mercurynews--2020-11-29--What the Raiders are saying after blowout loss to Atlanta Falcons

Following his team ’ s 43-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday , Raiders coach Jon Gruden started off his postgame news conference with an apology .
“ The Falcons played a hell of a football game , and we did not , ” Gruden said .
“ The turnovers , the penalties .
Inexcusable .
It ’ s a reflection of me .
We ’ re a lot better team than that.
” The Raiders had five turnovers .
Quarterback Derek Carr fumbled the ball three times and also threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half .
Las Vegas also had 141 yards in penalties in what became their most lopsided Raiders loss since a 52-0 defeat to the St. Louis Rams on Thanksgiving weekend in 2014 .
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Here ’ s what the Raiders were saying following the defeat : Had you seen anything in practice this week that would indicate that you would have a game like this .
How do you put it behind you ?
“ We just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us and that ’ s what we have to do and that ’ s what we will do .
It ’ s a challenge right now for any team , concentrating through all adversity , the ups and downs , players coming and going .
There ’ s some things you ’ ve got to fight through .
But you know when we got hit in the mouth with the fourth and one , the stop , then we fumble the next play , we ’ ve got to get up off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coaching staff and as a football team .
And that ’ s something we ’ ve got to take a look at .
Like I said , it ’ s a reflection of me and I apologize to the Raider fans .
Why have penalties become such an issue ?
“ We ’ ve been pretty good to this point .
We ’ ve had a couple games where we have been penalized — roughing the passer , roughing the kicker .
We had some holding calls , an illegal hands to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down and distance , you give teams free shots , it ’ s a recipe for disaster and that was what you saw today.
” You felt this 6-4 team was different from last year ’ s team .
Did the team buy into that too much ?
“ No , no .
That ’ s going to be written and talked about , I ’ m sure , on some of the talk shows , rightfully so .
We didn ’ t play well today .
The Falcons are fighting for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here , this is one of the best 3-7 teams I have seen .
They did this to Minnesota , who was a playoff team last year .
I challenge anybody that ’ s getting ready for Atlanta — this team is a very good football team and are well coached .
What did you see in pass protection ?
“ We obviously had issues everywhere .
It didn ’ t help when Jalen ( Richard ) was a scratch , our third down back , not making any excuses .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been moving around .
There ’ s plenty of excuses we can make .
But I credit Atlanta and Atlanta again .
They deserve a lot of credit , they certainly do .
Why did the offense get off to a slow start in the first quarter ?
“ Well , I think we get stuffed on 4th and 1 , and on the very next play , we had a play action pass and we had a sack strip fumble .
So I think it started there .
The turnover at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re moving the ball , we ’ re going to get some points , and that ’ s just … then in the third quarter , I mean , it wasn ’ t good .
It snowballed on us today , and ( we ’ ve ) seen it happen before , and it can ’ t again .
Do you just burn the tape after this one ?
“ That ’ s what we ’ re gon na do and that ’ s what we have to do .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We got a lot of players hurt today .
That doesn ’ t help our cause .
But the offices are closed tomorrow , the offices are closed on Tuesday .
There ’ s a lot of distraction right now .
We ’ ve got to stay focused , get our players healthy , see who ’ s available for practice on Wednesday , and we ’ ll regroup and hopefully play much better next week .
Were the offense ’ s issues more self-inflicted or were there matchup problems ?
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We had some players open .
We had opportunities to make plays .
I ’ m not going to sit here and say anything else .
We had plenty of opportunities .
They made more plays and we did , and they snowballed on us today .
You turn the ball over five times , and have 120 yards in penalties , you get no chance.
” Do you worry that one bad game for Derek ( Carr ) can turn into two or three .
“ No , this is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough business and he ’ s been through a lot , and he ’ ll be fine .
We ’ ve just got to regroup .
We ’ ve got to get on the plane and we ’ ve got to get ready for the next one.
” Any concern over the injuries to Josh Jacobs or Damon Arnette ?
“ Obviously there is .
