Fish Squish Raiders
Raiders 14 - Dolphins 34
Plain and simple ... the Raiders got completely manhandled and dominated by the Dolphins in the trenches on both sides of the ball. In a crucial contest to maintain a slim 1 game lead margin over the rollin' Broncos, the Raiders got punked by a very good team playing for pride.
The Raiders defensive front 7 did a very poor job of shedding blockers, penetrating the line of scrimmage, and plugging up holes. The time of possession stat illustrates how Miami controlled the game with a 38:20 to 21:40 margin. This margin was achieved by a Dolphins team that ran the ball 44 times for 209 yards and had a 4.8 average yard per carry. 44 times right down our throat with no answer.
Whenever a team runs the ball effectively this many times, it is a clear case of exerting their will. The fact that the Raiders D was unable to get consistent QB pressure, create any turnovers, and continually shot itself in the foot with inopportune penalties made this game tailor made for a blowout.
The offensive unit was flat, listless, and did a poor job executing. There were countless dropped balls, poor pass protection, and an anemic rushing attack. In a critical game to help secure a playoff spot, the Raiders offensive unit lacked a creative, big play spark.
Simple pass and catch and move the chains type plays were bumbled or the protection broke down. It wasn't until it was a lost cause, down by 34-0, that the unit got in synch. The Raiders OLine had by far the worst performance of this season. 46 total yards rushing is a direct reflection of an OLine who lost the all important man to man battles at the line of scrimmage. Playing from behind and unable to establish the running game, the Raiders became 1 dimensional and far easier to contain.
The Raiders have a difficult task ahead of them in order to reach their goal of winning the AFC West. As I've said countless times, the 2011 Raiders have been a very resilient group. All 4 games pose unique challenges regardless of injuries, weather conditions, opponent, or divisional standings.
Up Next: The reigning Super Bowl Champs and undefeated 12-0 Packers.
I love the fact that everyone is writing off the Raiders, the Raiders chances to defeat the vaunted Pack on the road, are handing the Donkeys the divisional crown, and Te-Blow the MVP. The Raiders have a legitimate shot to "shock the world" and be the 1st team to beat the Pack, if and only if, the running game is the center piece of the game plan. The fact is that the Packers rush D is horrendous (ranked #29 at 4.9 yards per carry).
If you want to dictate tempo, control the clock, keep Rodgers off the field, establishing the run for 4 quarters is the only hope for coming out on top. Even if the Raiders fall short of a "W", it is paramount to put together a solid, sound performance to build towards the remaining 3 games of the season. The stark reality is that if the Raiders lose to the Pack, ripping off 3 consecutive wins to finish the season vs. Detroit, at KC, vs. SD might be required to punch their ticket to the playoff party.
posted by Calico Jack at 9:30 PM
7 Comments:
My observation from Sunday: When the Raiders play a team equally strong (Miami) as they are in the trenches without their speed on the field they have little chance to win. In other words unless McFadden gets back right away the playoffs are a long shot.
I love Bush but he does not posses a serious threat to the outside so it becomes that much easier to defend the Raiders.
thank God I did not go to the game
Florida Raider
Agreed FLR. The Dolphins defensive front 7 and OLine was very impressive and very physical.
The current Raiders offensive unit lacks most of the dynamic, game changing players who can make all phases of the playbook more of a threat. McFadden, Ford, and Moore are all game changers.
I am hopeful Moore will return vs. GBay and McFadden and Ford return for the Lions game.
CJ,
Do you think the Raiders will make the playoffs?
Regards
Florida Raider
FLR,
In my heart I say absolutely "YES!" the Raiders will make the playoffs.
In my head, I think both the Raiders and Broncos will be end up tied at 9-7 and the tiebreakers will come into play.
If you look at the upcoming schedules and the tiebreaking rules, there are quite a few variables that leads you to believe that the AFCW could come down to the last game.
Oakland
at GBay
vs. Det
at KC
vs. SD
Denver
vs. Chi
at NE
vs. Buff
vs. KC
In my mind, the difference in which team punches the playoff ticket party could come down to the mutual games vs. KC. We need to secure the division by beating SD and KC while Den loses to KC.
1. Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs).
this is a split at 1-1
2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
Denver is currently 3-2; we are 2-2. Denver could go 3-3 or 4-2 we can go 2-4,3-3, or 4-2. Our games vs. KC and SD are clearly vital.
However, if both teams go 3-3 or 4-2 ...
3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
GBay; Den (L); Oak (?)
Mia; Den (W); Oak (L)
Det; Den (L); Oak (?)
NJY; Den (W); Oak (W)
Min; Den (W); Oak (W)
Chi; Den (?); Oak (W)
Buff; Den (?); Oak (L)
Denver possible 3-4, 4-3, 5-2
Oakland possible 3-4, 4-3, 5-2
4. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
Denver is currently 6-3 with 3 AFC conference games to play; possible 6-6, 7-5, 8-4, or 9-3
Oakland is 5-5 with 2 AFC Conference games to go; possible 5-7, 6-6, 7-5
If it comes down to this last tiebreker were are doomed.
Bottom Line: The best chance we have to earn the AFCW crown is to run the tables the last 3 games and end up at 10-6.
CJ,
Thanks for the detailed breakdown. Perhaps the question I should have asked is when is Tebow's luck going to run out
Regards
Florida Raider
FLR,
Da Bears D should end the Te-Blow hysteria. With the Bears fighting desperately for playoff survival, this game is shaping up to be a close, defensive, low scoring contest.
CJ's Early Prediction:
Da Bears 16
Donkeys 10
I was already to send you a not saying congrats great call on the Bears. Damn that Tebow or maybe I should be saying damn that Mario Barber
Its going to be a long week unfortunately
Regards
Florida Raider
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