The Oakland Raiders traveled to play the Seattle Seahawks in the last preseason game in 2012 for these teams. Preseason games usually give little insight into anything. They are covered because even fictional football is better than any other sport. This game had even less value from an analysis standpoint than most preseason games.
The Raiders rested everybody. Quarterback Carson Palmer, running back Darren McFadden, and the starting defense all had the night off.
The first offensive series did not even feature a pass. Taiwan Jones carried twice for a total loss of two yards, but on 3rd and 12 Jones got the carry again and gained 15. Mike Goodson carried twice, but on 3rd and 4 Jones lost a yard and the Raiders punted. Seattle moved to the Oakland 35 but missed a 53 yard field goal.
Captain Checkdown Matt Leinart was allowed to throw the ball, and naturally that was a waste of time. He finished with 14 yards passing on 11 throws. He completed 4 passes, but only 3 of them to Oakland receivers. His one interception was just his typical game performance, although he left without getting injured.
A scoreless tie was broken when the Raiders fumbled a punt and Seattle took over at the Oakland 38. Backup quarterback Wilson hit McCoy for a 20 yard gain to set up a field goal and a 3-0 Seattle lead.
Leinart’s interception early in the second quarter had Seattle at the Oakland 39. Matt Flynn was in at quarterback, and he is no ordinary backup. He came to Seattle to be a starter, and he led 3 touchdown drives in this game. With Flynn going against a backup Oakland defense, it was no contest. A 24 yard pass to McGrath set up another field goal and a 6-0 Seattle lead.
On the next Seattle Series Flynn led a 78 yard, 6 1/2 minute, 11 play drive. A 2 yard run by Taua had the Seahawks leading 13-0 at halftime.
Terrell Pryor played quarterback for the Raiders in the second half, going 6 for 9 for 55 yards. Yet this game was about Flynn. A 27 yard defensive pass interference penalty led to a 90 yard Seahawks drive that culminated in Flynn hitting Helmet for a 4 yard touchdown. The 2 point conversion failed but it did not matter as Seattle led 19-0.
In the fourth quarter the Raiders faced 2nd and 4 at their own 14. Pryor was sacked for a 9 yard loss. On 3rd and 16 from their 2, Goodson was tackled in the end zone for a safety to have the Seahawks up 21-0. With just over 2 minutes left in the game, a decent punt return had the Raiders starting at the Seattle 37. On 4th and 3 from the 13 with 20 seconds left, Coach Dennis Allen opted for the field goal. Backup kicker Carmona connected and the shutout was avoided.
The Seahawks finished the preseason 4-0 while the Raiders went 1-3. Yet again, the starters did not play, giving us no idea what to expect when the Raiders and Chargers play their first game of 2012 on Monday Night Football on September 10th. Without the starters, the Raiders have no chance. Matt Leinart looks awful, and one can only claim for so long that it is because of the backups around him.
The Raiders looked terrible, and had better pray that Carson Palmer and especially Darren McFadden stay healthy. 21-3 Seahawks.
eric