Oakland Raiders fail at turning the corner: Lose to the Chiefs

Jay Richardson closes in on Larry Johnson.
Photo by Patrick A. Patterson/TFDSsports.com

The Oakland Raiders had the opportunity to clinch a non-losing record for the first time since their AFC championship season in 2002, but could not muster anything against the Kansas City Chiefs, and fell to defeat 20-13. The Raiders needed to take this win to continue with the building block they started in their previous week with their big win in Denver. Instead, they were a team that came out flat and could never really get going.

The Raiders first drive stalled and culminated in a field goal by Sebastian Janikowski to give them a 3-0 lead. The Chiefs answered with a field goal of their own.

The Raiders looked poised to respond as they drove one again into Cheif terrirory, and set up for what appeared to be another Janikowski field goal and a 6-3 lead. Instead, the fake was on. Shane Lechler attempted a pitch to Janikowski from his knelt position. Instead of the pitch getting anywhere near Sea-bass, it was picked up by the Chief's Maurice Leggett who returned it 64 yards for a go ahead touchdown. This momentum swing seemed to take all the wind out of the Raiders' sails.

Sebastian Janikowski drills a 41 yard field goal
Photo by Patrick A. Patterson/TFDSsports.com

The Raiders were able to tie the game when Chris Johnson intercepted a Tyler Thigpen pass and returned it to the Chiefs' one yard line. The Raiders punched it in with Fargas diving over the line. The Raiders would not be close to the end zone for the remainder of the game. They would get as far as the 21 yard line, and attempt to convert on fourth and three. They were unable to convert the attempt, and left crucial points on the field. The Raiders have one of the top kickers in the league in Janikowski, it would have been smart to actually use him on those two plays, as they essentially gave the Chiefs 13 points. (The two field goals that weren't scored, and the Chiefs' touchdown that was scored. This was an inexcusable move by Coach Tom Cable. The Raiders are a team that has been struggling to score, save the Denver game, and those points could easily have made the difference in the game.

The Raiders defense was not porous, but they were just not able to get key stops when needed. Nnamdi Asomugha actually was tested in this game, and gave up two catches to future hall of fame tight end Tony Gonzalez. The Raiders biggest problem defensively, however, was stoppting Thigpen when he would get scrambling. He didn't rack up big yardage, but was able to get enough to convert in key situations.

Maurice Leggett returns a fumble 64 yards for a TD
Photo by Patrick A. Patterson/TFDSsports.com

There were not many bright spots in the game for the Raiders. Chris Johnson continued to be a shining light on the Raiders' defense. Zach Miller had yet another strong game as a receiver for the Raiders, despite JaMarcus Russell regressing to the more inaccurate passer he had been earlier this season.

The costly mistakes were plentiful in this game. Justin Fargas had a crucial fumble late in the game, that set up the field goal that iced the game for the Chiefs. There was the boneheaded mis-pitch by Lechler on the moronic attempt at a fake field goal. There was the inexplicable fourth and two attempt inside field goal range. There was Kwame Harris getting flagged for multiple penalties.

Ultimately, this game encapsulated nearly everything that has gone wrong for the Oakland Raiders this season. The combination of mistakes and lack of execution, as well as some lame play calling has been the undoing of the Raiders all season, and this game was no different.