And , you know , hope to get Clelin Ferrell and LaMarcus Joyner and Trent Brown back sometime soon .
So we ’ ve got a litany of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll update you as soon as possible.
” Something was off offensively from the outset .
Did it feel that way ?
Yes , it absolutely felt that way .
I didn ’ t think personally we had our best week of practice .
Personally , I thought we were a little flat .
Clearly that was the case in the game .
Any time you turn the ball over like that , you ’ re not going to win football games .
That ’ s very rare .
The percentages are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this way in awhile .
It ’ s a gut-punch for sure.
” Feel like last year ’ s game vs. the Jets ?
“ Yes , it absolutely did .
And again , I still stand by what I said , it feels different on this team , but our week of practice was not to the standard that we have set , that we have really had .
I haven ’ t felt this way , with this team yet , where we got punched in the face and it just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credit to Atlanta for how good of a team they are .
We knew it based on the film , based on top 10 rush defense , top 10 third downs , they did a great job on third down today .
When you watch the film , an assignment here , an assignment there , a better throw here , a better throw there , a lot of points .
I think that ’ s the most frustrating part , when you get the crap kicked out of you like that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really big plays.
” “ In the pocket , that stuff happens all the time where guys are right there , it hits your arm or something like that .
Sometimes you get the ball off , sometimes they get there a half second early .
I don ’ t think it was anything different than they did or anything like that .
I thought they played really well .
I thought they made their plays .
A couple times got to me just in the nick of time because on one we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touchdown , and then we had Nelson on a double move for a touchdown late .
Again , those things happen all the time where there ’ s chaos in the pocket and they hit your elbow , they hit your arm , as you ’ re throwing it , and then there ’ s also time when that happens and you get the ball out just before they touch you .
I don ’ t think it was a big difference , but you have to give them credit for making those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there ’ s no argument here on that .
It definitely happened today .
Very frustrating loss .
We haven ’ t done that in awhile .
We haven ’ t done that in some time .
Very frustrating , and this is one of those where you want watch it , correct and burn the film because it ’ s like , ` That ’ s not who we are.
’ But it is , you put it on film , it is what it is , and there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
We can say , aw crap , and keeping giving in to that , or we can grit our teeth like I think our team will and get ready .
We have a team where , we have a team that kicked the crap out of us last year coming up next .
they beat the dog out of us last time .
So we ’ d better get our minds right before we get on the plane for that game.
” Burn the tape , don ’ t worry about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to burn it , but as a competitor you still have to make corrections .
You still have to watch the tape .
There ’ s always something to be learned , win or loss .
For me , my mindset last week was the same as it was this week , and during the game .
There ’ s something different , when I watch the film , I correct it and things like that .
You try your best to find this process , I always talk about , even in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You find little blips and you find , ` That ’ s not what we do , this is what we do.
’ I really , for me , I ’ ve got to make the corrections .
There ’ s two or three throws where it ’ s , ` I don ’ t do that.
’ It drives me nuts .
And I got to live with that all week .
That ’ s what I earned today .
I got to live with that .
We do have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play that beat the dog out of us , and if we don ’ t come ready to play , if we don ’ t come ready to work for practice , and it better start for that .
But if we don ’ t come ready to work , they ’ re going to do it again.
” Is there a fear after a loss like this that , ‘ here we go again ?
’ “ I ’ ve been here I think here , me and Gabe have been here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel like that .
I have felt that feeling where , around the guys , aw crap , here we go .
It ’ s not the same , for whatever that ’ s worth , it ’ s not .
I know that feeling .
I ’ ve seen that feeling , that frustration .
But I did feel it in practice talking to a few guys , too , and I made sure it wasn ’ t just me .
I asked a couple guys .
You try and get guys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get yourself going , and things like that .
It just didn ’ t feel right .
I don ’ t know what the reason for that was .
I don ’ t know why it happened .
I think we ’ ve done a great job of flushing win or loss and going to the next game .
Coach does a great job of that .
He makes sure we know every good thing we know about the next team to make sure that we ’ re ready to go , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a hangover type effect .
