OAKLAND, Calif. -- Don’t get the Oakland Raiders wrong.
They are thrilled to get their first win since Week 3 and they are tickled to be 2-4 and a game out of first place in the AFC West. However, Oakland knows it needs to improve if it is going to make any noise this season.
The Raiders were sloppy at times and they fell behind Jacksonville 20-6 in the second half. The Jaguars were playing without quarterback Blaine Gabbert and running back Maurice Jones-Drew for much of the game. Gabbert’s backup, Chad Henne, was awful.
Still, the Raiders needed overtime to beat the Jaguars, 26-23.
When asked if he was pleased with the way his team played. Oakland coach Dennis Allen said, “absolutely not.”
Oakland was much better in a 23-20 loss at Atlanta last week.
“It’s funny, we played well last week and lost,” Oakland defensive back Michael Huff said. “This week, we didn’t play so well and we won.”
Several other Oakland players echoed that sentiment.
Still, a win is a win and Oakland shouldn’t feel bad about it. With Kansas City and Tampa Bay looming, the Raiders have a legitimate chance to be 4-4 at the halfway mark.
Here are some other thoughts from the game:
Oakland quarterback Carson Palmer was under constant pressure, but he stood strong in the pocket and took it. He’s a tough guy and he hung tough.
Oakland running back Darren McFadden had his moments, but still has yet to breakout. He had 53 yards on 19 carries.
Impressive game by Oakland defensive linemen Lamarr Houston, Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly. They came alive Sunday when it mattered. I also liked what I saw from linebackers Philip Wheeler and Miles Burris. Nice players.
The Raiders went for the win and an NFL record when Sebastian Janikowski tried a 64-yarder at the end of regulation. It was very short.
The Raiders aren’t perfect, but the Jaguars are awful. Their stupid penalties and poor coaching decisions gave the game away.
Rookie wide receiver Rod Streater has been pretty quiet in the regular season, but he made a huge catch in the fourth quarter. He will be a good one.
Oakland needs to reinforce discipline. It had nine penalties Sunday and has been called on 21 in the past two games after playing very clean in the first quarter of the season.