Oakland Raiders performance till Week 7 – NFL Special Part 1
Oakland Raiders headed into bye week facing many unanswered questions. They will have to sort out many things after getting a 2-4 record in six games.
In this space, we will review Raiders’ performance in the first seven weeks of the 2012 regular season.
Throughout this season, Raiders have attracted more criticism rather than appreciation. Their running game is ranked second-last in the league with the average of 76.8 rushing yards per game.
With running back Darren McFadden finally getting into form, Raiders’ running woes could end sooner rather than later. The defence has also been shaky in stopping strong offensive teams.
Week 1: San Diego Chargers
Raiders’ season got to a worst start possible as they lost the first home game 14-22 against San Diego Chargers.
The special teams led to more misery for Raiders as backup kicker Travis Goethel fumbled twice during the crucial moments of the game.
It was a clumsy performance by Raiders’ wide receiving corps as quarterback Carson Palmer was forced to rely more on running backs to get better output which led to Chargers intensifying the pressure at the line of scrimmage.
Palmer was without two of his favourite wide receivers Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore. However, the running game was of no help to Palmer as running back Darren McFadden gave one of the worst performances of his career.
McFadden carried the ball 15 times for a meagre 32 yards. Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding scored five field goals in the game.
Week 2: Miami Dolphins
Raiders were expecting a good performance from their rushing game in Week 2. However, things did not go as they had been planned after Miami Dolphins got a 35-13 victory, thanks to their strong running game.
Dolphins running back Reggie Bush got 172 rushing yards on 26 carries, while Raiders’ McFadden was limited to 22 yards on 11 carries.
Palmer finished with 24 of 48 for 373 yards, but scored only a single touchdown.
Raiders defence was average at best as it allowed Dolphins rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill to score first touchdown of his career.
The running defence was nowhere to be seen as Bush penetrated through the defensive line with ease.
Week 3: Pittsburgh Steelers
Raiders eventually got their first win of the season with a 34-31 victory over Pittsburgh Steelers.
The game remained neck and neck in the first half. Steelers were smoothly sailing with a 10-point lead at the end of the third quarter, but things changed dramatically in the final quarter after Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey got a head injury.
This led to Raiders’ offensive upheaval as they scored 13 points that included a final-minute field goal by Sebastian Janikowski.
Palmer had an outstanding game. He finished with 24 of 34 for 209 yards and three touchdowns.
McFadden returned to form as he carried the ball 18 times for 113 yards and scored a touchdown.
It was a hard-fought first victory for Raiders head coach Dennis Allen.
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