GAMEDAY - Raiders @ Vikings 11/20/2011

[Brett A.]

Hey folks!

Gameday thread here for today's game! Fingers crossed that it's a much better game than last week. Use the boards to give praise, blame Fred Evans, trash the play calling, or whatever you please!

[adammwarwas]

I made it in, Brett.

[Brett A.]

Yeah, I don't know why Johnny isn't able to come in.

[Brett A.]

Our pass defense only allows 180 yds/game? Coulda fooled me...

[Brett A.]

Greenway registers his first sack of the season, I believe, as the Vikings force the Raiders to punt on the first possession.

[Brett A.]

Vikings score on a good-looking drive (some of which can be attributed to Raider penalties). The next drive, with the help of a good return, the Raiders kick a field goal - held on 3rd down in the end zone. Score 7-3 at the end of the first.

Adrian Peterson looks to have hurt his ankle and could (should) be done for the game.

[Fran the Man]

Howdy. Maybe I'm on the wrong website but I was looking for "Frans Forums"

[Brett A.]

Nope. You're in the right place!

[Big Johnny]

I found my way in guys. It's a miracle. Not much good to say for this game tho. Same old problems

[Brett A.]

Agreed Johnny.

I'd like to add too that the Raiders have some of the most obnoxious fans ever! They pretty much invaded the Viking bar I go to... Very loud and rambunctious... rude. Almost got into it with the guy sitting next to me because he just refused to shut up. I understand coming to the opposing teams bar if you have a friend or something (of the bar's team) with you. And if you respectfully, [somewhat] quietly root for your team. That was not the case though. What made it even more upsetting is that I know for a fact that there are way more Raider bars in these parts then Viking bars. I think they just enjoy getting under other peoples' skin.

I definitely haven't lost faith that Ponder can be this team's QBotF... but, with that being said, he definitely made some very questionable (rookie) mistakes/decisions out there today. Sucks that we continue to put the guy in positions where he feels like the entire game is on his shoulder and he has to force stuff. Guess it didn't help that AP got injured either.

[c.carterhof]

Yeah same old problems Johnny. We have a knack of shooting ourselves in the foot. At least we showed some fight in the 4th. It did get entertaining.

Ponder is frustrating, he'll make a great throw then turn it over in the redzone. Those are big no no's. I understand he is a rook, but he's gotta know that. He didn't get any help from the offensive line, it's a mess, that is our biggest need.
But, that is stating the obvious. I do like his mobility tho.
We have six games left, the way we are playing right now I think two of those are winnable. Maybe 3.
If this team is going show any signs of improvement, win those games. And stay competitive in the others.

[Brett A.]

He didn't get any help from the offensive line, it's a mess, that is our biggest need.

Definitely. As much as it hurts during the season to watch these games, the offseason will be a tad more exciting knowing we'll have such a high draft pick.

Definitely think we go with OL in the first round... then maybe a deep threat, big WR in the early second.

[Big Johnny]

I was really disappointed with the special teams today, they had played fairly well so far, except the kicking to Devin Hester of course. Ponder will learn from his mistakes and improve but my God can we get somebody on that o-line that knows how to block? Our safeties are just too slow, Sanford looks like he's pulling a plow out there. On the bright side it was nice to see KWill make some plays and EJ as well.

[Big Johnny]

Yeah CC Ponder is frustrating for sure but I do see promise with him, considering the o-line and wr's he has to work with.

[Brett A.]

...it was nice to see KWill make some plays and EJ as well.

I would add Greenway to that list too. Although, our LBs looked weak (again) in coverage over the middle.

[Big Johnny]

Yeah Brett I would agree with Greenway but I was referring to guys that havent showed up like they should. Greenway leads the team in tackles so his play wasnt too surprising. I know Greenway hasn't played up to his contract this year but as a whole the D has been pretty bad. On the bummer side where was Jared Allen today? He seemed to have trouble with Raiders LT and I'd never heard of him before.

[Brett A.]

On the bummer side where was Jared Allen today?

Yeah... this was his first game (in 11 straight, I believe?) without registering a sack. Hopefully he picks it back up! Would love to see him break the All-Time Sack Record. (Not to mention putting other QBs in the turf!)