Maybe , I don ’ t know .
I ’ ll have to study that .
For me , I just know it just wasn ’ t up to our standard , so this week it better be.
” What can you do to avoid those fumbles ?
Absolutely , we practice it all the time too .
That ’ s the frustrating part .
On the first one , we always talk about two hands on the ball , I had two hands on the ball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the forearm and the ball slipped out of my hands .
Really , the other two were as I was throwing .
One , I didn ’ t see , I never saw him .
Those things , you don ’ t want ’ em to happen but they happen .
But any time I can see the guy , I try my best to get two hands on the ball and I should have took that ball to my chest .
Bad play by me on the first one , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get the ball out quicker .
It ’ s definitely not my line ’ s fault , they ’ ve been doing a heck of a job .
I ’ ve got to do a better job of stepping up and making my read.
” • Derek Carr ’ s ugly day : Sacks , turnovers and a view from the bench • Raiders do a faceplant in Atlanta reminiscent of 2019 collapse Can ’ t come to facility for two days … “ Again , this is like , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t really know how to deal with this .
We ’ ve never had to deal with this before in my time in the NFL and probably in your time covering the NFL .
This unheard of kind of stuff .
It ’ s pretty interesting that we can ’ t go in the building .
I understand they ’ re trying to make us and our families as safe as possible and we appreciate that .
But as a football team , especially after something like this , you want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t want that taste in your mouth for a couple days , but honestly , for us , maybe it ’ s a good thing .
A lot of guys can reflect , a lot of guys can watch the tape and see if it was their best effort and if practice was their best effort .
We do a good job of washing stuff away , win or loss , we get on the plane and we do what we do .
I think that we have a better group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tape , but our fans deserve better than what we did today .
Or organization deserves better than what we put out there today , that was a bunch of trash.
” “ It was surprising a little bit because we know we have some good players and we just have to get back and get better.
” “ Not necessarily .
I think every week is different .
I think we have a lot of guys that are trying to get better , and that ’ s kind of the standard we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be easy to say , yeah , we had a bad week of practice , this is what happens , which is why this happened .
Maybe Derek saw something I didn ’ t .
He ’ s got a better handle on everything than we ’ re in the receiver room , he ’ s got a good temp of the whole offense .
Maybe he ’ s got a little better perspective than me .
I didn ’ t think so.
” At 6-5 , is the feeling , ‘ here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t think there ’ s a fear because we control it .
I think we have a lot of really good guys on our team , a lot of football character guys .
We control our destiny , and we really do .
It ’ d be one thing if I was scared because I didn ’ t ’ know the type of people we had in the room , whether they were going to fold when it got tough , but I really feel like we ’ ve got a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does feel different this year .
It really does .
And we ’ ll keep saying that , an we ’ ve got to finish better than we did last year .
We ’ ve got to flush it , have a good week next week.
” “ When you make mistakes like that , get behind the chains , and the you kind of gather your calls that you would use on third-and-5 and now it ’ s third-and-12 , I think that had a little to do with it .
Sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your way , and that ’ s kind of how I ’ m looking at it .
To me , it doesn ’ t matter if you lose by 40 or you lose by one point , you lost .
So we ’ ll just have to get better this week .
The good thing is we not like we lost and we ’ re eliminated from the playoffs .
We have a chance to go out there and fight and really have that opportunity to go out there next week .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go to the Jets .
They kind of derailed our season last year , so what an opportunity for us to go there and get some redemption , per se.
” You never know how God works .
Sometimes he puts things , sets things up so they ’ re in your best case scenario .
It could be good to get away .
You never know .
It really comes down to the individual player , how they respond .
I think there ’ s a million excuses out there and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can ’ t come in the faciltiy the next two days , that ’ s an excuse .
But everybody deals with it .
We ’ ve got to stop looking at the positives and how are we going to be more effective Monday and Tuesday than everyone else in the league , and if we can do that we ’ re going to find ourself along the way .
“ I don ’ t want to say we weren ’ t prepared , but we came out today , we were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just kind of a chain effect .
