Thoughts on the Game

[Magnusblitz]

Another loss that could've been a win had the Raiders made a few more plays when it counted.

Some thoughts:

- Carr's punt muff. Dumb, dumb, dumb. Gave the Chiefs a free seven points. But that comes with being a rookie. Hopefully he'll grow out of it - he definately showed his stuff on later returns, trying to redeem himself.

- I'm starting to agree with the guys that say that Collins is just too shaky and inconsistent. He'll overthrow and underthrow recievers (especially on that 4-yard-pass to Jordan they run all the time, he throws it behind way too often). He's holding the ball a bit too long - Moss was open several times in the second half, and Collins didn't throw it to him, or ran instead (why is he running? Collins is possibly the slowest QB in the league other than Bledsoe). Not only that, but his style just isn't good for an offense. 70-yard pass plays look nice for the highlight reel, but it prevents the defense from getting a chance to rest - and the defense definately got tired as the night went on. And he fumbles too damn much.

- Tackling problems. All over. Gibson played well at first, I thought, but fell apart in the second half. Stuart made some plays but they didn't involve tackling, more of "get in the way so someone else can tackle". All the corners made some pretty poor tackles, even Morrison and Clark missed a couple.

- Woodson played poorly, I thought, until the final seconds of the third quarter, when he started tipping balls, disrupting plays, and his excellent fumble force. I think that's a huge problem the Raiders have - not creating enough turnovers. All game I was thinking "we need a turnover, need a turnover" - nice to see Woodson finally creating that.

- More dumb penalties. Yes, Moss got screwed on his first TD. But the rest were just dumb stuff. Langston Walker...argh - screwing up that Jordan run for a TD, Grove screwing up the Whitted reverse. More points left out there.

- Offensive line is still inconsistent. Jordan can't catch the ball at the worst times, though I'm not sure if that's his fault or Collins' (see above).

OVERALL: I think our expectations were a bit high for this season. This team is still very, very young, and needs to figure some things out. We've got rookies starting at corner (Routt), linebacker (Morrison) and returner (Carr). Jordan's new. The offensive line isn't coming together yet. If this team fixes the mistakes they're making they could be dangerous, but let's face it - it's going to be very difficult to climb out of a 0-3 hole.

[RaiderInNY]

Good job,

Right here with mine:
http://www.raiderfans.net/forum/2005-archives/46734-after-game-kc-v-oak-thoughts.html

[RaiderInNY]

Another loss that could've been a win had the Raiders made a few more plays when it counted.

Some thoughts:

- Carr's punt muff. Dumb, dumb, dumb. Gave the Chiefs a free seven points. But that comes with being a rookie. Hopefully he'll grow out of it - he definately showed his stuff on later returns, trying to redeem himself. Didnt bother me, yeah a mistake...but, I thought the special's would be big...Check the Countdown to Paydirt article in the front page...

- I'm starting to agree with the guys that say that Collins is just too shaky and inconsistent. He'll overthrow and underthrow recievers (especially on that 4-yard-pass to Jordan they run all the time, he throws it behind way too often). He's holding the ball a bit too long - Moss was open several times in the second half, and Collins didn't throw it to him, or ran instead (why is he running? Collins is possibly the slowest QB in the league other than Bledsoe). Not only that, but his style just isn't good for an offense. 70-yard pass plays look nice for the highlight reel, but it prevents the defense from getting a chance to rest - and the defense definately got tired as the night went on. And he fumbles too damn much. Collins needs to have a solid pocket around him...he isnt a Favre, Culpepper etc... that can move in the pocket, and make a play outside the pocket. If his feet arent established and the pocket isnt esttablished, he'll struggle. O-Line was a key coming into the season...he needs time to get the ball to Moss, Porter etc...Moss will help him alot this year, 'cause he can fling it all over the place, but like I also said in the article, teams will try to rattle him...

- Tackling problems. All over. Gibson played well at first, I thought, but fell apart in the second half. Stuart made some plays but they didn't involve tackling, more of "get in the way so someone else can tackle". All the corners made some pretty poor tackles, even Morrison and Clark missed a couple. They arent as bad as the Bresnahan days...Gibson had a solid game, considering he had Gonzo also to deal with. Tackling is fine, Im not worried about that as much as the lack of pass rush until certain parts of the game tinight, lack of turnovers produced etc...

- Woodson played poorly, I thought, until the final seconds of the third quarter, when he started tipping balls, disrupting plays, and his excellent fumble force. I think that's a huge problem the Raiders have - not creating enough turnovers. All game I was thinking "we need a turnover, need a turnover" - nice to see Woodson finally creating that. Woodson does alto of things alot of people dont see...He sticks his helmet in alot of tackles, really good in run support...he had alot of responsibilities tonight, as he is among alot of young guys in that secondary which doesnt help...

