Editor’s note: Shortly after this article posted, the Raiders announced that defensive coordinator Paul Guenther had been fired and defensive line coach Rod Marinelli tabbed as the interim replacement. Three years into Raiders head coach Jon Gruden’s second tenure with the team, it’s apparent that defensive coordinator Paul Guenther isn’t going to be replaced anytime
Raiders dominated by well-balanced Colts team; defensive coordinator Paul Guenther fired
But I thought we had an easy schedule, right? Ha! This team is the same as it ever was. Brutal.
“It’s just one game” was the other comment made by those who believed in this squad after the debacle in Atlanta. This result was about as predictable as the ending of a Hallmark Christmas movie. As far as I am concerned, they have lost three straight even though the Jets game is catalogued as a win. Like every other year, it’s nosediving into the ground.
Some things never change…the first thing the 100 million man mentions in his post game presser is injuries and then quickly says he doesn’t want to make excuses, even though that’s all he does. Like Ferrell would have changed anything. Give me a break.
Abram should be benched. He is an impediment to winning. He was a disaster all game. His moronic penalty was only the tip of the iceberg.
Well, next year country, what else is new? Will Carr ever play in a playoff game? Sheesh.
What’s Gruden supposed to do? Call out specific players or call out Guenther publicly? What would that do other than be destructive to the team? I expect things are being said behind closed doors, rather than in front of the press. That’s as it should be. Got to think this year is it for Guenther. We’ve gone from bad, to slightly bad, to bad again, and now to worse. Pretty sure Mayock will be counseling Gruden it’s time to make a change. That was another 200+ yards given up, which is now happening regularly. No way to win when the defense simply can’t stop anyone….ever. Very frustrating.
Thankfully the 100 million dollar man woke up from his evening nap and finally attempted to do something productive with the defence…rather than allow the incompetence to continue for another week.
Looks like the behind closed door conversation took place.
Totally agree that Abram should be benched. He continues to make bone headed penalties.
Guenther fired as Defensive Coordinator.
Don’t expect things to change much. If they can improve just a little from abysmal, I’d be satisfied.
Unfortunately It’s likely too late but at lease they are doing something. It will be interesting to see how the defence plays on Thursday. They may potentially play with a lot more passion and attentiveness. Because now that the coach is gone, all the focus is on them now. Guys will be playing for their jobs.
Sorry to be negative, and I’d be more than happy to be wrong on all of the following accounts, but have to be realistic – Raiders’ biggest obstacle to success is Gruden. Putting his trust in Guenther has been unforgivable fault, as much as it’s been Davis’ fault for putting his trust in the $100 million man.
Why has he failed to design/deploy any plays that would take advantage of Ruggs’ exceptional talents in EVERY game, rather than just twice in 12 games? Why has he made virtually no use of Edwards, a proven route runner in college and big target with exceptional ability to catch contested balls, particularly in the red zone?
I was hopeful those traits were the reason he drafted them in the first place and was quite content with those picks. I was also very hopeful they would ease Amik Roberetson into the slot CB role and move Joyner, who’s atrocious there, back to his natural role as a free safety where he’s been productive any time he had a chance.
But more than anything, I was hoping he’ll bring in the new defensive coordinator early on this year – anyone would’ve been an improvement.
No such luck. Yet another wasted season.
Firing Guenther this late in the season serves only to deflect attention from his horrible play-calling in the red zone, all season long. With this kind of defense, if offense leaves ANY points on the field you can’t keep up with the opponent, and it’s game over. Raiders have to be #1 in the league in field goals kicked inside the 10-yard line.
Shannahan has been able to turn the 49ers from a 4-12 team into a Superbowl contender in ONE season. Why can’t we be so lucky?
What a horrible (but not unpredictable) debacle in Vegas. We all knew the defense was going to be the Achilles heel of this team, and it is. Not sure Marinelli will be able to do anything in three games. The talent is just not on the defensive side of the ball. There is no game changer. Amazingly, the defense has not been higher than 20th in the league for decades. Remember how the GM, coach, and DC were all former linebackers and the defense had no quality linebackers? There is just something wrong with the organization for it to not focus on improving the defensive side or the ball.
With the defense being so poor, the offense has to be able to score quickly, often, and not give up the ball. If the offense coughs up the ball, it usually leads to points for the other team. When the defense gets a takeaway, it seems like this offense goes three and out.
We’ve now gone through two complete tear downs and rebuilds of this team in six years and have just one playoff appearance to show for it.
BTW, was anyone else a little irked that the offense appeared to just be running out the clock at the end of the game? I know the game was out of hand, but it felt like they were trying to stay in bounds and get some stats padded. That’s not a winning attitude, IMHO. And, before y’all get all up in arms, I know the game was out of hand at that point, but still.
Only one good thing came out of this game – the long overdue firing of Guenther.
Good luck to coach Marinelli in the couple of days he has to put a better product on the field for a must win game…..
I say go after Wade Phillips for next year at DC. A good coach who will improve the defence a lot.
Been saying that for a couple of years, Nevin. Wade is a real guru and could probably be a mentor for an up and coming guy too.
Other great D mind to go for, if he becomes available, is Romeo Crennel: great guy with an awesome resumee….
I read an article today that said Phillips would like the job too. Go get em…and yes Crennel would be a great add too.