It really wasn ’ t a snowball effect .
We couldn ’ t get going on offense .
Defense , they had a couple plays where they ended up getting in the endzone .
Overall , we just have to do better on both sides , in all phases of the game .
Today it just wasn ’ t there.
” “ At times , at times .
But I thought we had a very clean week of practice as far as assignments and executing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today .
We have to , on both sides of the ball , we have to come out a little bit more intense .
We have to do better for the offense , get turnovers , shorten the field , and just go from there .
We ’ ve got to complete each other , basically .
We ’ ve got to help each other , and we didn ’ t do that today.
” On one of ’ em on the fourth down , it was a really good play by them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is like a run play almost .
The insert ran a seven route , which is kind of why the corner was a step off .
Usually on that , he ’ s taught to sit outside , so like i said , that was a great play by them .
On the second touchdown , the double crosser , we start cutting , but on that one we got to cut and when get cut you got to get to the side of the formation so you can help out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t communicate enough to allow them to score .
Gruden apologized , Carr said it was ` trash ’ “ I ’ ll apologize to our fans as well .
That ’ s not who we are , especially coming off a heartbreaking loss like we did last week .
We were supposed to come out here this week and kind of take our anger out on the Falcons and I feel like we didn ’ t do that .
I feel like we had a pity party for ourself.
” What was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
“ Honestly , just anytime you lose , it ’ s frustrating .
No matter how it comes , anytime you lose it ’ s frustrating .
It ’ s equally as frustrating no matter whether it ’ s close , or not close .
It ’ s always frustrating.
” What did you see with the defense today ?
More than just the penalties ?
“ Penalties don ’ t help .
Ever .
It ’ s definitely something ( where ) I ’ ve got to go back and watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ penalty , especially on third down or fourth down , whatever it may be , it gives the offense an opportunity and that hurts us on defense .
Penalties can definitely kill a defense.
” “ Overall , I didn ’ t think it was the best week .
But it definitely was better than a lot of weeks .
I didn ’ t really think anything of it.
” “ I ’ d have to go back and watch the film .
Just speaking defensively , we had some penalties and things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But like I said , we ’ ve got to go back and watch the film to really pinpoint something .
”

Following his team’s 43-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Raiders coach Jon Gruden started off his postgame news conference with an apology.
“The Falcons played a hell of a football game, and we did not,” Gruden said. “The turnovers, the penalties. Inexcusable. It’s a reflection of me. We’re a lot better team than that.”
The Raiders had five turnovers. Quarterback Derek Carr fumbled the ball three times and also threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Deion Jones early in the second half.
Las Vegas also had 141 yards in penalties in what became their most lopsided Raiders loss since a 52-0 defeat to the St. Louis Rams on Thanksgiving weekend in 2014.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) works in the pocket against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Ridley under pressure from Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker (43) hits Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. Carr through an interception on the play. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) makes the catch against Atlanta Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman (41) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
AP Photo Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jacob Tuioti-Mariner (91) hits Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) for a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons recovered the ball. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
A.P. Photo Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell (24) hits Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Ridley under pressure from Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
AP Photo Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) runs against Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Ridley and is leveled by Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) stiff arms Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones (45) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Darqueze Dennard, right, breaks up a pass to Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Walker during the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Getty Images ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Las Vegas Raiders tackles Ito Smith #25 of the Atlanta Falcons during their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AP Photo Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) stiff arms Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones (45) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) works against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage (83) misses the catch in the end zone against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst (81) tackles Las Vegas Raiders strong safety Johnathan Abram (24) after an interception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) works during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Hayden Hurst #81 of the Atlanta Falcons hurdles Keisean Nixon #22 of the Las Vegas Raiders for a first down in the second quarter of their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Nelson Agholor #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders is tackled after a catch by Kendall Sheffield #20 of the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Getty Images ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Trayvon Mullen #27 of the Las Vegas Raiders breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Russell Gage #83 of the Atlanta Falcons during their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Trayvon Mullen #27 of the Las Vegas Raiders lays on the field after being injured after breaking up a pass in the end zone during their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Getty Images ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Foyesade Oluokun #54 of the Atlanta Falcons forces a fumble by Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) leaps toward the end zone against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell (24) breaks up a pass for Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs after a catch against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Las Vegas Raiders makes a catch in front of A.J. Terrell #24 of the Atlanta Falcons at the three-yard line at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AP Photo Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) is hit by Atlanta Falcons punter Sterling Hofrichter (4) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Getty Images ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Johnathan Abram #24 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates a interception of Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
A.P. Photo Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) works in the pocket against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) stopped by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones (45) denying a first down during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Getty Images ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Johnathan Abram #24 of the Las Vegas Raiders makes a interception of Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
A.P. Photo Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette (20) hits Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill (23) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. Arnette was injured on the play. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
AP Photo Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette (20) walks off the field after injury against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
AP Photo Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette (20) lies injured against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders attempts a pass against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AP Photo Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) hits Atlanta Falcons defensive back Darqueze Dennard (34) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
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Here’s what the Raiders were saying following the defeat:
Raiders coach Jon Gruden
Had you seen anything in practice this week that would indicate that you would have a game like this. How do you put it behind you?
