Letdown In Oakland: Raiders Gain Momentum, Then Choke

Last week's win against the Eagles provided Raiders fans hope.  Some of us thought we had turned the corner on the year.  After all, many analysts called it the upset of the year to this point.  The team played well, JaMarcus threw well, and the defense was relentless.

Fast-forward to yesterday, with the Raiders at home vs. the Jets.  It was like the win over the Eagles never happened.  JaMarcus threw interceptions, fumbled, and had an absolutely horrible half.  Why do I only say half instead of game?  He was replaced by Bruce Gradkowski, who didn't fare much better.  Yes, it look until week 7, but the Raiders finally benched Russell.  Maybe it will serve as a wake-up call to him that he doesn't have complete immunity.

The rest of the team didn't do much better.  The defense was not able to record a sack against Jets QB Sanchez, nor were they able to get an interception.  Perhaps the only bright spots on the day were Shane Lechler's 5 punts, which averaged over 50 yards per, Lou Murphy and DHB both catching passes for a combined 76 yards, and Justin Fargas.  Fargas started off the game hot, and then the Raiders inexplicably abandoned the run, as they have done seemingly all game.

I think this was a failure as a team for the Raiders, but if pressed, this game falls on JaMarcus and Cable as usual. JaMarcus cannot hold onto the ball, and Cable needed to deliver the wake-up call of riding the pine weeks ago.  Also, Cable abandoned the run, when it was once again clear the air route was not working. 

Next week the Raiders travel to San Diego to play the Chargers.  If the Raiders could possibly salvage a moral victory this year, it would be to finally beat the Chargers and end this losing streak to them.  But, thanks to a poorly-coached and executed game, the momentum is all gone.  Let's hope they can get it back in time to beat the Bolts.