After his worst loss, Gruden has to ‘fix it’
The defense can’t stop anybody, even a thirdstring, undrafted free agent at quarterback making his NFL debut.
The offensive line is providing no protection for Derek Carr, leaving coach Jon Gruden so concerned about his quarterback’s health that he was unwilling to call downfield passes.
The problems for the Raiders run deep, and they were exposed in a 34-3 loss to the 49ers on Thursday night that was the most lopsided of Gruden’s 12 years as an NFL coach.
The Raiders (1-7) are allowing 6.76 yards per play, the worst by any team through eight games since the 1970 merger. Even Nick Mullens managed to pick apart the defense in his NFL debut, joining Hall of Famers Fran Tarkenton and Jim Kelly as the only quarterbacks to throw for at least 250 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions in their first game.
The play that revealed the most issues might have been a 52-yard touchdown run by Raheem Mostert that made it 31-3, featuring several players appearing to play at less than top speed.
“I didn’t have any problem at all with the effort,” Gruden said. “Defensively, I think we gave up six plays for 240 yards. Six plays yielded 240 yards. That cannot happen, and it continues to be a big part of our problem. We have to fix it.” Philip Rivers has many accomplishments, but there is one trait that he has taken pride in over his 15-year career — durability.
The veteran will become the fourth quarterback in NFL history to make at least 200 consecutive regularseason starts when the Chargers travel to Seattle.
“It’s pretty cool. I mean, obviously the two Mannings (Peyton and Eli) and Favre have started over 200 in a row, and I just feel thankful,” Rivers said. “I think there is a small element of toughness involved, but then again, lots of prayers for me from many people on Sundays and guys’ protection ... allow me to be out there each and every week.”
Rivers also started 51 consecutive games at North Carolina State.
“I think just being out there every week has always been important,” he said.
49ers RB Raheem Mostert and CB Emmanuel Moseley will need season- ending surgery. Coach Kyle Shanahan said Mostert broke his arm and Moseley dislocated his shoulder Thursday night and both will be placed on injured reserve. ... Dolphins CB Cordrea Tankersley has a torn knee ligament, the ninth player on the team to sustain a season-ending injury. ... Bills QBDerek Anderson is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Bears after missing practice all week with a concussion. If Anderson cannot play, Nathan Peterman will start. ... The Redskins ruled out WRJamison Crowder, RB Chris Thompson and LT Trent Williams for Sunday against the Falcons. ... Falcons CB Robert Alford and K Matt Bryant missed practice for the third straight day and have been ruled out Sunday. ... Chargers RB Melvin Gordon was a full participant in Friday’s practice and is questionable Sunday at Seattle.