The Raiders went into Sunday's game against Carolina knowing they'd need a fast start to have any chance of ending their streak of nine straight losses in the Eastern time zone. But instead of starting fast, the Raiders spotted the Panthers a 7-0 lead then lost starting quarterback Carson Palmer to a rib injury late in the first quarter.
Thanks to a strong defensive effort, the Raiders stayed close for much of the game, but ultimately lost 17-6, falling to 4-11 with one game left to play (at San Diego).
Offense: F
Granted, the Raiders played most of the game without Palmer, but that's no excuse for how poorly the entire offense performed. The Raiders extended their streak to eight straight quarters without a touchdown and blew multiple great chances to get into the end zone. Backup QB Matt Leinart, in his first extensive action of the season, was understandably rusty. But this rusty? He went 16 of 32 for just 115 yards and a passer rating of 45.7. Leinart threw a killer interception late in the first half with the Raiders trailing just 7-3. Carolina rookie linebacker Luke Kuechly returned the pick 25 yards to the Raiders' 29, and the Panthers marched for a touchdown. After rushing for a season-high 203 yards against the Chiefs, the Raiders ran for just 47 Sunday. Darren McFadden gained 33 yards on 17 carries, 1.9 per carry. A holding penalty on center Stefen Wisniewski nullified a 3-yard TD run by McFadden. Previous game’s grade: C+
Defense: B+
One week after shutting out Kansas City, the Raiders' defense held a red-hot Panthers offense to 17 points for the game and 3 points in the second half. Panthers QB Cam Newton passed for only 170 yards and one touchdown. On the final play of the third quarter, Raiders rookie LB Miles Burris picked off a tipped pass, ending Newton's franchise-record streak of passes without an interception at 176. The Raiders sacked Newton only twice, but they hit him numerous times and had him frustrated throughout the second half. Burris led the team with seven tackles, while DT Tommy Kelly had five tackles and teamed with Burris on a sack. Previous game’s grade: A+
Special teams: C+
K Sebastian Janikowski continued his stellar season, making both of his field goal attempts, one week after going 5 for 6 against Kansas City and earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Cornerback Chimdi Chekwa forced Panthers punt returner Joe Adams to fumble, and tight end Richard Gordon recovered at the Carolina 32 early in the third quarter. Punter Shane Lechler pinned Carolina inside its 20 four times. Previous game’s grade: B
Coaching: C-
Defensive coordinator Jason Tarver and coach Dennis Allen came up with a solid defensive game plan that contained Newton and an explosive Carolina offense. Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp was handicapped after losing Palmer, but for the second straight week the Raiders failed to reach the end zone. The running game, which got untracked last week against Kansas City, disappeared again, and the Raiders rarely attacked deep downfield through the air. No. 3 QB Terrelle Pryor got a handful of plays, but the Raiders should have taken better advantage of his dual-threat skills, especially deep in Panthers territory. Previous game’s grade: B+
Follow Raiders reporter Eric Gilmore on Twitter @CBSRaiders.
