In the fourth quarter, McClain grabbed the ball-carrier, picked him up from behind, lifted him over his head and slammed him backwards to draw a personal foul.
My initial reaction was "oh great, another flag" but after thinking about it, maybe it was good. Allow me to explain.
Raider football is known for being hard-hitting on defense. Remember George Atkinson's hits on Steelers' receiver Lynn Swann in 1975 and 1976? What about the late Jack Tatum?
McClain's penalty was too close for comfort as it gave the Rams more yards on their drive to cut Oakland's lead from 16-7 to 16-14. It could have cost the Raiders the game if the Rams had gotten the ball back.
But when McClain made that hit/slam, he sent a message. If anybody goes inside on Oakland's defense they are risking their health. With a run defense seen as weak, McClain's play may scare away some running backs and force the run outside.
I don't know about you, but I approve of McClain's "message."
Let me know what you think.
Read more Oakland Raiders news on BleacherReport.com
...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
