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Oakland Raiders notebook: Defense takes its hits after another poor showing |
A 38-26 loss on Sunday to the San Diego Chargers that knocked the Raiders out of the playoffs was in large part due to the kind of defensive failures that arose often in 2011 and probably will mean the demise of defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan’s job after one season. “I think Chuck knows how I feel,” Raiders coach Hue Jackson said while not commenting directly on Bresnahan’s status for next season. “I’m disappointed over there. I have been. It’s not like we haven’t had conversations. Chuck knows what I feel, and it’s not good enough.” Oakland ended the season allowing 433 points, the second most in franchise history (the Raiders gave up 442 in 1997), an average of 27.1 points per game. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers’ three touchdown passes brought the total to 31 against the Raiders this season, the most in club history. Oakland also gave up 2,158 yards on 430 carries, an average of 5.1 yards per attempt. Defensive collapses were conspicuous in Week 2, when Buffalo scored touchdowns on five consecutive possessions in a come-from-behind win, against Denver, when the Raiders gave up 299 yards rushing and 38 points, and against Detroit on Dec. 18, with the Lions going 71 and 98 yards to win the game in the fourth quarter. “What I saw today is what I saw at different times this year,” Jackson said. “When you play defense in the NFL, you’ve got to hunt. You can’t give up 28, 29 points and expect to win games.” The Raiders gave up an average of 31.8 points in their last five games, during which they went 1-4 and went from in control of their own destiny to out of the playoffs. “I know some people are going to try to blame Chuck, some people are going to try and blame Hue, but at the end of the day, we’re the ones on the field,” free safety Michael Huff said. “Regardless of the defense that’s called, we’ve got to line up and play and execute.” Bresnahan was originally hired as defensive assistant in the offseason and eventually was elevated to coordinator. Jackson was turned down by the New York Jets when he requested to interview Jets secondary coach Dennis Thurman for the position because Thurman was under contract. It remains to be seen how the decision-making process will work and if the Raiders will hire a front-office executive with decision-making power. Jackson promised change. “I’m going to take a stronger hand in this whole team, this whole organization,” Jackson said. “There ain’t no way I’m going to feel like I feel today a year from now. I promise you that. Defensively, offensively and special teams, I ain’t feeling like this no more. This is a joke.” “That’s not why we lost today, but that is a problem on this football team,” Jackson said. “There’s some work that has to be done.” The Raiders went over the penalty-yardage mark in the first half on a personal foul by Matt Giordano, with Rock Cartwright getting a holding call on the second-half kickoff return to break the penalty record. Comment Below!. Posted in 1, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Kansas City Chiefs, Louis Murphy, Michael Huff, New York Jets, Philip Rivers, Pittsburgh Steelers, raiders-news, Rock Cartwright, San Diego Chargers, Sebastian Janikowski, Tommy Kelly | Comments Off
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New Year Brings Clear NFL Playoff Picture: Fan’s Perspective |
We almost did it. The Oakland Raiders went into their final game of the season with the chance to win and move on to the playoffs, for the first time since 2002. The Silver and Black came into the January 1st game against the San Diego Chargers with their own destiny in their hands. At home, no less. But they failed in their mission and lost the game 38-26 and also lost their hopes of post-season play. Their loss, along with the other wins and losses on the last day of the regular season (and the first day of the new year), clarified the NFL playoff picture as to who’s in and who’s out. 
