Are season fades part of Gruden’s DNA?

Lots of understandable dissatisfaction from readers over the Las Vegas Raiders’ latest loss, which removed the postseason as a realistic possibility.

The Raiders were 6-3 on Nov. 15 after a three-game winning streak, compensating for a leaky defense with an efficient offense that could run the ball and not turn it over.

The defense didn’t improve. The offense started turning it over. The running game faltered. The Raiders are 7-7. Seven AFC teams go to the playoffs and eight of them have nine or more wins with two games remaining. You do the math. Q Looking back on Jon Gruden’s coaching record, his teams are always consistent through the first 10 games and start fading. Is it more of the message? Is it more about players not matching his intensity over a 16 game season? Last stint with Raiders second year start was 7-3, end 8-8 — @grigorboyadzhy1

Q

Is Gruden teams failing in late season a long term trend? Would be interesting to see numbers on Gruden’s late season record, going all the way back to his first stint with the Raiders.

— Daniel J. Walker (email) A Indeed it is a trend. In 14 seasons, Gruden’s teams are 23-39 in December after going 32-24 in November. One of the biggest flameouts led to his firing in 2008 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost four straight with a defensive collapse after it was learned defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin was leaving to join his son Lane at Tennessee. The last of those games was a 31-24 loss to the Raiders where they had a 10-point lead early in the fourth quarter. His first year with the Raiders the team was decimated by injuries and had to play three quarterbacks. They slumped in 2001, dropping some close games to lose homefield advantage, but had a terrific playoff win over the Jets courtesy of Jerry Rice and Charlie Garner. The Raiders were in position to beat New England on the road, but … well, you know. Walt Coleman and all that. We know

what has happened the last two years (they were bad all year in 2018) and yes, injuries played a factor. Only three times in 14 seasons has Gruden had a winning record in December — 3-2 in 1999 with the Raiders, 3-2 in 2002 with the Bucs and 4-1 in 2005 with the Bucs (regular season games played in January are counted). While the manner of defeats are different, the

bottom line is irrefutable. The Raiders are 1-2 this December with two games remaining.

Q I’m seeing some hints that the team isn’t responding to the

coaching staff. Motivation and consistency is coaching. Question: Do the Raiders have more than a DC issue?

— John Griffin (email)

A Always fair points during a collapse.

And while the defense gets the lion’s share of the blame, the Raiders were getting by and winning their share because they

didn’t turn the ball over and were having success on the ground. That formula has evaporated with 11 turnovers in the last four games (minus-7 margin and a running game that has gone stagnant). Those two things are intertwined to a degree. Giving up the ball on a turnover makes it more difficult to stay persistent with the run. COVID-19 has made this a strange year players’ in terms real impressions of getting as to what’s going on. If they swirl the drain all the way to 7-9, it’s fair to assume something’s going on in the locker room besides being hurt or ill.

Q Do you see a scenario where Gruden realizes the time passed him and retires for good

after the season? — @LeandroRaider

A No. He’s a pretty stubborn guy. Don’t see him leaving of his own volition after two consecutive late-season fades.

Q

Is there a time clock on either Gruden or Mayock? Assuming this year is another non-playoff season? — @flipsobatka

A Gruden’s clock is operated by Mark Davis. Mayock’s clock is operated by Gruden.