Raiders- Jaguars Week 6

Oakland Raiders 26    Jacksonville Jaguar  23

"In my book, there's no such thing as an ugly win," said Richard Seymour after the Raider's come from behind, overtime 26-23 win over Jacksonville.  I agree, but all the same,  I must remind you that Raider law states that, "all Raiders wins and all Raider losses are ugly" there is no middle ground. I suppose that an "ugly win"  is every bit as good as an "encouraging loss" which is how Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune described the defeat at  Atlanta.

 Irregardless, it's a mute point... a win is a win and we're not giving it back. The game itself was much closer than it would've been.  The Jaguars  (now 1-5) are one of those team that the Raiders should be able to beat on any given day (kinda like the Miami Dolphins) Blaine Gabbert led the Jaguars on their only long scoring drive, connecting with Cecil Shorts III (his mom and dad had no imagination) on a 42 yd. touchdown pass.

That gave Jacksonville a 7-3 lead and it turned out to be the offensive highlight of their day. Gabbert went out with  a shoulder injury in the second quarter, joining Maurice Jones-Drew (foot injury) on the sidelines.   Oakland out gained Jacksonville 351 yds. to 209 and had an advantage in first downs of 20-10, yet the Raiders were unable to take control of the game.  This was due mostly to their unintentional generosity.

Sixteen of the Jaguar's points resulted from Raider miscues, Philip Adams muffed a fair catch attempt to set up a five yard touchdown by Rashad Jennings. Carson Palmer's awkward attempt at a shovel pass to Mike Goodson was intercepted by Derek Cox and led to a 50 yd. field goal by Josh Scobee.  Mike Spurlock returned a Shane Lechler punt 28 yards to the Raider 22 yard line to set up another Scobee field goal.

A sack and subsequent fumble by Carson Palmer, recovered by the Jaguars at the Oakland 24 yard line, resulted in a Scobee 45 yd. field goal. That one gave the Jaguars  a 23-13 lead  with 12:40  left in the game. Shane Lechler who had surgery on his left knee isn't his usual self. He's ranked 30th in net punting in the NFL with a 37.3 avg., he's 10th in gross avg. with 48.2 yards, where Raider fans are used to seeing him ranked first or second.

Carson Palmer has thrown at least one interception in almost every game since joining the Raiders. This game was no exception, at least this time Oakland was able to make up for the mistake. Nonetheless, Carson had some solid stats once again, 26-46 passing for 298 yds. and one td. Just think what he could do it the line held up and he had an actual running game to help set up the passing game.

The Raiders averaged 2.7 yds. per carry running the ball against one of the worst rush defenses in the NFL. Darren McFadden finished with 19 carries good for 53 yds. With the score tied at 23-23, Sebastian Janikowski attempted to win the game in regulation time with a 64 yard field goal attempt, it fell short. Sea Bass did convert on three field goals in regulation plus the game winner in overtime.

Jacksonville had first possession in overtime, with the ball at their own 19 yd. line. In short order, much maligned middle linebacker Rolando McClain stuffed Rashad Jennings for no gain, then Qb. Chad Henne took a sack to bring up a third and 20 for the Jaguars. On the ensuing play, Henne connected on a short pass to Cecil Shorts III as Lamarr Houston came in from behind and stripped the ball from Shorts, Joselio Hanson recovered for the Raiders. 

Oakland now had possession at the Jacksonville 21 yd. line. On the next play, Carson Palmer then centered the ball for Janikowski.  Sebastian trotted out and kicked a 40 yd field goal through the uprights to give Oakland an improbable victory 26-23. Raiders center Stefen Wisniewski said it best,  "You play bad and you win, you play good and you lose, It's crazy. It's hard to explain other than that."  We feel your pain Stefen, we really do. 

Raider Notes:

Lamarr Houston was named AFC defensive player of the week for his performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Houston had eight tackles, a third down sack on Chad Henne that forced Jacksonville to settle for a field goal and he forced a fumble by Cecil Shorts III that set up the game winning field goal by Sebastian Janikowski in overtime. 

"It's an honor to be named defensive player of the week in any conference in the NFL,'' Houston said. "I was just very happy and very grateful.'' Houston said there was no standing ovation, but a smattering of applause upon Coach Allen's announcement of the award in practice.  "A little bit of hand-clapping,'' Houston said. "A little golf clap.''

I say Lamarr and the entire Oakland Raiders organization deserve a solid round of slow claps... starting now!  

In injury and transaction news, Khalif Barnes, tackle and Shawntae Spencer, corner back still have not practiced and are listed as doubtful for the upcoming game with Kansas City. Richard Gordon, who has missed three games did practice and his availability against the Chiefs will be evaluated  today (Thursday) 

Oakland signed offensive tackle Jason Slowey to the practice squad, releasing center Colin Miller. Slowey out of Western Oregon Univ. was drafted by the 49'ers out of college in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL draft. 

Brady Quinn will start for the Chiefs against the Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium. Matt Cassel will serve as the backup.  "He was a little rusty," Kansas City Head Coach Romeo Crennel acknowledged, "but with playing time, practice time, I expect him to be better and lead this team." Crennel said he doesn't want Quinn to be looking over his shoulder, so "there will be no quick hook or anything like that."

And last but certainly not least, Rookie Raiderette Michelle has been named Raiderette of the Week for 2012 Regular Season Week 7. "I am already thrilled to be a part of the Raider Nation, but the fact that they support breast cancer awareness makes it that much more special and close to my heart." - Raiderette Michelle

All that I can say is.... Why wasn't I made aware of this?