Oakland Raiders defensive woes fundamental

December 18, 2:19 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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There have been questions floating around the Raider Nation for quite some time as to what was wrong with the Oakland Raiders defense. Some answers came very clear in recent comments from Tom Cable and defensive players. 

Cable chalked up the defensive difficulties to "communication problems." The question is how does this happen to a unit where the vast majority of players have been playing together for multiple seasons?  This is a further sign of the team's lack of heart. This also shows that the coaching staff is not doing their job properly, as it is their job to ensure that the players are on the same page at all times.

This team is a complete disaster. There can no longer be any question about that at all. These are NFL players. They have reached the pinnacle of football players, but they are not communicating the basics to one another about where they need to be on the field. That explains the continual blown coverages. That explains how LaMont Jordan is able to rip off a 50-yard touchdown run.

Rob Ryan must be fired. It is his responsibilty to make sure that these guys are playing fundamental football. Derrick Burgess said, "Ryan doesn't call blitzes because the players dont execute them." WHAT? If players are not executing, isn't it the job of the coaching staff to get them to keep running plays until they get it right? If players are not communicating on the field, is it not the job of the coaches to rectify that problem?

Frankly, this communication breakdown shows exactly how the Raiders have developed a loser mentality. This shows that the coaching staff is not doing their job in getting their players do their jobs and win games. Until this changes, the Oakland Raiders are going to continue to flounder.