“We just did. We just put it behind us and that’s what we have to do and that’s what we will do. It’s a challenge right now for any team, concentrating through all adversity, the ups and downs, players coming and going. There’s some things you’ve got to fight through. But you know when we got hit in the mouth with the fourth and one, the stop, then we fumble the next play, we’ve got to get up off the mat and fight back better as a coaching staff and as a football team. And that’s something we’ve got to take a look at. Like I said, it’s a reflection of me and I apologize to the Raider fans.
Why have penalties become such an issue?
“We’ve been pretty good to this point. We’ve had a couple games where we have been penalized — roughing the passer, roughing the kicker. We had some holding calls, an illegal hands to the face. You fall behind in the down and distance, you give teams free shots, it’s a recipe for disaster and that was what you saw today.”
You felt this 6-4 team was different from last year’s team. Did the team buy into that too much?
“No, no. That’s going to be written and talked about, I’m sure, on some of the talk shows, rightfully so. We didn’t play well today. The Falcons are fighting for their lives. We said that coming in here, this is one of the best 3-7 teams I have seen. They did this to Minnesota, who was a playoff team last year. I challenge anybody that’s getting ready for Atlanta — this team is a very good football team and are well coached.
What did you see in pass protection?
“We obviously had issues everywhere. It didn’t help when Jalen (Richard) was a scratch, our third down back, not making any excuses. We’re playing with some linemen that have been moving around. There’s plenty of excuses we can make. But I credit Atlanta and Atlanta again. They deserve a lot of credit, they certainly do.
Why did the offense get off to a slow start in the first quarter?
“Well, I think we get stuffed on 4th and 1, and on the very next play, we had a play action pass and we had a sack strip fumble. So I think it started there. The turnover at the end of the first half — we’re moving the ball, we’re going to get some points, and that’s just … then in the third quarter, I mean, it wasn’t good. It snowballed on us today, and (we’ve) seen it happen before, and it can’t again.
Do you just burn the tape after this one?
“That’s what we’re gonna do and that’s what we have to do. We’ve got to learn from our mistakes. We got a lot of players hurt today. That doesn’t help our cause. But the offices are closed tomorrow, the offices are closed on Tuesday. There’s a lot of distraction right now. We’ve got to stay focused, get our players healthy, see who’s available for practice on Wednesday, and we’ll regroup and hopefully play much better next week.
Were the offense’s issues more self-inflicted or were there matchup problems?
“We’ll look at the film. We had some players open. We had opportunities to make plays. I’m not going to sit here and say anything else. We had plenty of opportunities. They made more plays and we did, and they snowballed on us today. You turn the ball over five times, and have 120 yards in penalties, you get no chance.”
Do you worry that one bad game for Derek (Carr) can turn into two or three.
“No, this is the National Football League. This is a tough business and he’s been through a lot, and he’ll be fine. We’ve just got to regroup. We’ve got to get on the plane and we’ve got to get ready for the next one.”