- More dumb penalties. Yes, Moss got screwed on his first TD. But the rest were just dumb stuff. Langston Walker...argh - screwing up that Jordan run for a TD, Grove screwing up the Whitted reverse. More points left out there.Typical Raiders huh....

- Offensive line is still inconsistent. Jordan can't catch the ball at the worst times, though I'm not sure if that's his fault or Collins' (see above). A lil' of everything...O-Line does a solid job in spurts, but overall....not where we need it!

OVERALL: I think our expectations were a bit high for this season. This team is still very, very young, and needs to figure some things out. We've got rookies starting at corner (Routt), linebacker (Morrison) and returner (Carr). Jordan's new. The offensive line isn't coming together yet. If this team fixes the mistakes they're making they could be dangerous, but let's face it - it's going to be very difficult to climb out of a 0-3 hole.

My replies in color above quote brackets...

Dude, we have a 2nd year pro at FS (schweigert), youung project at DE (Kelly), young Oline (Gallery, Grove, Walker...), rooks in the 2ndary (Routt...) and young starters in Irons, Brayton at LB with Nnamodi newly assigned starter this year...

Alot, alot of changes an aspect which improvement and up s and downs are expected...

[coloradoraider]

I was actually impressed with the D tonight, especially considering we were playing KC. We definately proved we can stop the run; the Chiefs are one of the best, if not the best, running teams in the league with Holmes and Johnson. The pass D was better too, but has Rob Ryan ever heard of a blitz? Are we really sure he is Bob Ryan's son? I don't believe it.

[RaiderDave34]

philly, then dallas.... we may not even see a win before bye week... wtf..

[Jay_Gordon]

I was actually impressed with the D tonight, especially considering we were playing KC. We definately proved we can stop the run; the Chiefs are one of the best, if not the best, running teams in the league with Holmes and Johnson. The pass D was better too, but has Rob Ryan ever heard of a blitz? Are we really sure he is Bob Ryan's son? I don't believe it.

I know, Buddy Ryan should be asking himself..."How tall is the milkman...?"

[RaiderInNY]

I know, Buddy Ryan should be asking himself..."How tall is the milkman...?"

LMFAO...

[coloradoraider]

I know, Buddy Ryan should be asking himself..."How tall is the milkman...?"

[Mr.Murder]

Carr let someone get in his radius and distract him. No call on interference...

LaMont tried to bounce another straight downhill run that led to us passing about a third and five the second week in a row and a wideout dropped it trying to get a short bullet instead of the usual deep out.



The hold call was picky, he needs to re-establish contact they let you wraparound block all the time-it's the only way anyone stops Dwight Freeney.

The line judge had it in for the team everytime someone saw daylight he threw a flag.

The balance between when to throw and when to go progressions is the difference. The D made a big play late, the O has to match that, and vice versa. Everyone gets on the same page and great things can happen.

[Magnusblitz]

My replies in color above quote brackets...

Dude, we have a 2nd year pro at FS (schweigert), youung project at DE (Kelly), young Oline (Gallery, Grove, Walker...), rooks in the 2ndary (Routt...) and young starters in Irons, Brayton at LB with Nnamodi newly assigned starter this year...

Alot, alot of changes an aspect which improvement and up s and downs are expected...

You're right, and this is exactly what I was going for - it's a young team, bumps are expected, and I think a lot of people here (myself included) were being overeager in their expectations this year. Yeah, we have Moss, but Moss doesn't automatically equal Super Bowl, or even playoffs...this is a YOUNG, new team.

In a way, it is nice to have the tough part of our schedule first...hopefully make a good run at the end, even if we will start 0-3...

[ArrowheadMagic]

Carr let someone get in his radius and distract him. No call on interference...

LaMont tried to bounce another straight downhill run that led to us passing about a third and five the second week in a row and a wideout dropped it trying to get a short bullet instead of the usual deep out.



The hold call was picky, he needs to re-establish contact they let you wraparound block all the time-it's the only way anyone stops Dwight Freeney.

The line judge had it in for the team everytime someone saw daylight he threw a flag.




LOL....any more excuses? Or did you get them all?

[Mr.Murder]

When you get to a superbowl then you can review what I have to say tort. Your team didn'tr show me anything on defense that says playoff contender and you know it. Live it up, we'll squash you regardless of the scoreboard.

Run that by again how getting beat for position and sticking your arms out and shrugging shoulders in hopes of a call equals championship football.

When you find a way to stop people in real time we might consider you top tier. Until then carry the hankess that took touchdowns off the board with you and get it framed.