Yet again, Raiders lose..to themselves

By Anthony Carroll  |   Monday, September 26, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Oakland Raiders
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Philadelphia kicker David Akers limped his way off the field Sunday in tears as Norv Turner and the Oakland Raiders did the same, suffering their first 0-3 start since 1992.

Through three losses, quarterback Kerry Collins has thrown for six touchdowns and zero interceptions with a 95.7 quarterback rating. Big-play receiver Randy Moss has also managed to haul in 15 receptions for 343 yards and two touchdowns. To make matters worse, the defense is playing much better than they have in the last two years. So what's wrong with this Raider organization crafted by owner Al Davis? The answer is simply; They are the Oakland Raiders.

Sunday, the Raiders were afflicted yet again by their worst
nightmare: themselves. Week in and week out, Oakland finds a way to make it that much easier for their opponent to come out with a win. In this week's 23-20 loss to the Eagles, former first-round selection Sebastian Janikowski missed both 49-yard and 37-yard field goal attempts. He has already missed more field goals in the last three games then he did all of last year. On top of this, the Raiders long-time Achilles heel (penalties) amounted for 94 total yards. And, of course, you must not forget the standout individual performance of DeLawrence Grant, whose roughing the passer penalty on third down allowed Donovan McNabb to drive down the field and connect with Terrell Owens for his 100th career touchdown.

Without a doubt, the Oakland Raiders look much better than they have the last two years. However, they are competing with a 2003 squad that featured Rick Mirer at quarterback and a 2004 team whose leading rusher was Amos Zereoue. So what could the Raiders improve on to head into their bye-week with a win (besides re-naming the team)? Show discipline. It is not purely coincidence that the most disciplined team in the NFL, the New England Patriots, has won the Super Bowl three out of the last four years. Without discipline, one of the most talent-filled rosters in the NFL will have nothing to show for their athletic abilities.

"Just Win Baby" must become "Just Obey Baby," and it must
happen fast.
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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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