Storyline: Just like that, from the cusp of at least a nine-point 4th Q lead, Oakland went the other way–to a 34-20 loss–at the hands of their hated, archrival Chiefs.
Courtesy: raiderimage.com
It all seemed to be going so well for the Oakland Raiders last Sunday. The Raiders held a 20-14 advantage over the Kansas City Chiefs early in the 4th Quarter and Oakland was driving into Chiefs’ territory. The Silver & Black seemed poised to add to their lead. Derek Carr hit Amari Cooper for a 23-yard gain on the sideline, converting a 3rdand 13.
Then, those damn Chiefs happened!
On the very next play Carr got too excited and overthrew a wide open Michael Crabtree. Crab’s defender was at least five yards behind him. If the pass had been on target it could have been a possible score … or least a 1st Down inside the ten. Carr smiled towards the sideline as if to say, “My bad. But, don’t worry. I got this.” He didn’t.
On 2nd down Carr sidestepped a multitude of Chief defenders, trying to make a play. But Carr held the ball too long. He was blindsided. It was a big hit, too. The ball popped up and fluttered right into the waiting hands of D-lineman Josh Mauga. Mauga took the gift and rumbled 66 yards down to the Raiders 1-yard line. A few plays later KC tied it at 20-apiece on a Jeremy Maclin screen pass.
OK, we all know that bad things happen in football games. This time the score is tied and the Raiders are in good shape, too: they’ve been moving the ball well all half. Let’s go boys!
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) against the KC Chiefs in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015 (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
So, on the very next drive, Carr hits a few more passes. Suddenly the Raiders are at the KC 49-yard line. No worries, Raider Nation. Carr steps up and fires a pass downfield to Crab again. But, this time, there’s a huge problem: Crab stumbles and falls before the ball comes down. The ball hits CB Marcus Peters right in the chest. He catches it and sprints the other way–to the Raider’s 13-yard line. Two plays later Maclin again (yes again!) takes a screen pass into the end zone. It’s now 26-20, KC.
But, wait! Carr quickly takes the Raiders downfield again … only to be stymied by the Chiefs’ defense at the KC 32-yard line. No worries: it’s Seabass time! Sebastian Janikowski trots onto the field and promptly … DOINKS the field goal off the upright.
OK, just what the hell is happening in this game!
The Raiders’ defense then forces a three-and-out. The Chiefs punt. So, even with this 4th Quarter meltdown, the Raiders still have 4:37 left to drive down and win the game with a touchdown … or maybe not. On the third play of the drive Carr’s bullet-of-a-pass ricochets off Cooper’s hands into the arms of a diving Tyvon Branch. Branch proceeds to get up and sprint untouched into the end zone.
You have got to be F@#$%&G KIDDING ME!
Just like that, the Raiders lose the game and–for the most part–any playoff aspirations. From the cusp of at least a nine point lead in the 4th Quarter Oakland went the other way, to a 34-20 loss, at the hands of the hated, archrival Chiefs. Why did it have to be those god-damn Chiefs?
Courtesy: yahoo.com
But looking back at the season, the Raiders have had 4th Quarter woes. They’ve been outscored 129-57 in the final period. And, in almost every close game, they’ve had a crucial turnover in the last quarter. Carr threw a pick against the Ravens; Cooper fumbled in Cleveland; Latavius Murray fumbled in Chicago; Carr hand another pick against the Broncos; (and, you guessed it) Carr had yet another pick against the Steelers and still another against the Vikings; and Carr fumbled against the Titans.
While Carr only has had nine interceptions all year, seven have been in money time. Yes he’s young, but it’s a disturbing trend. Hopefully we can attribute those mistakes to youth and his gun-slinging mentality, ala idol, Brett Favre. Jack Del Rio explained it away as Carr just trying to do too much and not managing the game well–not trusting the rest of the guys to come through. The Nation can only hope the lesson has been learned the hard way.
Game Day Observations
As good as Amari Cooper has been this year, he sure has a hell of a lot of dropped balls. He currently leads the NFL with nine. The drop on 4th and 2 in the 1st Half was momentum killer. And it has to give the coaching staff pause when considering future play calls. We all know that trust is a major factor when it comes to play calling.
I’m getting little sports-depressed right now, so let’s change gears and mention Khalil Mack. For the third straight week Mack was a defensive demon. He simply destroyed tackles Jah Reid and Eric Fisher for a total of 5 tackles, 2 sacks, and 5 QB pressures. Mack is now the Pro Football Focus top-edge defender on the season. That’s impressive stuff for this second-year pro.
Courtesy: touthouse.com
Future Hall of Famer and legend, Charles Woodson, was up to his old tricks with a couple of fumble recoveries in the 1st Half. CWood changed the momentum when he stripped the ball from Chiefs’ TE Travis Kelce, recovered it himself, and sprinted 38 yards to the KC 36-yard line, leading to a Raider TD and 14-7 halftime lead. Once again, fans, this man is 39-years-old and playing safety in the NFL. Incredible!
But the not-so-good news is that Defensive Coordinator Ken Norton Jr. has to shore up his coverage schemes on the outside. Too many times this year the Raiders have not had enough men on the outside to cover receivers on short screens. Simple screen passes gave the Chiefs two scores with Jeremy Maclin walking in both times. The Raiders have enough self-inflicted wounds without the coaches causing them.
Since I’ve ragged on Derek Carr in this article I may as well bring up one more point: he throws the ball too damn hard at times. I love the arm but he sometimes goes with a fast ball when a nice touch-pass might be better. I’d hate to stifle the young man, but I believe it’s something the coaching staff should look at.
Player of the Game
Courtesy: Raiders.com
I’m going with Khalil Mack because the dude is a stud, an absolute beast on defense. He also seemed to enjoy punishing the Chiefs’ O-linemen.
I root for anyone who beats the piss out of those damn Chiefs.
