Bengals Wild Card Gameday Thread
We've been waiting a long while for a day like this, the Raiders in the playoffs. It was by the skin of their teeth, but it doesn't matter now. The time has come to rise above. Joe Mixon has gashed us every time we've seen him, gotta throttle up while not losing sight of Burrow and Chase and Company, of course. It's gonna come down to that. I don't think we win a shootout against this team. Instead of trying to match the firepower, aim to stifle the firepower and grind the win out. GO RAIDERS!
posted by Raider Take at 8:59 AM
34 Comments:
NY after the Chiefs loss
There's nothing the Raiders can accomplish in the four remaining games, except perhaps injury and more embarrassment.
Yesterday was a sad day for Raiders fans, not just for another loss, but for the true reflection of how deeply bad the Raiders are after so many years of failure. Cream rises to the top, but in some ways, so does epic failure.
A lot on the line today. i think if Raiders win, they gotta bring Bissacio back with maybe a 2 year extension. if they lose, who knows what will happen.
i agree Take, control ball on ground, smart/limited passing game, and try to get pressure on Burrow are keys to winning.
Raiders beat one young gun,(Herbert), now can they take down another? Just Win Baby!!!
If they had to lose, that's what you hope for, it went down to the final play. Really can't ask for more than that. Unfortunate about the Bengals TD which the officials clearly blew the whistle before the catch. Otherwise, a FG might have tied it at the end.
Raiders played hard, except that Leatherwood put an exclamation point on his epic failures this season, with probably his worst game as a pro. Raiders will need to readdress all the positions that they've focused on year after year, RT, G, WR, CB.
Now, the big question is, will Bisaccia be retained as HC. I strongly believe he will. Not sure if that's a good move, especially, if Bisaccia keeps his underperforming coordinators. Olsen is terrible, and Bradley definitely had his struggles.
I think the last five games saved ALL of them.
Media says Mayock wants Bisaccia to stay... but that's the only way Mayock can either (A) keep his job, or (B) stay in charge. Otherwise, Harbaugh would be Mayock's boss, just like Gruden was.
Tough loss but a good game.
Very unfortunate.
Cheers!
frustrating too many field goals in the red zone All things considered, this season was a success and very enjoyable.
All the best to everyone on the board. I will speak with you guys around draft time.
Sandy
Tuck rule, immaculate deception, the Lytle fumble and now we have the Bengal bungle.
How many big plays for the Raiders turn out to have a phantom holding call?
Refs were an embarrassment, Raiders showed their heart once again and they need to keep this group together for next year. Chemistry and character are huge in trying to build a winning program.
Very proud of this team, the NFL can take a long walk.
If not for the holding call around the two yard line which led to a FG, Raiders probably punch in that TD..., then they would have been kicking a chip shot FG to tie.
They played incredibly hard at the end of five straight games and won four of them.
Hats off!
https://bleacherreport.com/twitter-ripping-raiders-bengals-refs
Dang, hard to take this loss after what our team has been through this year. Super proud though. I like Bisaccia, I say let him be the HC, but get a new OC and possibly new DC. Not sure about Bradley. I would rather have Wade Phillips. JUST WIN, BABY!
The thing that really jumped out was Raiders lack of big play threats on offense. they need the big play WR that can stretch defense and catch the long ball. i guess maybe they had that guy in Ruggs until he crashed his career. but now they need it again.
And as great as Jacobs is, Raiders need a fast back that can run off edge for 30 or 50 yards sometimes. Raiders always had backs like this, C. Davis, K. King, Bo Jackson, C. Garner. I'm sure I'm forgetting some.
As for the obvious, right side of 0-line, and secondary, need major upgrades.
All true, and all areas that the Raiders have addressed over and over, and over.
Ruggs really came on this year. That was a real tragedy across the board. When you think how awful it was for Raiders and fans, it only scratches the surface in terms of loss of life.
Raiders definitely need a change of pace RB but I'm not sure Drake is it either. Richard is their speed guy.
