Lately, every loss seems to define the era of losing that has persisted in Oakland since 2002. A reaming by the Rams is just the latest example, but it’s perhaps the most complete example yet.
The Raiders just can’t seem to find rock bottom. Every time it seems like they might finally be turning a corner, they figure out a way to make the mere thought foolish.
It was so bad Sunday that the Raiders benched rookie starting quarterback Derek Carr in favor of veteran Matt Schaub in the second half. As you might expect, it didn’t make a difference. The two combined for three interceptions, two fumbles and six sacks.
The offensive line surely didn’t help. Rams defensive end Chris Long pushed around right tackle Menelik Watson before he left with an injury. Robert Quinn had three sacks going against left tackle Donald Penn. Left guard Gabe Jackson got his second reception of the season on a deflection—it was that bad.
Without running back Latavius Murray due to a concussion, Oakland’s putrid and historically bad running game returned. Darren McFadden, Maurice Jones-Drew and Marcel Reece averaged exactly three yards per carry on 20 attempts.
Oakland’s coaching staff persisted on using McFadden and Jones-Drew despite Reece’s success last week, but it’s not as if Reece helped himself Sunday. Reece lost a fumble at the end of a nice run, finished with just 12 yards on four attempts and false-started on 4th-and-1 down, 21-0, in the second quarter.
The defense was just as bad as the offense until the Rams let up with an insurmountable lead. Oakland’s defense allowed big play after big play to...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