An NFL football. The Raiders’ loss was a boon to the Denver Broncos, who lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 7-3, but still won the division. The Broncos will now host Pittsburgh in the first round of the playoffs. With their loss, the Broncos created the opportunity for the Raiders to clinch the AFC West with their win, but the Raiders could not capitalize on the opportunity and the slot goes to Denver. The NFL playoff picture includes returning and expected teams like the Green Bay Packers, the New England Patriots, the Baltimore Ravens, the New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons. I’m excited because there are also unexpected teams like the San Francisco 49ers, the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos and, for the very first time, the Houston Texans. The New York Giants will be there too, after an amazing game that saw them beat the Dallas Cowboys on the strong performance of QB Eli Manning. Another amazing performance on that last Sunday of the regular season was turned in by Green Bay’s QB. And it was not starter Aaron Rodgers, who was resting in anticipation of the playoffs, it was backup QB Matt Flynn. Flynn broke Packers’ teams records going for 480 yards passing for six touchdowns. The first of January gave three losses to the four AFC playoff teams. The Bengals, Texans and Broncos all lost, only the Steelers won their last game. The playoffs will start off with Cincinnati against Houston early on Saturday, January 7, followed by Detroit at New Orleans. Sunday will bring the Giants against Atlanta. And while all that is going on, Raiders fans like me will be looking towards the 2012 season. Although born and raised with Eagles fans in Philadelphia, Freddy Sherman has always been a citizen of Raider Nation at heart. Since his dad got him a signed George Blanda football as child, to meeting Lyle Alzado in the 1980s, he hasn’t looked back. Follow him on twitter @thefredsherman More from this contributor: Oakland Raiders’ Legend Fred Biletnikoff: Fan’s Perspective Farmers Field Proposed Re-design is Too Expensive to Build: Fan’s Opinion Top 5 Greatest Oakland Raiders Hall of Famers Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content. Feel free to leave your comments below. Posted in 1, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, raiders-news, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers | Comments Off
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Week 14 NFL Picks: Oakland Raiders Face Nearly Impossible Task Against Green Bay Packers |
By David Fucillo – Editor
Two sets of predictions against the spread for Week 14 of the NFL season. Your best bet might be to bet the opposite. Check out SB Nation NFL for full week 12 coverage. Follow , and Like SB Nation Bay Area on Facebook. Dec 9, 2011 – Week 14 of the 2011 NFL season is at hand and both the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers face big games. The Raiders travel to Green Bay to face the undefeated Packers. Oakland is tied with Denver for first in the AFC West in what is quickly becoming a dog fight heading into the final quarter of the season. The Raiders are battling through an assortment of injuries and are just looking to hang around and keep their hopes alive. The 49ers head down to Glendale to face the Arizona Cardinals in a game they need to have to maintain their lead in the race for the number two seed and accompanying bye in the NFC. The Cardinals are on a bit of a roll, having won four of their last five games. Their only loss was to the 49ers, but they were also playing without starting QB Kevin Kolb. He returns this weekend and it should make for an intriguing game. As always, the Thursday pick was made in advance of the game. David - PITTSBURGH STEELERS (-14) over Cleveland Browns: Although this is a rivalry game, leaving the door open for a close one, I just don’t see it. The Browns are way too inconsistent and the Steelers aren’t going to be messing around with this one. James – PITTSBURGH STEELERS (-14) over Cleveland Browns: Remember early in the season when everyone was swearing up and down that the Steelers were old and no longer relevant? Yeah, not so much anymore. This is a strong team with a good offense and a good defense. Browns do not stand a chance. David – GREEN BAY PACKERS (-12.5) over Oakland Raiders: I’d be tempted if the Raiders were 100% healthy. Without McFadden, Ford, Moore and Jones? It would take a small miracle. James – Oakland Raiders (+12.5) over GREEN BAY PACKERS: I cannot and will not pick against the Raiders. David – CINCINNATI BENGALS (-1.5) over Houston Texans: The Bengals are scuffling a bit, but I think their defense can contain Arian Foster just enough to force T.J. Yates into a position where he has to try and win this thing. And I don’t think he can do that. The Bengals are sneaky solid. James – Houston Texans (+1.5) over CINCINNATI BENGALS: Really tough game to call. While the Texans are on their third string quarterback, it does not look to have slowed them down a whole lot. They still have a very good defense and one of the best running games. Meanwhile, the Bengals are struggling right now and I cannot see them putting up many points against this Houston defense. David - DETROIT LIONS (Even) over Minnesota Vikings: Joe Webb is not the answer. James – DETROIT LIONS (Even) over Minnesota Vikings: This is just a matter of two mismatched teams. I know the Lions are struggling right now, but the Vikings are just not a good team. I do not see them going to Detroit and doing anything but floundering. David – TENNESSEE TITANS (+3.5) over New Orleans Saints: The Saints are playing some great football right now, but when they go on the road, things are a little more up in the air. The Saints could roll in and handle their business, but I’ve just got a gut feeling about this one. James – New Orleans Saints (-3.5) over TENNESSEE TITANS: The Saints could have the most potent offense in the NFL right now. That is no knock on the Packers offense, but the Saints are just something else and are playing very well right now. I don’t understand why this line is so close, I’d put the Saints as two score favorites. David - MIAMI DOLPHINS (-2.5) over Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles are on the way down, the Dolphins are kind of on the way up in a weird sort of way. Philly is so wildly inconsistent that I really don’t know what to expect out of them week to week. James – MIAMI DOLPHINS (-2.5) over Philadelphia