City Chiefs more often.
"It's extremely hard to shut anybody out. It doesn't matter who they are. That's an accomplishment that we take great pride in," Raiders coach Dennis Allen said. "I think it's huge. Our guys needed something where they get a little bit of confidence."Sebastian Janikowski kicked five field goals, Darren McFadden rushed for 110 yards and theRaiders shut out Kansas City for the second time ever, beating the Chiefs 15-0 on Sunday.
The Raiders (4-10) overwhelmed the undermanned Chiefs (2-12) to snap a six-game losing streak. Sandwiched around those losses are two wins over Kansas City, a rare bright spot in this disappointing season in Oakland.
There has been little to cheer for this season for the Chiefs, who have lost 10 of 11 games and are tied for the second most losses in franchise history behind a 2-14 mark in 2008. Kansas City's only win since September came the day after linebacker Javon Belcher killed his girlfriend before committing suicide at the team's practice facility.
"Offensively we couldn't get much done at all," coach Romeo Crennel said. "Couldn't run the ball, couldn't throw the ball, got into the red zone and couldn't get any points. Defensively we tried to hang in there but we missed too many tackles and on third down we were unable to get off the field and allowed them to keep drives alive and end up with field goals."
About the only bright spot from this loss is it kept Kansas City in the running for the No. 1 overall draft pick. The Chiefs and Jaguars are tied with the worst record in the NFL with two weeks remaining.
This matchup between two old AFL rivals lacked the meaning many of the past meetings had with both teams entering the game with at least 10 losses for the first time ever.
But strong running by McFadden and Mike Goodson giving the Raiders a season-high 203 yards rushing, quarterback Carson Palmer playing turnover-free for the first time since September and the Raiders dominating defensively, Oakland came out on top.The quality of play matched the poor records for much of the day as the Chiefs took nearly 40 minutes to earn their initial first down of the game and the Raiders failed to reach the end zone.
"It just feels great to be able to go out there and run the ball the way we did," McFadden said. "We did a great job running and the offensive line did a great job. Just a good all-around game for us."
The Raiders held Jamaal Charles to 10 yards rushing on nine carries, giving him 14 yards on 14 carries in two games against Oakland this season. Brady Quinn completed 18 of 32 passes for 136 yards and an interception as he missed injured receiver Dwayne Bowe.
To read the entire game Summary, click here
Alright Nation, 2 more games to go! Hopefully, we have enough Kryptonite to stop the infamous Cam Newton and the Panthers. If not? Hey, we get a higher draft pick. It's a win-win situation. Let's go!
Have a great Week!
-Darth Raider
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