Assuming they keep Bisaccia, I truly hope he hires new OC. Raiders, IMO, need to go back to power blocking. I can't stand ZBS. For the one or two times it works, it fails 100x. Coaches want to tell us it's just execution, but the Raiders have failed at executing ZB for decades (when it's been implemented).
I am anxious to see the next steps for Davis. We should know quickly what direction he is leaning for HC.
Looking at the final play on offense, the INT, it appeared Waller was single-covered running into the end zone on the right side. Jones was clearly double-covered. Carr did not see his options very well and tried to force the ball to Jones.
Jones was clutch down the stretch, but Carr went to that well one too many times.
Waller was open at around the 4, maybe Carr could have led him to the pylon but he b probably been tackled short. Of the four players in the pattern only one was in the end zone that was Edwards. Bad play call by Olson, same with the spike on 1st down. Can't blame Carr.
Officials from Raiders-Bengals game won't work again this postseason after problematic performance yesterday (Schefter).
The league is now saying that the whistle blew after the catch was made. There is a reason why this crew was used in that game.
I know the NFL will not allow the Raiders to ever win a SB again, but it sure is fun watching the league keep hammering on the Raiders and the Raiders keep getting up. How can you not cheer for them.
The league can take a long walk.
Why is some blaming anyone? The Raiders show true grit all year long and miss an over officiated win by one play.
Carr made a couple mistakes when there was no margin for mistakes, same with the rest of the team. The heart, the will has been shown, how could someone not be proud of this team?
Yes the team needs more upgrades, everyone can see that. Bad mouthing coaches and players the day after a really good effort like yesterday, it's bad form.
Sandy, no doubt. Hand out the participation trophies!
It's called evaluation, and it continues until changes are made, namely, coaches, possibly GM.
Derek Carr has been in the league 8 years but he's only played in one playoff game. Carr is a top 10 QB in the NFL last two years in a row, and he was an MVP candidate in 2016. It's not his fault. It's systematic failures by the Raiders year after year. We rifle through GMs, HCs, OCs, DCs, player personnel, it just doesn't matter.
Time for some real introspection.
Are you okay with that, or do we all need permission slips from the league office?
NY, I put my name on my posts you miserable Cretin.
Sandy
And for the record I am luke warm about bringing bisaccia back Olson I'll take a pass on Bradley I like. And i would support hiring Harbaugh. Whoever anon is I guess they take exception to your negativity the day after what has been a successful season as I noted in my loan post above.
Sandy
Point is, we know the Raiders need more talent, we know the OC should be replaced, we know the history of the last 20 years. It's not new news.
Coming off a season like this one, where they almost won a thriller on the last play of the game and showed so much heart and grit. Yet, you want to continue to go on about the shortcomings of the team, the day after they came so close, it's weird.
Most Raider fans want to talk about the game, about the season and who could be a HC at the start of next season. Raider fans understand the hurdles the team faces even before they step on to the field. The team deserves accolades at this time.
Anon,
Right on, the season was a great success doubly so considering the circumstances of Gruden and Ruggs. Really enjoyed it as a life long fan.
Sandy
Most teams who plan to fire their HC do so within hours of their season ending. It's still a business. The process to retool begins immediately. If you want to post about all the troubles the Raiders had this year and how they overcame adversity to end their season 10-7 and make the playoffs, those are fair points and deserve discussion. But policing my posts about what next steps the Raiders might take while they are one of maybe a dozen teams searching for their next HC is lame. Not even sure what I said, other than I'm anxious to see Mark Davis's next move. Most teams have already interviewed.
For everyone hoping for a positive take, here's some mostly positive stuff I feel strongly about this year.
My season awards go to:
Danzel Perryman - probably the most important acquisition and impactful player on defense this year. I call him the Thumper, because whoever he hits stops in their tracks.
Maxx Crosby - This guy led the league in QB pressures, and I believe hits too. That's amazing!
Casey Heyward - He's one and done unless the Raiders sign him. Please sign him!
Hobbs - Raiders D rookie of the year. Started every game at slot corner and even plays the run well. (Hope he gets his sleeping habits straightened out.)
