NFL 2011 Preseason–Week 4 Raiders Recap

The Oakland Raiders traveled at the Seattle Seahawks in the final preseason game. The 0-3 Raiders were resting some of their starters in preseason, but the bottom line is that this team that finally got to 8-8 last year after 7 straight 5-11 seasons or worse appears headed back in the wrong direction. I keep hearing that preseason games mean nothing, but that will be tested next Monday night when the games count.

The defense came up big for the Silver and Black when Tyvon Branch intercepted a pass at the goal line and returned it all the way to the 25. The Raiders could have struck first as Jason Campbell led them down the field. Yet Sebastian Janikowski missed a 52 yard field goal. Seabass has been very good this preseason and he is one of the strong links on the team. Yet too many field goal attempts means the team is not getting touchdowns. After the miss, Seattle drove inside the Oakland 10 before the defense stiffened again. A 25 yard field goal had the Seahawks up 3-0.

The Raiders reached midfield on their next drive but no more and punted. Shane Lechler remains another strong link. This is bad. The punter should not be one of the best players. Charlie Whitehurst came in at quarterback in the second quarter for the Seahawks and led a 13 play, 80- yard drive for a touchdown to make it 10-0 Seattle.

The Raiders responded with a 12 play, 61 yard drive that bopgged down in the red zone. Another field goal attempt had Seabass kicking a 34 yarder. He hit it and the Raiders were within 10-3 with 3:20 left in the half.

The Raiders have played some inspired defense in the preseason, but the offense has not put points on the board. The Seahawks reached a 4th and 1 at the Raiders 31, and Pete Carroll decided to go for it. A run up the middle met a Silver and Black brick wall, as the Raiders held. On the last play of the half, the Raiders tried a 53 yard field goal attempt. The kick was blocked.

In the third quarter the Seahawks drove to a 4th and 1 at the Oakland 2. Again Carroll decided to go for it and again the Raiders held on defense with an inspiring goal line stand. Yet the offense could not function with Jason Campbell or Kyle Boller at quarterback. Third string quarterback Josh Portis led a scoring drive for Seattle against the backup Raiders on defense. A 36 yard field goal by Reed put the game out of reach 13-3 early in the fourth quarter.

The Raiders received a break when Seattle fumbled a punt at midfield. Yet the Raiders could not capitalize, moving backward and punting again. The Raiders reached midfield again but turned it over on downs. With 5 minutes remaining, Vai Taua scored from 4 yards out for Seattle to end the lack of suspense.

This game was given short shrift because it deserved it. Coach Hue Jackson and his Raiders finished 0-4 in the preseason. Coach Jackson taks about wanting to “build a bully,” but in 2 of the 4 preseason games the offense tallied only 3 points.

The Raiders can make everything go away by winning their opener, but this team could begin 0-5 due to a tough schedule. They finished 0-4 in the preseason, and they look like an 0-4 team. It really is that bad.

Seattle Seahawks 20, 0akland Raiders 3.

eric

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