Disconnect Vs. Connect
Raiders 27 – Lions 28
The Lions come from behind victory over the Raiders was a real sucker punch to the gut. In spite of dynamic plays made by all 3 Raiders units and a 13 point lead late in the game, the Raiders failed to do what is required to close out an opponent.
Carson Palmer was highly accurate and efficient (32/40, 367 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT) but wishes he had 2 throws back. The Raiders D made the Lions 1 dimensional, got a big fourth down stop, and caused a sack/fumble recovery TD but failed to adequately contain WR Johnson. Playing good D for 3.5 quarters isn’t enough.
4 plays in particular yesterday, 2 by the Raiders QB-WR and 2 by the Lions QB-WR, were pivotal in the outcome of the game. The Lions made 2 critical connections and the Raiders came up short on 2 game altering disconnections.
Play #1 - Disconnect (Raiders)
Context: Raiders on their opening drive of the game move the ball from their own 31 yard line to Detroit’s 24 yard line. Facing a 4 and 1, Hue Jackson decides to go for the first down instead of kicking a FG.
Play: Palmer executed a perfect play action pass and had WR Moore wide open in the end zone. However, Palmer’s throw over-shot his mark and the Raiders came away with 0 points.
Comment: Hue Jackson was aggressive and the playcall itself was equally gutsy. However, coming away with zero points at this early stage of the game was a set-back. In a game decided by 1 point, a FG here was the difference in a victory or a loss. On the play, the Lions defender clearly held Moore on 2 separate occasions but the Zebras didn’t call the interference.
Play #2 - Connect (Lions)
Context: Raiders up 7-0 in the 1st quarter. Lions on offense.
Play: Stafford to Johnson for a 51 yard TD pass.
Comment: Allowing Megatron to run clear, over the top, is the fault of Safety Mike Mitchell. MM had deep safety responsibilities but showed a lack of positional awareness. This Lion’s TD drive equaled the score immediately following the Raiders TD drive.
Play #3 - Disconnect (Raiders)
Context: Raiders up 27-21 late in the fourth quarter (approx. 2:30 left in the game).
Play: Facing a third and 3 from Detroit’s 48 yard line, Palmer misses WR Schilens hands by inches on an intermediate slant and go route down the right sideline.
Comment: A successful conversion of this play would in effect ice the game. RB Michael Bush had been rolling on this drive with runs of 12 yards, 15 yards, and 5 yards. Running the ball to pick up 3+ yards would seem to be the prudent playcall. Even if Bush ran it for 2 yards, the clock would run down to the 2:00 warning and take precious time off the clock. If the mindset is to pass on this play to finish the Lions off, why not run a shorter, safer route?
Play #4 - Connect (Lions)
Context: Raiders up 27-21 with 2:12 remaining in the game and the Lions starting at their own 2 yard line.
Play: On the fifth play of the drive from their own 39 yard line, Stafford connects on a deep seam route to Johnson for a 48 yard completion taking the Lions to the Raiders 13 yard line.
Comment: In a situation where the Lions needed a 98 yard TD drive to win late in the game, the pass coverage scheme on this play was embarrassing. The Raiders attempted to cover arguably the best WR in the NFL using MLB McClain and a 3rd string safety (Boyd) in bracket coverage. How DC Breshnahan deployed the secondary was nothing short of negligence.
Up Next: Oakland visits KC (6-8) on Christmas Eve.
posted by Calico Jack at 8:56 PM
2 Comments:
CJ,
Heartbreaking loss. I have not felt that bad since the tuck game, I could not sleep the entire night. I wish the season was over that's how upset I am.
In terms of your analysis, I agree on the 4 and 1 because 90% of the time taking the points is the right decision. The 3 and 3 I am okay with it was a good risk at the time and Palmer makes that throw more often than not. If the clock had been on the other side of the 2 minute warning it would have been a bad call. I think the one mistake you left out was not going for 2 after Curry's TD that was a terrible mistake by Hue.
To me this game was more about the Raiders just not having the depth to be a playoff contender when their best players are injured. Any combination of Chris Johnson, Huff or Hiram Eugene on the field the Raiders win. McFadden and Ford as well they roll easy. I mean Jerome Boyd come on, he is just not a front line nfl player. Yes the D call on that play looked bad but the team was in cover 2 because they don't have the players. However to have Boyd covering the deep middle in crunch time is a joke. Lets face it Boyd is like the 3rd or 4th safety on the depth chart.
All that being said if Suh does not get a thumb on that kick I think it goes. Oh well there is always next year.
Thanks for all the great blogs and analysis this year I wish you and your family a happy holidays and great new year
Regards
Florida Raider
FLR,
I'm with you on the heartbreak. There were numerous key plays in this game but I chose to highlight these 4 plays. Overall, I liked the game plan and execution. Unfortunately, key lapses in assignments, execution, and dubious playcalls and coaching decisions left us a buck short and a day late. As we both know, it never should have come down to SeaBass attempting a 65 yard FG to win the game.
Next opponent (KC) will provide a very stern test. On the road in arguably one of the more difficult venues for a visitor against a team that is playing exceptional D. A true character game. In spite of the setbacks, I am optimistic that the Raiders will show the resolve, grit, and determination to exert their will to win!
Best Holiday wishes to you and your loved ones. Thanks for stopping by Silver and Black Forever. I enjoy your feedback and opinions.
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