It happened last Thursday and I'm finally coming to grips with the Raiders throwing this season atop the garbage heap of other seasons of late. "Just wish it into the cornfield son."
As Raiders seasons go, it wasn't all bad. They started strong out the gate and had some big upset victories, none bigger than a takedown of the Chiefs at Arrowhead. Quarterback Derek Carr had an outstanding season and TE Darren Waller is Pro Bowl worthy again. With a running game anchored by Josh Jacobs, the offense could hang with the best of them when healthy, and the defense showed sparks of talent.
But this is the NFL, not some family carnival where a puff ball thrown into a fishbowl wins you a prize. In the NFL it takes more than luck to win consistently. And the Raiders, after squeezing out a lucky over-time win against the winless New York Jets in week 13, had their luck run out in over-time against the Chargers Thursday night.
They currently sport a 7-7 record with games remaining against the Dolphins and Broncos. I believe I heard they have a 5% chance of making the playoffs; that's ninety-five percent of hopelessness.
In analyzing what went so wrong this season I found myself coming back to what was obvious on the field; weak defense and poor preparation. Though the linebacking corps were serviceable, the D-line and D-backs failed miserably.
Perhaps the fault lies with fired defensive coordinator Paul Guenther. The Raiders have some young talent on defense. But maybe, as I heard my boy Q on Locked On Raiders suggest, it's time to scrap the entire defensive philosophy and start over with new coaching.
If you've never listened to Your Boy Q's show, you are missing out. This young brotha gives an articulate, straight-up breakdown on all things Raiders, daily throughout the season. It's a Raiders show minus the cursing, pirate growling, over-the-top passion of some shows. His podcast is informative and analytical with selective recordings of fan call-ins. Easy on the ears and a treat to young and old Raiders fans alike.
As far as I know, Q is Bay Area raised and knows his Raiders and football history. He brings professionalism to the show and it amazes me that I've never heard him stumble or stutter while delivering the goods. Also, he's a proud father Raising'em Right as Raiders fans; you gotta show some love for a Raider Nation brotha just trying to make a living doing what he loves. And he's good at his craft!
Here is Q's Podcast breakdown following last Thursday's heartbreaking loss to the Chargers:
Locked On Raiders - Raiders drop a heartbreaker to the Chargers
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