Eagles: The battle of two 4-8 teams. One, the Eagles, is massively underperforming despite a blockbuster roster. The other, is massively overperforming despite an underwhelming quarterback and running back combo. The fact of the matter is, Miami is playing like a solidified unit while the Eagles are playing like they are a pick up team. David - Kansas City Chiefs (+10.5) over NEW YORK JETS: I made a change here. Was originally going to go with the Chiefs, but something about that line intrigues me with the Chiefs. I’m sure they’ll now get blown out (sorry, KC fans), but it’s just a gut feeling. James – NEW YORK JETS (-10.5) over Kansas City Chiefs: Another example of one team just simply being much better than the other. Though the Jets have not had a stellar season, they are playing much better as of late. And with a playoff spot on the line, I expect them to turn it up late in the season and win games like this one big. David - New England Patriots (-9.5) over WASHINGTON REDSKINS: The Patriots can be questionable on the road, but the Redskins have Rex Grossman maning the helm. Sorry, Washington. James – New England Patriots (-9.5) over WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Is much discussion really needed on this one?If the line was bigger then maybe I’d have to think about it for a bit. But come on, this will not be anywhere near a close game. David - CAROLINA PANTHERS (+2.5) over Atlanta Falcons: I’m a Cam Newton believer. I think most folks are, but I think they are going to start pairing some wins together before Cam goes postal with all the losing. If this was in Atlanta I’d be questioning it, but I think they can swing the upset at home. James – CAROLINA PANTHERS (+2.5) over Atlanta Falcons: The Panthers are starting to play better. They have back to back wins for the first time this year. Oh, and Cam Newton is an absolute BEAST. Meanwhile, the Falcons could not pull off a win over the Texans and TJ Yates. David - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Even) over JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: I was a little bit tempted by the Jaguars, but then I remembered they just aren’t any good. Blaine Gabbert showed some things at times against the Chargers, but struggled enough to leave me questioning them this season. James – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Even) over JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: The Jags are just a bad team. The Bucs are a massively underperforming team. While their records are very similar, the quality of the teams is not. The Bucs will look like the team most people thought they were this season and get a win on the road in an empty Jaguars stadium. David - Indianapolis Colts (+17.5) over BALTIMORE RAVENS: The Ravens win this, but they have a nasty habit of playing down to lesser competition from time to time. I think we see it once again. James – Indianapolis Colts (+17.5) over BALTIMORE RAVENS: Do not worry, this is not a typo, nor have I completely lost my mind. The Colts have played a lot of close games this season, and have only been blown out by 17 or more points four times. Meanwhile, the Ravens have a nasty habit of playing down to their competition (see: Seattle). Ravens will win, and win easily, but it will be closer to 10-14 points. David - Chicago Bears (+3.5) over DENVER BRONCOS: I’m breaking the most important rule: Do not bet against Tim Tebow. Well, my gut has me thinking something crazy happens and the Broncos actually lose. I’m not sure why I think this, but I just have a hunch. James – DENVER BRONCOS (-3.5) over Chicago Bears: No Jay Cutler. No Matt Forte. Good god, is Tebow going to do it again? I think he is and let me tell you, I am pretty bitter about it. David - San Francisco 49ers (-3.5) over ARIZONA CARDINALS: The 49ers clinched the NFC West last week and face the Pittsburgh Steelers next week on Monday Night Football. This is a chance for a let-down as the Arizona Cardinals roll out Kevin Kolb in his second start since coming back from a foot injury. Crazy things sometimes happen when these two teams meet in Glendale, but I think the 49ers can handle their business. James – San Francisco 49ers (-3.5) over ARIZONA CARDINALS: Jim Harbaugh is far too good of a coach to allow the Niners to have the same kind of let down against the Cards as the Cowboys did last week. Arizona does not stand a chance in this game. The Niners will have their sights on a number two seed in the NFC and will not allow a team like the Cards to derail them from that goal. David - SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (-7.5) over Buffalo Bills: Don’t bet against the Chargers in December. James - SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (-7.5) over Buffalo Bills: The Chargers are looking like they have finally hit their stride late in the season. Probably not enough for a playoff berth, but enough to put down the struggling and injured Bills at home. David – DALLAS COWBOYS (-3) over New York Giants: NFC East rivalry games can be incredibly crazy, but I think the Cowboys pull out this home game. They are getting Miles Austin back and while they were stunned by Arizona, I think they bounce back strong. James - New York Giants (+3) over DALLAS COWBOYS: My pick here comes down to the intangibles. I believe that the Giants want the win more than the Cowboys do. I also have more faith in the Giants in late game situations than I do in the Cowboys. Both are coming off of tough losses, but one was a close loss to the league’s best team while the other was a close loss to a very bad team. David - SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (even) over St. Louis Rams: I think the NFC picked this game just to show off how popular the NFL really is. That can be the only reason for it. The Rams are falling apart and the Seahawks are starting to play some decent football. I’ll go with the Seahawks. James - SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (even) over St. Louis Rams: Wait a second. I must have read wrong. This is not the Monday Night Football game, right? There is no way the NFL would schedule a game like this so late in the season, on the biggest prime time game of the week. Sorry, Im not even going to explain my pick, Im just going to complain about this being the MNF game. TERRIBLE! DAVID FUCILLO JAMES ARCELLANA Read More: week 14 nfl picks, 2011 nfl picks, 49ers picks, raiders picks Follow , and Like SB Nation Bay Area on Facebook. Do you like this story?
