Raiders defense struggles as Raiders fall 37-27 to the Jets

Originally published on Silver & Black Report on Dec. 8, 2013

The Raiders streak of losses in the Eastern Time Zone was extended to 13 games with their 37-27 loss in the New York to the Jets on Sunday.

Oakland's defense once again struggled and were unable to slow down a Jets offense that has struggled for much of the season.

Geno Smith and the Jets offense were able to consistently convert on third down, converting 53 percent of their third-down attempts (7/13). The Raiders defense's inability to get off the field on third down assisted to the Jets scoring a season-high 37 points.

The Jets got out to the early lead after receiving the opening kickoff, converting on a 41-yard field goal from Nick Folk to take the early 3-0 lead.

The Raiders had a chance to capitalize on an early interception from Smith with a great diving catch from linebacker Kevin Burnett, but failed to get any points out of it as kicker Sebastian Janikowski's struggles continued with a missed field goal attempt.

The Raiders defense couldn't come up with a stop on Smith's next drive as he was able to find Jeremy Kerley for a 25-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 10-0.

The Raiders first points came in the second quarter when Janikowski redeemed himself and made a 41-yard field goal of his own to bring the Raiders back within one score. The drive was led by backup quarterback Terrelle Pryor who finished 2/5 for 20 yards and three rushes for four yards. Pryor would not return to the field the rest of the game.

A key mishap for the Raiders occurred on special teams in the second quarter, which is unusual for a special teams unit that has been so strong this season. Already pinned back on their own 18-yard line, punter Marquette King had his punt blocked and returned for a touchdown by Antonio Allen. The score extended the Jets lead to 20-3 heading into halftime.

With running backs Darren McFadden, Rashad Jennings and Jeremy Stewart all out with injuries, the Raiders turned to fullback Marcel Reece to handle the halfback duties. Reece provided a spark to the Raiders offense early in the second half as he outran the entire Jets defense to scamper a career-long 63-yards for a touchdown. Reece was solid all day, running the ball 19 times for 123 yards, another career-high, and the one touchdown.

But the Raiders defense couldn't hold the momentum as Smith led the Jets back down the field quickly with a 10-play drive culminating in a eight-yard touchdown run by Smith on a read-option. The score extended the Jets lead to 27-10.

The big plays continued for the Raiders as they answered with a quick strike, this time Matt McGloin thread the needle to find Rod Streater for a 48-yard touchdown. Streater led the Raiders in receiving with seven receptions for 130 yards and one touchdown.

But that would be as close as the Raiders would get the entire game, down by 10. The problem remained with the Raiders defense, as they continuously failed to slow down Smith and the Jets offense.

The Raiders did make a late run in the game when McGloin found tight end Mychal Rivera for a one-yard touchdown reception on fourth down, cutting the lead to 37-27 with only 2:24 remaining in the game.

Janikowski then kicked a perfect onside kick but two Raiders collided going for the ball and Kevin Burnett had it slip away from him and the Jets recovered the ball. From there, the Jets were able to run the clock down giving McGloin little time and securing their 37-27 victory and handing the Raiders their 9th loss.

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