Inconsistent Raiders Take Huge Step Backward in Lopsided Loss to Dolphins

Reflecting on the Raiders disastrous 34-14 loss Sunday in Miami, I couldn't help but think of a song made famous by Bruce Springsteen. In the chorus, he sings, "...same old story same old act, it's one step up and two steps back."

Perfect.

Through grit and determination, the Raiders won a huge game last week against a Bears team that was on a major winning streak . It was a gutsy win. Chicago was missing Jay Cutler, but the Raiders were without most of their key offensive players, such as feature back Darren McFadden. Still, they went head-to-head with Chicago's tough defense and pulled out a win.

Injuries are still a factor—there's no doubt—and may be becoming more so each week. This week, McFadden sat out again, as did play-making wide receivers Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore. 

In addition to the injuries, the team had to contend with its star linebacker, Rolando McClain, getting arrested Thursday in Decatur, Alabama, on four misdemeanor charges, including third-degree assault and firing a gun. (McClain has also been hampered with an ankle injury this season).

In the context of the AFC playoff race, to fans and coaches alike, all these excuses call to mind another famous song titled "Cry Me a River."

Playoff teams overcome injuries. Playoff teams capitalize on the type of team building wins that the Raiders registered over Chicago—they don't turn around the following week and get their butts kicked in by a Miami team that has been out of the playoff hunt since mid-September.

With the Tebow-led Broncos now surging, and the Raiders heading to Lambeau Field to face the undefeated Packers, the next song in the playlist just might be Tom Petty's "Free Fallin."