The Raiders have been up and down like a bobbing kite the past few weeks, and all the action hasn’t just been on the field.
Sunday’s 31-13 loss to the Chiefs in Kansas City dropped the Raiders to 2-12 and kept them on a win-lose-win-lose cycle over the past month. The Raiders had hoped to pull off a second straight win over the Chiefs this season, but a 21-3 Kansas City spree in the third quarter after K.C. held just a 10-3 halftime edge put an end to those dreams.
Last week’s off-the-field drama involved a win over the cross-Bay 49ers and the possibility that Niners head coach Jim Harbaugh may be courted by Raiders owner Mark Davis this offseason. This time, general manager Reggie McKenzie was the focus.
Even before the Raiders took the field at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Davis will likely fire McKenzie after this season. Tweeted Schefter: “Oakland preparing for sweeping changes that involve its GM Reggie McKenzie, according to league sources. Mark Davis getting ready to spend.”
It was thought earlier this season that McKenzie’s job might be safe, after a 2014 draft class that has been one of the NFL’s best, including quarterback Derek Carr, outside linebacker Khalil Mack, guard Gabe Jackson and return man-cornerback TJ Carrie.
But with just two games remaining, Schefter’s report seems to indicate that Davis may be leaning toward spending to bring in a big-name head coach who would want plenty of say in personnel decisions.
So, though McKenzie did well in the draft, it may not be enough to save his job. Media speculation following Schefter’s report again focused on Harbaugh – whose days with the 49ers seem numbered – or former Raiders head coach Jon Gruden. Both, no doubt, would want plenty of control.
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No matter who comes in, he’ll have all the challenges he can handle, as evidenced by Oakland’s 12th loss.
The Raiders were in the game until the third quarter, when everything fell apart.
A fumble by the Chiefs gave the Raiders a golden opportunity at the K.C. 15, but the Raiders offense went backwards instead of forwards and had to settle for a field goal. That closed the gap to 10-6.
In quick order, the Chiefs then: 1) marched 70 yards for a TD; 2) scored another TD after a Carr fumble; 3) added a third TD on a 70-yard pass and run to running back Knile Davis, when the Raiders were caught in a blitz on the short pass and linebacker Miles Burris fell down.
Just like that, it was game over.
The Raiders now have just two games remaining, against Buffalo at O.co Coliseum this coming Sunday and the season finale at Denver on Dec. 28. What happens off the field in those two weeks – and shortly after – is likely to be much more significant to Raiders fans than the totals on the scoreboard.
