Raiders Are a Mess, Jags Are Worse

The most positive thing about the Raiders/Jaguars game on Sunday was that almost everyone in the nation could only turn to one other game being broadcast: the New England/New York Jets game. Unfortunately, that means that many of the people were forced to watch a game that may have caused many hairs to be ripped from heads; not because of frustration with peoples’ favorite teams but because watching the game was worse than watching some high school teams play.  Actually, there are probably bigger plays that occur in a high school game.

October 21, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis (27) reacts after being called for pass interference against the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Jaguars 26-23 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

In this game there was a combined 15 penalties for 150 yards.  Two of the Jaguars six penalties (92 yards) were a very costly fourth down pass interference call on cornerback Aaron Ross, a costly third down pass interference call on fellow cornerback Rashean Mathis, and another dumb rushing the passer call on linebacker Russell Allen.  All of these could have had a profound impact on the game but instead gave new life (and downs) to the Raiders.  Meanwhile, the Raiders were able to overcome their nine penalties (58 yards) to score points…largely due to Jaguars’ penalties – they received three first downs off Jaguar penalties, mentioned above.

If penalties aren’t enough to make you want to pull your hair out, the offensive production was equally terrible.  Despite horrendous games in the past, it seemed Blaine Gabbert was finally going to get over 200+ yards passing in a game (something he hasn’t done since week one).  Then he was injured and the audience had the privilege of viewing Chad Henne implode for 71 yards while only completing nine of 20 pass attempts.  Unfortunately the Raiders offense did not give the viewer relief as Carson Palmer completed just 56% of his passes while putting up 298 yards.  While the yards sound good, while going 26/46 Palmer threw many into the hands of the opposition (only one was picked off) and had many errant passes as well.  If defenses that can’t catch the ball bother you, then this had plenty game had plenty of that as well.

This game was one of frustration.  It was frustrating for the viewer to see such terrible play.  It was frustrating for the Raiders after coming off their best game of the season against the Falcons.  It was frustrating for the Jaguars after failing to nurse an 11 point lead that Gabbert left the game.

It’s one thing to play a game poorly.  It’s another to play a game messy.  The Jags/Raiders game was the latter.  This wasn’t just poor play, it was the messiest play in a long, long time.  This one wasn’t a slaughter of an inferior team.  This was the battle for the first pick of the 2013 draft.

In the battle for last place the Raiders lost.

– Luke N. Sims

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