Any concern over the injuries to Josh Jacobs or Damon Arnette?
“Obviously there is. And, you know, hope to get Clelin Ferrell and LaMarcus Joyner and Trent Brown back sometime soon. So we’ve got a litany of things to look at, and we’ll update you as soon as possible.”
Quarterback Derek Carr
Something was off offensively from the outset. Did it feel that way?
Yes, it absolutely felt that way. I didn’t think personally we had our best week of practice. Personally, I thought we were a little flat. Clearly that was the case in the game. Any time you turn the ball over like that, you’re not going to win football games. That’s very rare. The percentages are low. I haven’t felt this way in awhile. It’s a gut-punch for sure.”
Feel like last year’s game vs. the Jets?
“Yes, it absolutely did. And again, I still stand by what I said, it feels different on this team, but our week of practice was not to the standard that we have set, that we have really had. I haven’t felt this way, with this team yet, where we got punched in the face and it just kept happening. We have to give credit to Atlanta for how good of a team they are. We knew it based on the film, based on top 10 rush defense, top 10 third downs, they did a great job on third down today. When you watch the film, an assignment here, an assignment there, a better throw here, a better throw there, a lot of points. I think that’s the most frustrating part, when you get the crap kicked out of you like that is how close we were to making some really big plays.”
Pressure up front?
“In the pocket, that stuff happens all the time where guys are right there, it hits your arm or something like that. Sometimes you get the ball off, sometimes they get there a half second early. I don’t think it was anything different than they did or anything like that. I thought they played really well. I thought they made their plays. A couple times got to me just in the nick of time because on one we had Henry on a post for a touchdown, and then we had Nelson on a double move for a touchdown late. Again, those things happen all the time where there’s chaos in the pocket and they hit your elbow, they hit your arm, as you’re throwing it, and then there’s also time when that happens and you get the ball out just before they touch you. I don’t think it was a big difference, but you have to give them credit for making those plays.”
Snowball effect?
“I mean it did, there’s no argument here on that. It definitely happened today. Very frustrating loss. We haven’t done that in awhile. We haven’t done that in some time. Very frustrating, and this is one of those where you want watch it, correct and burn the film because it’s like, `That’s not who we are.’ But it is, you put it on film, it is what it is, and there’s one or two ways we can handle it. We can say, aw crap, and keeping giving in to that, or we can grit our teeth like I think our team will and get ready. We have a team where, we have a team that kicked the crap out of us last year coming up next. they beat the dog out of us last time. So we’d better get our minds right before we get on the plane for that game.”
Burn the tape, don’t worry about it?
“Personally, you want to burn it, but as a competitor you still have to make corrections. You still have to watch the tape. There’s always something to be learned, win or loss. For me, my mindset last week was the same as it was this week, and during the game. There’s something different, when I watch the film, I correct it and things like that. You try your best to find this process, I always talk about, even in the game, and stay right there. You find little blips and you find, `That’s not what we do, this is what we do.’ I really, for me, I’ve got to make the corrections. There’s two or three throws where it’s, `I don’t do that.’ It drives me nuts. And I got to live with that all week. That’s what I earned today. I got to live with that. We do have a team that we’re going to play that beat the dog out of us, and if we don’t come ready to play, if we don’t come ready to work for practice, and it better start for that. But if we don’t come ready to work, they’re going to do it again.”
Is there a fear after a loss like this that, ‘here we go again?’
“I’ve been here I think here, me and Gabe have been here the longest. It doesn’t feel like that. I have felt that feeling where, around the guys, aw crap, here we go. It’s not the same, for whatever that’s worth, it’s not. I know that feeling. I’ve seen that feeling, that frustration. But I did feel it in practice talking to a few guys, too, and I made sure it wasn’t just me. I asked a couple guys. You try and get guys going in practice. You try and get yourself going, and things like that. It just didn’t feel right. I don’t know what the reason for that was. I don’t know why it happened. I think we’ve done a great job of flushing win or loss and going to the next game. Coach does a great job of that. He makes sure we know every good thing we know about the next team to make sure that we’re ready to go, and I don’t know if it was a hangover type effect. Maybe, I don’t know. I’ll have to study that. For me, I just know it just wasn’t up to our standard, so this week it better be.”
