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LONDON – The Raiders have come a long way to feel embarrassed. The Silver and Black flew nine hours, traveling about 5,600 miles, to be destroyed by the Seattle Seahawks.
Many, including myself, questioned head coach Jon Gruden's decision to leave the West Coast on Thursday night and arrive Friday afternoon for a Sunday game eight hours before his time zone.
The time difference has nothing to do with this defeat. Blaming him for travel-related problems would ignore a terrible game in all three phases, including pass protection, passing passes and punting.
The Raiders lost 27-3 here at Wembley Stadium in London, their worst defeat since the 52-0 debacle against St. Louis Rams on November 30, 2014.
"We came here and we had crazy ass," said defenseman Arden Key. "There is no way around the problem. We had our ass crazy from the first whistle to the last. We remember it and go out with the fire [after the bye] week and continue to go out with the fire. "
Key did not mince his words. Each used was perfectly correct. The Raiders were beaten in every way imaginable and in the second half fought to survive.
Amari Cooper was concussed. Seth Roberts too. Jon Feliciano left early with injured ribs. The trainers were busy with several others on the sidelines.
"We had the queuing up," said quarterback Derek Carr, echoing Key in terms of PG: "We have to own it and we'll do it … Injuries are part of the game. I think everyone is hurt in the NFL, one way or another, at this time of year.You have tampons.It's the next man and you know, we'll ride with you.
Travel plans can not excuse this disaster. Injuries can not either. There is talent on the roster and at least enough for an average Seattle squad not to beat the Raiders that way.
"They came here from the west coast, just like us," said Bruce Irvin. "They were just better than us today."
"I told the rookies after the match, do not forget that," Gruden said. "It's not because you're in the league that it's going to be a good experience.
"You know, you can get your ass kicked in this league, and you know, I want beginners to take advantage of that play time. They all know: They have to get stronger, they have to go faster, they have to become better students in this game, because it's hard to fight against players who have played there for 7, 8, 9 or 10 years, including the title of quarterback world champion (Russell Wilson). "
Fans will remember this one, especially those who have spent bonus dollars to see their Raiders play abroad.
"It hurts my heart to lose," Carr said. "It hurts our hearts for our fans, for those who have come all the way, that's it. Think about it – in a human sense, agree. Many people have come all the way and we have been beaten like that. That hurts me. It's painful. But that does not change the way I work. It does not change the way I play.
Gruden will not forget this experience anytime soon, especially after being thrilled to play in this historic place.
"I'm going to be honest with you, I'm excited to get off the plane," said Gruden. "I thought playing at Wembley Stadium was, you know, one of the coolest moments I had as a head coach. Unfortunately, I will always remember it badly, if you know what I mean.
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