Yannick Ngakoue - quietly led the Raiders in sacks and was a much needed QB disrupter opposite Mad Maxx. He and Perryman both have another year under contract!
Raiders still need help in the interior of the D-line but who doesn't like Philon? He was a beast against the Chargers.
Honorable mention: Facyson. I'm guessing the Chargers are sorry they let him get away.
On offense:
Renfrow is the Raiders breakout player of the year on offense. A fan favorite, for sure.
Waller ended the year a little rough but nobody can question his talent. He's still the man.
Ruggs and James take a share of most improved. Ruggs accident was heartbreaking on many levels. James has proven serviceable as the Raiders long-term center.
Zay Jones is still not the guy, but it doesn't suck having him around. He's scrappy.
Derek Carr is the QB of the Raiders. Fans may be split on this, but I firmly believe Carr has been a victim of bad organizational decisions. He will excel with the right talent and coaching around him. Remember, it's only a problem if there's a solution. Since there's no solution, there's no problem.
Jacobs is among the toughest RBs in the league. Behind a good O-line (power blocking!) and with good coaching, he will bounce back in 2022.
Drake will likely be back, but I'm not convinced his the best RB2 option.
Aside from Miller and James, the entire O-line is expendable. Not sure Simpson, Leatherwood... and definitely not Parker, are worth another look. They all suck! Sorry, trying to stay positive but that needed to be said.
Coaching!
Rich Bissacia has the ear of his players. They all love him. When the Raiders should have folded, he pulled them together. I might regret this but I'd be okay with giving him one year to figure it out. If he's the right guy for the job, he will know Greg Olsen needs to go, and probably Tom Cable too. Time to go back to power blocking.
IMO, the Raiders have core players, mostly under short-term contracts. The window of opportunity is tight. Now is the time. Carr is in his final year, Perryman and Yannick have one year left, Jacobs is at the end of his rookie deal, and so on and so forth.
2022 needs to be a consequently year for the Raiders. It all starts with Mark Davis!
Other quick hits:
Raiders can improve by replacing Corey Littleton. He's been a big disappointment. Devine Deablo came on strong and plays the run really well and should get better with more time.
For anyone wondering why I didn't mention Abram, I'm not convinced. He played the run much better but he's still a liability in coverage. Think of all the RBs who went uncovered in the flat. Those were mostly Abram's responsibility. Raiders can do better.
Morhrig gets too much credit for holding his own at SS, but he plays so deep that nothing appears on his stat sheet. I mostly blame Bradley for that, but Morhrig is not a game changing player. He barely participated in the Raiders defense this year. Again, that might not be entirely his fault.
Bryan Edwards. Underwhelming! I can't tell if Carr didn't give him enough chances or he just can't get open. He appears to have the ability to catch contested passes but he was mostly a non-factor in 2021.
Desean Jackson? No thanks!
Raiders need a lot of help in FA and draft, but there's a decent core taking shape.
Raiders are officially interviewing for HC position and, perhaps more aggressively, for GM. One media report says Mayock is on his way out!
That makes sense because the Raiders have arguably failed more times than not with player personnel (draft and FA).
It's getting hot in the kitchen.
Ian Rappaport is reporting that Mike Mayock has been informed he will not be retained as GM. I hope this is not true, I'd love to see what he could do without Gruden. Bisaccia wrote a letter thanking the players, coaches, and fans; that is also never a good sign. Looks like from front office down there will be changes. Too bad, because I think Mayock could turn this team into a championship team.
NY I agree with the majority of what you posted. A couple of notes, Morhig played FS not SS and in Bradley's defense he plays the single high saftey one of the few in the league who does. He graded out well and made the all rookie team.
Not upset to see Mayock go, his record was amixed bag. Some good FA signings (Perryman, Yannick, Philon, Jefferson) some really bad like Littleton, and Nick K. Same with his drafts he hit the lottery with guys like Crosby, Renfrow and Hobbs but squandered huge first round capital with Abrham, Arnette, Ferrell.
