Many may blame the record setting decibel level at Arrowhead Stadium today, with many players not even being able to hear the referees’ whistles on some plays, but the Oakland Raiders did nothing to help themselves today with 11 penalties for 68 yards against divisional rival Kansas City Chiefs.
The Raiders again proved that being undisciplined will only lead to lack of success as a team, losing 24-7 to the Chiefs.
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In order for Oakland to start winning they need to stop being the most penalized team in the NFL.
The Chiefs won primarily on the strength of their defense, as they have for most of the year, but the Raiders didn’t make it any more difficult for them by giving the Chiefs free yards all game.
Kansas City’s defense sacked Raider quarterback Terrelle Pryor a staggering ten times and forced him to throw three interceptions — one of which was taken back for a touchdown.
It didn’t help at all that the Raiders were playing without most of their starting offensive line. They simply couldn’t block for Pryor, as he was forced to run for his life on every play because he was never given a pocket to throw in.
The Raiders offensive line is clearly their weak point on their team, with multiple false start and holding penalties in today’s loss.
Pryor continues to show that he can keep broken plays alive with his legs, but he will continue to struggle until the Raiders’ penalty problems subside and their offensive line improves.
It’s hard to win a football game when you’re having to play against the referees as well as your opponent.