When an NFL team is 1-4 there's very little to celebrate. However, commentator Skip Bayless, a huge contrarian, would beg to differ.
According to Bayless, the Raiders can rejoice because they're "the best 1-4 team in NFL history."
.@RealSkipBayless reacts to the Raiders blowing a 20-10 halftime lead to the Chiefs on MNF:
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) October 11, 2022
"The Raiders are the best 1-4 team in NFL history. I can make the case they could be 4-1 and maybe 5-0...As the great Bill Parcells said, 'You are what your record says you are.'" pic.twitter.com/TjZQlfEbO0
It's unlikely the Raiders take pride in their current record, but it's impossible to ignore their bad luck.
All four of the Raiders' losses have come by six points or less. Three of the four teams they lost to made the playoffs last season.
This validates Bayless' point, "I could make a case they could maybe be 4-1 or 5-0," if one or two plays went differently.
The latest loss against the Chiefs showcases their inability to finish games.
The Raiders controlled the game early earning a 20-10 lead in the first half. Penalties, Travis Kelce's dominance, and a failed two-point conversion disrupted the early momentum, allowing the Chiefs to mount a comeback.
This marked their ninth loss to Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City since 2018. It was one of the most frustrating because they were so close to upsetting their division rival.
"We're right there, but close doesn't count in this game," said Raiders quarterback Derek Carr following the 30-29 loss, per Cassie Soto of the Las Vegas-Review Journal.
#Raiders QB Derek Carr: "I've been around a lot of new regimes & I think the frustrating part is that it takes time for everyone to get on the same page... we're right there but close doesn't count in this game. It is frustrating, I'm human...but I believe in it." #RaiderNation
— Cassie Soto (@_CassieSoto) October 11, 2022
What's even more frustrating is the Raiders have more talent than their record indicates, with Pro Bowlers like Maxx Crosby and Josh Jacobs. Yet, the talent can't overcome poor execution in crucial moments.
Head coach Josh McDaniels needs to solve this problem, otherwise, the painful losses will continue.
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