When the Raiders take the field Sunday in New York to play the Jets, there could be something at stake. How the Raiders finish over the final four games may determine if head coach Dennis Allen returns next season, and winning would elevate Oakland’s record to a somewhat safer 5-8.
With three tough division games over the final three weeks, the Raiders might not get a better chance to close out a game and avoid finishing the season on a six-game losing streak than this week against the Jets. If the Raiders can’t get a win this week, Allen's job could be in serious trouble.
As successful as Allen has been at changing the culture in Oakland, it has yet to translate into more wins. While there may be extenuating circumstances for Oakland’s poor season, Allen still needs every win he can get.
The Raiders have thrown away too many games this season; wins Allen could have used to solidify his job. If talent is the issue, Allen needs to figure out a way to squeeze a little more out of them late in games, so his team can finish strong.
Analyzing the Problem
The Raiders have a point differential of plus-45 in the first quarter this season—the second-best mark in football. The Denver Broncos' first-quarter point differential of plus-49 leads the NFL, and the Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers round out the top five.
That’s pretty good company, but a game consists of four quarters and not just one. Unlike the Raiders, the Broncos, Seahawks, Panthers and 49ers all maintain their top-five status in point differential in the second, third and fourth quarters.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders