Broken: Raiders can't finish against the Chargers

Thoughts from the Dark Side

September 28, 2008

Broken: Raiders can't finish against the Chargers

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We've heard it all before.� We're hearing it again, and the song keeps playing like a broken record.� "We're close.� We've just got to keep working and we'll figure it out."� At this point, Raider Nation could collaboratively write a country music smash hit.� At least that record hasn't been heard yet.� If Kiffin is fired, Raider Nation could be hearing that record played again, and again, and again over the next several years.

The Raiders once again let a game slip away in the second half after dominating their opponent for the better part of three quarters.� The result of letting the Chargers back in the game was a 28-18 loss.

Good coaches go into the locker room at the half and are able to revise their game plans to win games down the stretch.� Good coaches go into the locker room with leads and come up with a game plan to keep those leads.� Bad coaches continually have no answer in the third and fourth quarters.

You can try and blame the offense for stalling several times in the second half and not scoring touchdowns when the opportunities were there, but when you allow your defense to play soft and stay on the field for seven minutes at a time, you can't expect either side to play very well for too long.

Last game for Kiffin?

So what now?� Does Al elevate the man that Lane Kiffin wanted to get rid of at the end of last season?� Do the Raiders start all over with an 'interim' head coach?� Nobody knows, but most everyone outside of the organization and some inside believe that's the last time that Raider Nation will see Kiffin on the Raiders' sidelines.

One of the themes from pundits, coaches, and players has been that the Raiders played hard during this game.� That's akin to someone telling you that the person they're trying to set you up with has a great personality.� Uh-huh.� Anyone that's taken that bait knows exactly what I'm talking about.

"You can write what you want, but I'd be shocked if you write that you question their effort today." - Lane Kiffin about the team playing hard

"That's one of the first things that Lane said when we got in.� He said, 'The effort's always tremendous.'" - Nnamdi Asomugha about the second half collapse

"...those guys are playing hard.� I have to give my hat off to them.� Those guys are playing really hard..." - Chester McGlockton about the players

"The moral of this whole story is, just finish in the fourth quarter." - Thomas Howard about the loss

Yeah, we've heard that one before.� We've been hearing that for the past five years now.

Tags: NFL, Oakland Raiders, Raiders

Discussion

21 Comments on "Broken: Raiders can't finish against the Chargers"

Posted by Big John, September 28, 2008 7:02 PM

I just don't know anymore. I thought it was all Ryan's fault but this one wasn't. His D played their asses off for 3 quarters but were on the field too long and they got beat at the end. This one hurt. In fact, they've all hurt the past few years because we just can't finish.

I hate to admit it, but maybe we should fire Kiffin. Maybe the players will respond better to Ryan. Maybe he'll be more aggressive with the ball to keep his D off the field. That's alot of maybe's. But we keep losing at the end. I just don't know anymore. Why can't we hold on to a win? It hurts because there should be a light at the end of the tunnel, but so far, it's still as dark as its been for a few years...

Posted by Ralph Castro, September 28, 2008 7:08 PM

i cant believe i'm finally saying this... but we need to use walker more and imagine the impact if miller never slipped on the grass and if jani made that 76 yd field goal this game was winnable i just hope through some miracle kiffin stays because if we go into the bye and rest the players and work on what is needed i can see us coming out swinging and taking out teams because we are just missing one key factor for this season hell for a half of the game the raiders looked like they could go 8-8 or better this year

Posted by curiousgIII, September 28, 2008 7:26 PM

Lane is not the problem....

If the strength of the team is going to be the defense than the Raiders need depth.

The biggest area of improving is scoring in the Red Zone. We saw it in the Buffalo game. If one of the 3 FGs in Buffalo is a TD we don't have the problems we had late.

The first drive today how many of you thought the Raiders should have ran the ball on 2nd and goal from the 2. Instead they take a sack and throw.

Play-calling in the red zone....

heart breaking

Posted by Darth Raider, September 28, 2008 7:33 PM

I seriously think Ryan is sabotaging Kiffin's season by calling soft plays in the fourth quarter. How in the hell do you play solid for 3 quarters lay there like a Bankok hooker in the 4th?!? I think uncle Al has killed the morale of this franchise for too long that it's hard to turn this thing around.

Posted by Junior, September 28, 2008 8:10 PM

I started this discussion with Rob during the live chat. First of all I am not saying that Rob Ryan is a good D-Coordinator, but for all of you that are going to blame Rob Ryan for this loss, take a moment and think about it this way..

For the first 20-plus minutes of the second half, the D was on the field for all but a couple of minutes. It is tough to play consistent, aggressive D when your ass is sucking wind.

You can make the argument that they could of made some stops and got themselves off the field. I would ask you then, would it have mattered? Everytime the offense was on the field in the second half, minus the last drive, it was either a turnover or 3 and out.

You cannot ask your defense to play for 25 minutes of the second half and stop the opposing offense. Especially when it is one that some call the most potent in the AFC right now.

I unfortunately don�t know the answer. I am not a fan of changing head coaches again and I think Kif will make a good coach in the future. Problem is, he looked really confused on the sideline in the second half. Ryan typically calls a bad game late, but again, his players were flat out tired.

We�re close, but need more talent on the roster and some leadership in the locker room. We are a very young team and I don�t think anyone has stepped up as a leader.

Frustrating loss, and I hope we can keep moving forward with all the distractions that are for sure coming in the next week.

Posted by DRS, September 28, 2008 8:25 PM

If JR2 never threw that int. or fumbled the ball, the raiders could have been celebrating right now fellas! the coaches game planned pretty dam good for this game! This offense played their ass off and then once that turn over happend, it seemed like they were out of sink the rest of the game! It seemed as if Kiffin went into the half time and calmed the team down! They were totally flat! I do not have all the answers, but I do know they are looking better but i do not give a shit how good they look until they get some win's! Win ungly, ugly as hell, as long as it's a w.

Posted by BOLTS>CHOAKLAND, September 28, 2008 8:45 PM

LOL! Raiders failed.

Posted by CantonDog, September 28, 2008 9:25 PM

Getting rid of Kiffin isn't the answer. Remember, he's a rookie HC and he'll get better. But firing him is admitting that you're going to tank the season (and possibly the next few). Step back and look at the last 3 seasons--they *are* getting better.

@Ralph Castro - There's a lot of *if's* in there... but yeah, IF one of those things happened it'd probably be a different turnout.

@curiousgIII - agreed. Play calling and execution in red zone need to improve. Teams aren't afraid of the Raiders inside the 20.

@Darth Raider - No way. If anyone ever had the slightest notion that Ryan is trying to lose, he'd never get another job in the NFL. Not coach, not towel boy, nothing.

I've been a Raiders fan all my life and this is seriously the craziest it's been. They're not as bad as 3 or 4 years ago, but you just don't know where it's going to go. Depending on situations, next year could be double digit wins--or double digit losses... just gotta hope for the former.

I just wish Al would step aside, but that's like wishing candy would suddenly become a cure for cancer.

Posted by Coach Elkins, September 28, 2008 9:29 PM

Assuming we have a new Head Coach soon:

Here are some GLARING positives regarding this team for the future.....

QB has proven to be a great pick.

RB's are holding onto the football

Offensive Line, questioned by many has proven to be above average in the run game, although average in pass blocking. Has maintained itself inspite of early seasaon injuries...

Defensive Line has been the most improved area on the field....STOPPING the RUN

Linebacker Play has been average, essentially doing their jobs.

Secondary has also played very well, we haven't given up the big play....

Special Teams has been fantanstic in the return department. Punting excellent, and Kicking above average.

_________________________________________

This leaves one very important part of the TEAM.

Coaching:

The coaching is the reason the team is 1-3, and not 3-1 or even 4-0.

Game 1

Not Kicking field goal on 4th Down on 1st drive of the young season.....Russell ends up fumbling, no points... We lose BIG

Game 2

Defense played great in a tough environment. Offense did what it had to do....Let's face it, we SHOULD have won this game.....and we did!

Game 3

Again, Defense played great through 3 quarters, and essentially got tired. The Offensive playcalling in this game was poor in the second half. Our Head Coach has no killer instinct, and it showed. Lose on game's final play.

Game 4

The players showed the loyalty to their ignorant young coach yet again only to have him let them down once again. I have said it for months, the Raiders have no leadership. Leadership cannot be purchased, it cannot be learned. We have none at this moment in time. We are finding out just how important this attribute is to the success of a team. Lane Kiffin, in his 4th game this season, is finally coaching with nothing to lose. Guess what?, it's too late. The man came out today with an actual gameplan...he threw the ball to set up his run game. The fact that he only did it because our RB's are banged up is beside the point. It worked. Russell and the Offensive Line proved they are more than up to the task of moving the ball through the air, and the WR's proved "who they were" Kiffin said all off-season this team "COULDN'T" throw, guess what, WRONG AGAIN COACH! You actually can throw.........and you can throw against a great secondary, a secondary who beat Peyton Manning last season in the playoffs.

_________________________________________

In the final anaylsis, Kiffin is the REASON behind the 1-3 start, the reason for 5 wins in the Raiders last 20 games. He not only has no confidence in himself, but his lack of confidence is hurting his own team. He does not know how to win, but he has more than proven he knows how to LOSE.

The Raider players are ready for success, but with Kiffin leading them, they will continue to fail.

#10

Posted by Coach Elkins, September 28, 2008 9:42 PM

Sorry for the spelling....just my way of saying hello to the haters out there!

I hate spellcheck !

I say let a mistake speak for itself....

In the FINAL ANALYSIS I hate to be the one to have to educate you all regarding the downfalls of this team, but I actually care more than you do!

#11

Posted by Coach Elkins, September 28, 2008 9:49 PM

Oppps, did I contradict myself again.....

LOL

#12

Posted by WH1TE E, September 29, 2008 5:46 AM

I, once again couldn't see the game but I saw on the Sportsline gametracker that the special teams gave up ANOTHER HUGE play at the end of the game. Didn't that happen against Buffalo as well. From what I saw (from clips), once McFadden and Fargas are 100%, Kiff knows Jruss can step up and throw. All we really had was Bush running the ball. Don't get me wrong I really like Bush, but we had no speed at the back position. The D is dominant and the D-line is currently hurting at depth. I've been impressed with Ryan as of late. I just think it's time for Kiff to open up that playbook. As I said, i didn't see the game, so I'm not sure whos to blame for the lapse. But I did notice that other BIG play from Special Teams.

#13

Posted by Raider Blues, September 29, 2008 7:06 AM

Ryan!

#14

Posted by Raider Scott, September 29, 2008 8:22 AM

Elkins, I can't say that i agree with all the calls Kiff made and yeah he has made some mistakes that has cost us. I still believe the leadership you speak of that we are missing is at Davis's spot. He needs to show leadership and support the coach. If not, he should have fired him in the offseason. We can correct the mistakes in time, but we cannot just keep starting from scratch every 18 months with new coaching. If Kiff went for the touchdown and we didn�t get in, suppose we lose by two points. Then Kiff is a dope and should have gone for the 3 points. You can second guess most any decision if you end up losing. Ultimately the turnovers killed us. No turnovers, we probably win. You are only a hero if you win. Unfortunately we have only won 1 game.

#15

Posted by Dark Side, September 29, 2008 9:07 AM

The Raiders should be 4-0, the Raiders were in every game for 3 quarters, should have won. When does should have won mean anything. Come on Raider fans wake up and smell the coffee, your team sucks!

#16

Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, September 29, 2008 9:16 AM

# Raider Scott says:

September 29th, 2008 at 8:22 am

Elkins, I can�t say that i agree with all the calls Kiff made and yeah he has made some mistakes that has cost us. I still believe the leadership you speak of that we are missing is at Davis�s spot. He needs to show leadership and support the coach. If not, he should have fired him in the offseason. We can correct the mistakes in time, but we cannot just keep starting from scratch every 18 months with new coaching. If Kiff went for the touchdown and we didn�t get in, suppose we lose by two points. Then Kiff is a dope and should have gone for the 3 points. You can second guess most any decision if you end up losing. Ultimately the turnovers killed us. No turnovers, we probably win. You are only a hero if you win. Unfortunately we have only won 1 game.

===============================

WTF????

What the hell is it with you idiots who keep running the 'IF THE TEAM WINS, THE COACH IS A HERO, IF HE LOSES, HE'S THE GOAT"? bullshit??

Tom Landry, I believe, was 0-12 his first year.

Bill Walsh was 2-14 his first year.

I swear, the football IQ level here is sub-zero at times.

HOW STUPID IS IT TO PICK OUT ONE, TWO OR MORE PLAYS in a game...where there are OVER A HUNDRED PLAYS in a game?

That dropped ball on 3rd and 7, in the first quarter?

The muffed punt that puts you deep?

The missed tackle that allows the other team a first down in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, AND 4th qtr?

Everything leads up the the end result.

Only idiots pull out a particular play as the reason a team lost...usually the slowest posters...the Elkins, the Kushmans...the Patty's..thinking the rest of the game didn't matter. (or, in the weakest of the weaks...who's agenda is to try and lay the blame on one person)

#17

Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, September 29, 2008 9:26 AM

# Coach Elkins says:

September 28th, 2008 at 9:42 pm

Sorry for the spelling�.just my way of saying hello to the haters out there!

