Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Donkeys Kicked In the Teeth -- Again

Raiders 39 - Donkeys 23
In a "must-win" game, the Raiders took care of business and in-turn, kept their slim playoff hopes alive. In the 1st half of action, the Raiders turned the ball over 3 times (2 INTs and 1 fumble) and gave up 2 inexcusable TDs on defense.

In spite of these turnovers and key defensive breakdowns, the Raiders made enough plays to go into half-time tied at 17-17.

The adjustments and sharper execution in the 2nd half was evident in the 22-6 differential in points and 243-73 yards gained. For the entire 2nd half, the Donkeys only put up 17 yards rushing. Besides chipping in with an important safety that made it a 2 possession lead (7 to 9 point lead), the defense contained the Tebow runs and blanketed the Donkeys receivers.

The offensive unit displayed the explosive playmaking abilities that has been a revelation this season. The win over the Donkey's was the 5th time in 14 games that the Raiders racked up 30+ points. For the season, the Raiders offense is ranked at #9 with a 25.2 points per game average. The big, explosive, key offensive plays came from Jacoby Ford (71 yard TD run), Marcel Reece (73 yard TD pass), and a solid effort from Darren McFadden (20, 119, 5.9 ypc). McFadden pushed his season rushing total up to 1112 yards on 212 carries for a robust 5.2 ypc average.

5-0 in the division and 5-2 at home are solid platforms to build on for 2011 no matter what happens in the last 2 games of the season. Counting on Tennessee to beat KC at home and Cincy to trump SD might be "fools gold" but the fact that in week 16 (game 15) the Raiders are still in the hunt is a testament to how far this team has progressed in climbing the competitive ladder.

7 Comments:

Anonymous Tooz 72 said...

I was there. In many ways it was a highlight reel game, but my favorite moments were:
1) Jacoby Ford TD on first offensive play from scrimmage.
2) Seabass' dead duck punt and subsequent Raider recovery of the fumbled reception.
3) The safety. Nothing says beat down like a safety, especially in a stadium full of fans making the referee's safety sign above their heads.

Good stuff all the way around!

5:14 AM  
Blogger Calico Jack said...

Glad you were there for a win filled with thrilling big plays! I love that the safety was in the Black Hole end zone. Best Holiday Wishes, CJ

5:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a draft the Raiders had this year. Ford, McClain, Houston and Veldheer---Al still has it.

I am interested to see how McClain preforms against Manning/Colts

Happy Holidays
Florida Raider

7:37 PM  
Blogger Calico Jack said...

FLR - Don't forget to add Brown (always around the ball), Goethel (starting to get more playing time at LB), Ware & McFadden (good potential CBs), and Campbell (could be our RG next year). The best overall draft we've had, IMO.

The Raiders D is SO much better with McClain on the field. The JAX game with Ricky Brown was a nightmare.

Looking forward to the test vs. Indy. The key will be whether or not our rushing attack can dictate the tempo, game clock, and terms to the game.

10:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

CJ, you are right about McClain I asked you a few weeks ago if he would have made a difference against Jacksonville you answered an emphatic yes. I was slightly skeptical but seeing how we played against Denver I now agree he does much more than make plays he is already a leader and gets the team lined up right.

I have not got a good read on Goethel what are his strengths? Who would he replace? Groves or Wimbley?

Happy Holidays
Florida Raider

5:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

also what a find Reece has been---he is a real weapon

Florida Raider

5:03 PM  
Blogger Calico Jack said...

FLR -

Goethel is a good overall athlete, seems strong at the point of attack, and has solid tackling skills.

My first impression of him is that he is more adept at run defense than pass defense.

I really don't know what kind of coverage skills he has vs. RBs and TEs. To be honest, I don't know if he is more of a SLB or WLB. I think he could step in for either Wimbley or Groves depending on the down and distance and and at the very least provide depth and special teams play.

5:41 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home