What can you do to avoid those fumbles?
Absolutely, we practice it all the time too. That’s the frustrating part. On the first one, we always talk about two hands on the ball, I had two hands on the ball, and he literally just hit right on the forearm and the ball slipped out of my hands. Really, the other two were as I was throwing. One, I didn’t see, I never saw him. Those things, you don’t want ’em to happen but they happen. But any time I can see the guy, I try my best to get two hands on the ball and I should have took that ball to my chest. Bad play by me on the first one, the other two, I’ve got to get the ball out quicker. It’s definitely not my line’s fault, they’ve been doing a heck of a job. I’ve got to do a better job of stepping up and making my read.”
Can’t come to facility for two days …
“Again, this is like, it’s one of those things, we don’t really know how to deal with this. We’ve never had to deal with this before in my time in the NFL and probably in your time covering the NFL. This unheard of kind of stuff. It’s pretty interesting that we can’t go in the building. I understand they’re trying to make us and our families as safe as possible and we appreciate that. But as a football team, especially after something like this, you want to get back to work. You don’t want that taste in your mouth for a couple days, but honestly, for us, maybe it’s a good thing. A lot of guys can reflect, a lot of guys can watch the tape and see if it was their best effort and if practice was their best effort. We do a good job of washing stuff away, win or loss, we get on the plane and we do what we do. I think that we have a better group for sure than what we put on tape, but our fans deserve better than what we did today. Or organization deserves better than what we put out there today, that was a bunch of trash.”
Receiver Hunter Renfrow
“It was surprising a little bit because we know we have some good players and we just have to get back and get better.”
Not great week of practice?
“Not necessarily. I think every week is different. I think we have a lot of guys that are trying to get better, and that’s kind of the standard we’ve set. It’d be easy to say, yeah, we had a bad week of practice, this is what happens, which is why this happened. Maybe Derek saw something I didn’t. He’s got a better handle on everything than we’re in the receiver room, he’s got a good temp of the whole offense. Maybe he’s got a little better perspective than me. I didn’t think so.”
At 6-5, is the feeling, ‘here we go again?’
“I don’t think there’s a fear because we control it. I think we have a lot of really good guys on our team, a lot of football character guys. We control our destiny, and we really do. It’d be one thing if I was scared because I didn’t’ know the type of people we had in the room, whether they were going to fold when it got tough, but I really feel like we’ve got a good group of guys, and it does feel different this year. It really does. And we’ll keep saying that, an we’ve got to finish better than we did last year. We’ve got to flush it, have a good week next week.”
Penalties came at bad times?
“When you make mistakes like that, get behind the chains, and the you kind of gather your calls that you would use on third-and-5 and now it’s third-and-12, I think that had a little to do with it. Sometimes the ball just doesn’t roll your way, and that’s kind of how I’m looking at it. To me, it doesn’t matter if you lose by 40 or you lose by one point, you lost. So we’ll just have to get better this week. The good thing is we not like we lost and we’re eliminated from the playoffs. We have a chance to go out there and fight and really have that opportunity to go out there next week. I think it’s a good opportunity to go to the Jets. They kind of derailed our season last year, so what an opportunity for us to go there and get some redemption, per se.”
Covid cases?
You never know how God works. Sometimes he puts things, sets things up so they’re in your best case scenario. It could be good to get away. You never know. It really comes down to the individual player, how they respond. I think there’s a million excuses out there and it’s easy to say, we can’t come in the faciltiy the next two days, that’s an excuse. But everybody deals with it. We’ve got to stop looking at the positives and how are we going to be more effective Monday and Tuesday than everyone else in the league, and if we can do that we’re going to find ourself along the way.