I am not that down on Leatherwood. I think he has upside, looked like a beast at times in the run game. He needs to refine his technique. I think they move him back to RT, get another guard and hope Good comes back healthy to replace Simpson.
I think we can bank on getting a new coach shortly, my money is on Harbaugh
Sandy
Mayock was going to be the "fall-guy" for mishaps under Gruden. Doesn't appear that changes even with Gruden now gone.
Mayock was never an NFL GM before working for the Raiders. Working behind a microphone did not qualify him, nor did working for Jon Gruden. Raiders interviewed an assistant GM from NE, which regularly schools the Raiders on trades and overall personnel moves. Someone like that might be promising, paired up with the right HC.
Sandy, not sure why I typed SS. Of course he's the FS. You're very generous with your assessment of Leatherwood. He graded worst in the NFL. Leaving him as starter for another season could give Derek Carr more unnecessary trips to the turf or worse, injury. It could also stall the Raiders development another year.
When you grade the worst in the league at your position, you should be lucky to maintain a roster spot as a bench player, IMO.
NY,
I am comparing Leatherwood to Kolton in terms of first year. Both struggled terribly. I don't think you give up on afirst round pick especially at o-line this early. Its unfortunate they picked what looks to be a bit of project in the first round but calling him a bust right now is premature.
Sandy
IMO, you should be comparing him to Brandon Parker.
At a minimum, Raiders cannot go into next season without a contingency plan for Leatherwood, who was already demoted once from RT to G.
Gruden and Mayock are gone, but rumor is that Cable lobbied to draft Leatherwood. It's possible that he never fit the Raiders hybrid ZBS which Cable oversees. Regardless, his untimely holding and false start calls killed almost as many Raiders drives as his blocking whiffs.
https://www.raidersbeat.com/insider-sheds-light-on-who-was-most-responsible-for-raiders-failed-draft-picks/
I think it will be good to have a GM who is accountable. The way the Raiders were structured, we don't know who was doing what.
Did Gruden make the picks, or was it Mayock? Did they collaborate? Rumor was Mark Davis wanted Ruggs, now we hear Cable wanted Leatherwood. No one accountable, a bad system.
But going by the premise that Mayock the GM made the picks, he did good, but good just isn't good enough to build a championship team in NFL. Raiders did find some gems in mid/late rounds, but the 1st round picks were so glaringly bad, it is hard to overlook.
IMO, the Raiders squandered too many picks, reaching for talent well before their draft grade, and selecting players early in the draft that represented no more than a guess, e.g., guys like Muse and Bowden, neither of whom ever played a snap for the Raiders.
Also, trading for and signing guys like Antonio Brown, who would have been a luxury for any team headed for the playoffs, but trouble waiting to happen for the Raiders (who were not ready!).
The aforementioned Littleton and Kwiakowski were significant misses at LB, and even Joyner was a bust with the Raiders. Funny thing is, these guys were all solid players with other teams but they jump the shark when they come to the Raiders.
On the flip side, Danzel Perryman was huge for the Raiders. Carolina traded him and his replacement in Carlina was meh. Meanwhile, Perryman is a pro bowler. That cost the Raiders 5th and 6th round picks in the 2022 draft. Raiders should lock him in with a long-term deal.
Florio is never too kind to the Raiders, but I'd say this is spot on. The organizational dysfunction didn't stop with Al Davis's passing, it's alive and well.
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/01/18/clumsy-mike-mayock-firing-doesnt-bode-well-for-rich-bisaccia-or-the-raiders/
Don't forget, 4-5 executives left or were fired from the org earlier in the year. Davis conducted an in-house investigation and finally decided, "nothing to see here."
To the point about dysfunction, apparently, Mark Davis reached out to secure interviews for GM before he fired Mayock.
Davis doesn't exude a lot of confidence that he knows what he's doing. He started getting more involved when Reggie McKenzie flamed out, presumably, with the help of advisors like John Madden, but many years later he still appears way over his head.
Way over his head---4 wins in 2018 to 10 wins and a playoff spot.
I will take that
Sandy
New take is up, and it's a doozy. Bang it there.
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