Running low on time today, i’ll be back tomorrow hopefully with some more news. Posted in 1, Arian Foster, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, raiders-news, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Tennessee Titans, Tim Tebow, Washington Redskins | Comments Off
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The Oakland Raiders Get a Win at Home Against the Chicago Bears: Fan Reaction |
The Oakland Raiders win their third consecutive game against the Chicago Bears in front of another sold out crowd at O.co Coliseum on Sunday, November 27, with a score of 25-20, the same score in the game they defeated the Houston Texans a day after their iconic owner, Al Davis passed away. 
Oakland Raiders Sebastian Janikowski The game also marked the first time the team was able to score in the fourth quarter since the same game against the Texans back on October 9, 2011. And the Silver and Black did it all without the help of their many injured players, including running back Darren McFadden(notes), wide receiver Denarius Moore(notes), and receiver Jacoby Ford(notes), or even running back Taiwan Jones(notes), among many other injured Raiders this week. What do you think will happen when the majority of the team is healthy? It makes me smile just thinking about it. Their record improves to 7-4, and Oakland stays on top of the AFC West, regardless of who wins or who loses in the game between the San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos, which is currently tied in overtime. Whether or not the Kansas City Chiefs win over the Pittsburgh Steelers later this evening doesn’t matter either. The Raiders stay on top. A healthy, and amazing, kicker Sebastian Janikowski(notes) set a Raiders’ team record Sunday afternoon as well, with six field goals in the game, and the fact that the backup quarterback for the Bears, Caleb Hanie, threw three interceptions certainly helped the Raiders cause. As predicted, Hanie struggled in his first NFL career start, and as Raider fans, we’re well aware of the pressure and problems that can occur when a team loses their starting quarterback to an injury. Also, as predicted, the Raiders are not the same team they were when our new quarterback, Carson Palmer(notes), came into town. It takes some time to get familiar with a new team, and to develop a rhythm, and Palmer has done an exceptional job, helping the team to their three consecutive victories. Today against the Bears he threw for 301 yards. The Raiders’ defense should really be applauded for their excellent job against the Bears as well, and the fact that Oakland had just six penalties and one turnover shows they’ve made a lot of improvement in that area too. What a great job by the team today, and I’m extremely happy to say, they performed as I thought they would. Go Raiders! K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan from the time she could walk. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett . Follow her at www.facebook.com/KCDermodyWriter or on Twitter @kcdermody. More from this contributor: Five Reasons the Oakland Raiders Can Defeat the Chicago Bears: Fan’s Take Oakland Raiders’ Fan’s Look: Hue Jackson Proving the Naysayers Wrong Fan’s Look at Why the Oakland Raiders Will Stay on Top of the AFC West Oakland Raiders Fan: Fans Against Violence Taking Back the Stands for All Sports Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content. If anybody needs tickets to games, remember to click the tickets link at the top. Posted in 1, Chicago Bears, Darren McFadden, Houston Texans, Jacoby Ford, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, raiders-news, San Diego Chargers, Sebastian Janikowski | Comments Off
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CBS Sports NFL Power Rankings, Week 12: Are Oakland Raiders In AFC West Driver’s Seat? |
Read More: nfl power rankings week 12, nfl power rankings 2011, cbs sports nfl power rankings, San Diego Chargers, Chicago Bears, Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos The conclusion of week 11 means it is time for NFL power rankings. CBS Sports revealed their Week 12 NFL Power Rankings and they bumped the Oakland Raiders up one spot from No. 14 to No. 13. Their biggest climber was the Raiders main competition at this point in the West, the Denver Broncos. The Broncos climbed from No. 25 to No. 19 on the heels of their stunning victory over the New York Jets. The AFC West has been all over the place in recent weeks, with three teams tied for second last week. There has been some clarity in the division with the Chargers and Chiefs dropping two games back. The Raiders now lead the Broncos by one game with six games remaining. Week 12 brings an intriguing slate of games for the AFC West. The Raiders host the Chicago Bears, in what will be a stiff challenge for the Raiders offense. At the same time, the Bears will be without QB Jay Cutler, which eases the defensive challenge a bit. Matt Forte is still a load, but the Raiders are in a better position with Cutler sidelined. The Denver Broncos travel to Southern California to face the San Diego Chargers in a game with huge divisional implications. If the Raiders win, a Broncos win sends the Chargers plummeting to three games out. If the Raiders win and the Broncos lose, the Raiders will hold a two-game lead on at least two teams in the division. Of course, the Raiders have to win to make this all the more significant. With the Chiefs hosting the Steelers, the Raiders could really be in the driver’s seat by the end of this weekend. Here is the top ten in the NFL according to CBS Sports Week 12 NFL Power Rankings: 1. Green Bay Packers Thanks for visiting our blog =). Posted in 1, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, raiders-news, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers | Comments Off
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