Washington loss shakes Raiders’ playoff outlook
A few weeks ago, Derek Carr stood up at the podium after a lopsided loss and proclaimed that this year’s version of the Raiders would be different and could avoid another collapse in the second half of the season.
After the Raiders fell to Washington 17-15 on Sunday for their fourth loss in five games to deal a big blow to their dwindling playoff hopes, Carr was far less optimistic.
Another game plagued by slow starts on offense and an inability to finish drives with touchdowns have taken a big toll on the Raiders (6-6).
“That’s frustrating. You know because you try to emphasize, you try to fix it, and you go and it doesn’t happen,” Carr said.”
After a promising start to the season with a 5-2 record, the Raiders have fallen apart since the bye week as the resignation of head coach Jon Gruden following the publication of his offensive emails and the release of receiver Henry Ruggs III following a fatal DUI crash have taken a toll.
Las Vegas has scored 16 points of fewer six times in the past nine games, losing all of them as the offense has struggled.
“I think it’s a mind-set,” running back Josh Jacobs said. “I think we kind of just coast a little too much. It’s definitely frustrating.”
Bengals’ update: Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow dislocated a pinky finger in Sunday’s 41-22 loss to the Chargers, and numerous other injuries gave head coach Zac Taylor more to worry about this week as the team prepares to host the 49ers on Sunday. Burrow has vowed not to miss a game because of it.
Starting offensive linemen Riley Reiff and Trey Hopkins both have ankle injuries and are day to day. The team’s best linebacker, Logan Wilson, was carted off the field with a shoulder injury. Taylor said he’ll miss at least a couple of weeks. Linebacker Markus Bailey (left shoulder stinger) and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (foot) are day to day.
Briefly: Baltimore cornerback Marlon Humphrey is out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle . ... Jets receiver Corey Davis will have core-muscle surgery and is out for the rest of the season . ... Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen was placed on the NFL’s reserve/ COVID-19 list. Also placed on the list were Buffalo linebacker A.J. Klein, Carolina offensive lineman Trent Scott, Cleveland tight end Stephen Carlson, Detroit center Evan Brown, New Orleans defensive end Cam Jordan and Giants guard Wes Martin. Allen and Jordan are Cal alums.