Don’t lose Janikowski Raider, 9 – New England Patriots, 16
Outmatched and outscored, the silver and black found that a stadium named after a manufacturer of razor sharp blades held nothing but pain and sharp edges – and forced them into the unwelcome ownership of a 0 and 3 record following Sunday’s action.
Did I say action? I say ney ney. The Patriots, despite a 50% advantage in achieving first downs, managed only one touchdown in this game. Their kicker, Sebastian Gronkowski, posted three goal-splitters which gave New England a seven point advantage over Oakland. And as the title may have suggested, Oakland’s points on the board came from only one source: the kicking expertise of Sebastian Janikowski. The final score: 16-9.
Where is Oakland going this year? Let’s look at the drives: 6 plays for 20, 13 for 50, 8 for 26, 3 for 8, 7 for 29, 9 for 57, 3 for 9, 3 for 1, 7 for 50. The Raiders are missing the offensive oomph which drives a team to the end zone. And when they do get close – as they did late in the fourth quarter – mistakes (a penalty and then an interception) kill the momentum.
The comparison of team stats on the day highlights only two items: one interception and one fumble… Enough to turn a game? We don’t think so. This is an any-given-Sunday result. This is the beating of the butterfly’s wings in Costa Rica leading to a gloomy day in Foxboro, MA. The players have the potential to be winners. Now we just need to the team to reflect the will of the players.
Shake it off. Let’s see what you can do against the Miami Dolphins on the 28th on your London road trip.