But having scored 10 unanswered points, the Raiders were driving to further cut into the Cincinnati Bengals' lead when a clipping penalty was called on Mike Brisiel. Instead of a first down at around the Cincinnati 30, it was 1st-and-20 at midfield.
Almost on cue, Carson Palmer was stripped, Cincinnati recovered and scored a field goal. They would win 34-10, but not before another call was made depriving the Raiders of a nice play. An apparent fumble on a 3rd-and-6 was nicely kept in play by Joselio Hanson and recovered by Tyvon Branch for a touchdown return.
Well, it was apparent to everyone but the officiating crew assigned. Instead of the touchdown, it was ruled an inadvertent whistle and no play. Cincinnati would score and make it 34-10, which would be the final score.
However, between those plays was the first sign of life I have seen from the silver and black since the game in Kansas City. After a false start, Lamarr Houston finished the play and brought Andy Dalton down. Was it a bit late? Yes. Was it a 'dirty play'? Absolutely not.
Well, Cincinnati tackle Andrew Whitworth took exception and accosted Houston, which set off a fracas between the teams that ironically had former Raiders head coach and current Cincinnati assistant Hue Jackson trying to play peacemaker. It was the culmination of a frustrating day that saw the Raiders beaten by a better team, but piled on by a shoddy officiating crew.
Unfortunately, falling behind 24-0 in the first half mutes much of what should be said about what the officiating did in this game. The reaction will likely be along the lines of 'well, they were going to lose anyway,' which is totally beside the point. This is beyond awful. Where is the accountability that was sup...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