I hate spellcheck !

I say let a mistake speak for itself�.

In the FINAL ANALYSIS I hate to be the one to have to educate you all regarding the downfalls of this team, but I actually care more than you do!

# Coach Elkins says:

September 28th, 2008 at 9:49 pm

Oppps, did I contradict myself again�..

LOL

=======================================

I told you...you're too stupid to play outside after dark.

Did you think that was just smack?

I'm serious...lol...you're your own worst enemy.

You just have to be allowed to post, and you shit on yourself. You contradict yourself. You make yourself look even dumber than you come across, and that's quite a feat.

Let me say it again, lol..courtesy of you being dumber than cotton...the sorriest copout little girl whine is saying something stupid, or making a mistake, then later saying 'Oh, I did that on purpose to see if you would catch it"

That means you're very...very...insecure.

Most would just say "F off..don't care about spelling".

You? 'I did it on purpose to see if you would catch it."

Most, when told 'You idiot. That's not Kiffin's record" would reply 'Oh, my bad" and it's over.

You? "I did it on purpose to see if you would catch it"

Again..makes you tantamount to a little cupcake, so sensitive that little mistakes gets his ID even more out of whack. Means you equate your self worth, or lack there of, on how you want to be perceived, to where you make excuses on why you fucked up, instead of manning up.

Of course, as we all know, that's your wife's job, right? lol

And yeah, dumbass, saying "sorry for the spelling, that's just MY WAY OF SAYING HELLO TO THE HATERS"...

AND THEN CONTRADICTING YOURSELF with the "I think a mistake should speak for itself"???

Means you have a very very short attention span, lol...I mean...REALLY SHORT.

Don't try to think of a reply. You'll just say something stupid.

Just read and cringe..and wonder "Why me"??

#18

Posted by LDizzle, September 29, 2008 1:34 PM

Elkins if you hadn't been bitching and moaning about Kiff in every comment, your opinion might carry some weight. But as it stands, nothing you say about Kiffin means anything to anyone so save your impotent remarks for those who have not already been saturated with it.

DRS that Russell fumble was Kwame Harris' fault. His man came flying in and smacked Russell as he went to throw. Also, so what would the Raiders have done if they were in the "sink" since you say they were out of "sink"? Is this like the kitchen sink that Joey Porter was talking about? You lost me.

The turning point was the running down of the clock before half and that ridiculous 76 yard FG attempt. The play that killed the Raiders was the Russell interception because it was a possible 14 point swing; the Raiders didn't score and the Chargers took the ball right down the field and scored their first TD. And then everything else went wrong from that point on.

#19

Posted by Raider Scott, September 29, 2008 3:09 PM

Niner reality check, I only used the field goal vs. going for it explanation because that is what Elkins called out and I was responding to it. Check the context of the response before you start questioning peoples IQ's. Of course there are many parts that comprise a game, if I'm not mistaken it is a 60 minute game. I appreciate you stating the obvious, but that is all you did. I honestly feel the two turnovers were the game changers, but that is another discussion.

The reason I am talking about Kiff is because that is all Elkins talks about and I responded to his comments about Kiff. Do you not realize our coach's neck is on the line on a daily basis? Everything is being scrutinized right now and particularly our coach.

#20

Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, September 29, 2008 4:39 PM

You're right, Scott, in that it is in reply to "When I grow Up, I want to be a Coach Elkins" but it also backs up the premise that it's all on the coach, and obviously, as you know, it's not.

And you are correct..the I.Q. part should have been directed at those that need help spelling IQ.

Of course the turnovers were the killer...aren't they usually?

Teams respond, especially when it happens in the end zone.

Watched it twice with the Niner game...in the red zone..picked off twice in the end zone..not to mention fumbling in their red zone.

Guess it would have been better just telling Elky the nit that those turnovers weren't caused by the coach.

But..then again....it is Elkins..and when you chase parked cars as he does, sometimes he's slow to come around.

#21

Posted by xobn1050, September 29, 2008 6:29 PM

As I saw the game the interception on the screen pass for McFadden was the turning point. This killed the teams chance to score and gave life to the Chargers. But the OLine had its worst day of the season. Don't give your QB time to throw and he will continually get hits from the defense. Why is Cornell Green playing? He should be a backup I rather have Henderson playing at least getting experience, can't be any worse right now and he was actually ok on his two games. Move Harris to RT.