With a chance to solidify their standing in the AFC Playoff Picture in Week 12, the Las Vegas Raiders turned in an outstandingly horrendous performance. An organization that was once known for its “Commitment to Excellence” now delivers nothing more than consistent disappointment to a starved fanbase. Week 12 was a shattering return to reality.
The Raiders in one sentence
“Deja Vu.”
The 6-4 Raiders got skunked on the East Coast by a 3-7 team, just like last year. How something like this happens two years in a row to a team on the verge of playoff contention is nothing short of mind-boggling. A $100 million head coach like Jon Gruden cannot let that happen two years in a row. Yet, the Silver and Black is 6-5 once again, licking their wounds, just like last year.
Name the Game
“The Carr Wreck.”
Derek Carr’s name is just perfect for headlines and many great analogies. Anyways, ‘4’ turned in his worst performance of the year. In fact, he achieved a rare feat when he lost three fumble losses in one game. Not to mention the back-breaking pick-6.
Stat of the Game
The Raider offense had five turnovers.
The Atlanta Defense has been nonexistent for a great portion of the season, ranking 29th entering Week 12. A glorified tight end, Taysom Hill, just hung 24 on them the week before. Nonetheless, the Raiders only managed one more point than turnovers. Yikes.
CarrFax
Carr was responsible for four of those five turnovers. Critics are rejoicing on Twitter, the NFL is such a week-to-week league. ‘4’ is still having a career year and should bounce back quickly. However, we can officially put any possible MVP talk to rest.
Here are some good and bad news
Week 12 is over. It is in the past. The Raiders still control their own destiny to the playoffs, with meetings against the Colts and Dolphins in Las Vegas.
The chances of making the playoffs are significantly less than they were a week ago. The AFC Playoff Picture is a crowded one. A 10-win nonplayoff team is very possible. The Raiders need to win the games they should, in Week 12 they did not.
Random Thoughts about these Raiders
- The defense gave the Raiders a chance.
- This could be the best any defense has ever played with the other team scoring 43.
- The offensive line got whipped.
- Trent Brown should be reinforcing the unit soon.
- Henry Ruggs showed some life (three catches for 56 yards).
- Nathan Peterman was 3-of-5 for 25 yards with a 9-yard run. Good for him.
- Isaiah Johnson with a couple of nice pass breakups and a very soft pass interference call.
- That roughing the kicker call was nothing short of negligent by the officials.
- If the Jets beat the Raiders in Week 13, everybody should take a vow of silence until Adam Gase is fired.
Apology of the Week
Dear Derek Carr Fantasy Owners,
In all likelihood, you lost this week. He seemed like a great play with a shootout with the Falcons appearing certain. Welp, that didn’t work out.
Sharing your pain,
Holden.
One prediction about the Raiders for next week
Sam Darnold throws three touchdowns and zero interceptions. The Jets scare the Raiders but the Silver and Black improve to 7-5.
You May Also Like:Â The Raiders Desperately Need DL Rashad Weaver With Next Year’s First Round Pick
Top Photo: Brynn Anderson/Associated Press