The Raiders shut the door on themselves

By Anthony Carroll | Monday, November 14, 2005 | ( 0 )

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The Oakland Raiders' season began with a door of opportunity wide open to success and accomplishment. In reality though, that opportunity was open to any team before the season started. But for Oakland, it almost seemed as if their door was constructed taller and wider than the rest. Randy Moss was now a Raider, LaMont Jordan was a proven workhorse, and the 2004 season was well behind them. But as the season progressed on, Oakland's door of opportunity began to slowly close on them. In week ten's loss to the Denver Broncos, that door slammed shut-and locked.

In the Raiders 31-10 loss to the Denver Broncos, the offense looked as if they were playing in the fourth quarter of a final preseason game. The offensive line played horribly, and to no surprise Kerry Collins struggled as a result. Collins' three interceptions matched the total amount he had thrown all year. Consistently stalked by Denver defenders, Collins struggled to complete 23/45 passes with an average of just 6.2 yards per pass.

The Oakland Raiders were held scoreless for three quarters at home. Finally, in the fourth quarter, the Raiders cut the lead to 13 points and were driving inside Denver territory with the ball. But just as the door had begun to creep open again for Oakland, the offensive line and Kerry Collins shut it. With 7:16 left in the game, Collins was flushed back into the pocket and forced a weak pass to his outside receiver Jerry Porter. Cornerback Darrent Williams jumped in front of the pass and ran 80 yards downfield for another Denver six points.

Once again, LaMont Jordan was ineffective rushing the ball, compiling just 48 yards on 14 carries. Randy Moss, on the other hand, played well despite nagging injuries, hauling in six receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Kirk Morrison, Renaldo Hill, and Derrick Burgess played strong games with 25 combined tackles and a handful of defensive stands-but that's as bright as this lamp is going to get.

On the season, Oakland drops to 3-6, while Denver cushions their AFC West lead with an impressive 7-2 record.

For the Oakland Raiders the next seven weeks will be a time for them to grow and develop as a team. The talent is certainly present, but the connection is lacking. Keep in mind, a hand becomes a weapon when your fingers are brought closely together-this season Oakland is slapping their opponents, while they are being struck back with punches.

Any comments on this article? Contact Anthony Carroll at acarroll@realfootball365.com

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	About Anthony Carroll Anthony Carroll began writing for RealFootball365.com on Sept. 26, 2005, making him one of the longest tenured contributors to the “365” team. As a senior writer, Anthony has taken on the task of delivering original content to the silver and black faithful year round, despite having to deal...
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