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The first half of of play was ugly and the Raiders didn't look like they were ready to play football. I do understand that the passing of Al Davis could have played a part in their performance, they are human but I picture Al upset they weren't playing like a team committed to excellence. Oakland didn't see a first down until late in the 2nd quarter. Texans Brian Cushing reminded me of Vladimere from the movie The Program. He was on top of us every play. Campbell couldn't hit any open targets and threw a pass that was intercepted and resulted in a Texans touchdown. Oaklands Houston was able to return the favor by intercepting Scahubs pass but the offense wan unable to turn that into 7. We settled for 3.
The run game was struggling and penalties negated an 11 yard run and 41 yard run from Darren McFadden. Yards that we needed to swing momentum were taken away by unnecessary penalties, yet again. It wasn't until the last 2 minutes that Oakland decided to get some offense about themselves with a TD from(shocker lol)Heyward-Bey. Raiders were lucky to be down only two at halftime.
I was hoping that the players used halftime to regroup and reflect. In death, life goes on and this is not the condition Al Davis would have wanted his team and they knew it. There was no Andre Johnson and the defense was applying pressure to the offensive line so it was very possible for Oakland to take control of this game.
About the second series of the 3rd quarter is where Oakland started picking up groove. Thanks to another Janikowski FG the Raiders were up by one but the following Houston possession, they would kick a FG to regain the lead. This was not the back and forth type of game I wanted. No sooner than I said that Jason Campbell puts it in the air for a score to Chaz Schillens. I don't know why Campbell wont believe in his arm. He has a good one and the only thing I would say needs to improve is where he throws it when he hits the side. When he throws to the sideline it never is inside. Once he masters that he has Moore and a developing DHB with the speed and ability to go get it!
22-17 Oakland and with another Janikowski FG (lol I sound like a broken record but he kicked 4 in all)the lead would get 3 points larger for Oakland. All I'm asking for is a stop. Oakland forces a 3rd and 9 and guess what?! Pass Interference. I could have jumped through the TV and strangled Van Dyke myself. Automatic first down. Although the Texans would need the TD and 2pt conversion I wasn't happy with that and Van Dyke couldn't dispute it. After a Seymour sack on 3rd down the Texans would kick a FG that now puts them 5pts away. We used our last time and went three and out. Then.. what is this too many men on the field with a sack and face mask!?! Then a roughing the passer. GET IT TOGETHER. My little heart couldn't take it. Matt Schaub fumbles, then throws and then throws an incomplete pass. Its 3rd and 23. I'm not excited Im PACING! Oakland stays giving up the yards needed on 3rd down and what did we do? WE GIVE IT UP!
The Raiders had just allowed a first down and were only up by five. The ball was snapped with barely any time left on the clock. I see Matt Schaub with a fairly clear lane to the end zone and instead of running it in, he passes it. Now Im more nervous BUT the recipient of the pass was Oakland Raiders Michael Huff. When Michael Huff intercepted that ball and dropped in the end zone, I wanted to cry. The Raiders did it! They did it for Al.
I look at our 3-2 record and are still kind of salty about that Bills loss but am please with what it looks like. Wonders about the direction the team is headed in fills my mind as Mark Davis now takes control of the team. Good Luck.
Next up is a 2-2 Browns team coming off a loss and a bye but I fully expect the winning spirit of Al Davis to be present at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
"JUST WIN BABY"
1 comment:
Great piece , excellent commentary
S/O to a man who loved the Game enough to make us love it back -Just Win Baby - RIP AL Davis
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