Safety Johnathan Abram
“I don’t want to say we weren’t prepared, but we came out today, we were kind of flat, and it was just kind of a chain effect. It really wasn’t a snowball effect. We couldn’t get going on offense. Defense, they had a couple plays where they ended up getting in the endzone. Overall, we just have to do better on both sides, in all phases of the game. Today it just wasn’t there.”
Were practices flat this week?
“At times, at times. But I thought we had a very clean week of practice as far as assignments and executing, but it just didn’t show today. We have to, on both sides of the ball, we have to come out a little bit more intense. We have to do better for the offense, get turnovers, shorten the field, and just go from there. We’ve got to complete each other, basically. We’ve got to help each other, and we didn’t do that today.”
Red zone issues?
On one of ’em on the fourth down, it was a really good play by them. They ran like an insert, which is like a run play almost. The insert ran a seven route, which is kind of why the corner was a step off. Usually on that, he’s taught to sit outside, so like i said, that was a great play by them. On the second touchdown, the double crosser, we start cutting, but on that one we got to cut and when get cut you got to get to the side of the formation so you can help out. On that one, we didn’t communicate enough to allow them to score.
Gruden apologized, Carr said it was `trash’
“I’ll apologize to our fans as well. That’s not who we are, especially coming off a heartbreaking loss like we did last week. We were supposed to come out here this week and kind of take our anger out on the Falcons and I feel like we didn’t do that. I feel like we had a pity party for ourself.”
Linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski
What was the most frustrating part of that game?
“Honestly, just anytime you lose, it’s frustrating. No matter how it comes, anytime you lose it’s frustrating. It’s equally as frustrating no matter whether it’s close, or not close. It’s always frustrating.”
What did you see with the defense today? More than just the penalties?
“Penalties don’t help. Ever. It’s definitely something (where) I’ve got to go back and watch the film. Anytime you get a penalty, especially on third down or fourth down, whatever it may be, it gives the offense an opportunity and that hurts us on defense. Penalties can definitely kill a defense.”
Week of practice?
“Overall, I didn’t think it was the best week. But it definitely was better than a lot of weeks. I didn’t really think anything of it.”
Did things just snowball today?
“I’d have to go back and watch the film. Just speaking defensively, we had some penalties and things didn’t go our way. But like I said, we’ve got to go back and watch the film to really pinpoint something.”


mercurynews--2020-11-30--Coronavirus hospitalizations in L.A. County again soar past 2,000; new cases top 5,000

New coronavirus cases in Los Angeles County again topped 5,000 on Sunday , Nov. 29 , and hospitalizations climbed over 2,000 as the surge continues to alarm officials and new restrictions arrive on Monday .
Health officials reported 5,014 new cases and 16 new deaths on Sunday , lifting those totals to 395,843 cases and 7,639 deaths , respectively , since the pandemic arrived .
Sunday ’ s death number reflected a holiday weekend reporting lag .
The county ’ s five-day average for new cases climbed to 4,420 , the number continuing to hover at more than 4,000 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch its first wave of tightened “ Safer at Home ” restrictions last week .
The number jumped from 4,155 on Saturday .
Particularly unnerving is the current number of people hospitalized in the county , 2,049 — with 24 % percent in intensive-care units — a statistic that is growing at an alarming clip now .
That ’ s up from 1,951 people hospitalizations on Saturday , with 25 % of those in ICU , Ferrer said .
Those kind of hospitalization numbers hadn ’ t been reached since August .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven-day average , is 8.1 % .
Barbara Ferrer , county public health director , said Saturday that case numbers could continue to rise over the next two to three weeks because testing declined during the Thanksgiving weekend , and that the increase would depend on what activities were occurring during the long holiday stretch .
Officials have been urging residents for weeks not to travel or gather with others outside their own households , as the daily caseloads rose to record levels .
“ We do wish the families of loved ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this difficult time , ” Ferrer said .
Friday ’ s 4,544 new cases raised the county ’ s five-day average to 4,751 — then the highest point since the pandemic began — and triggered the new health order that starts Monday .
The new rules will effectively ban most public and private gatherings and remain in effect through at least Dec. 20 .
The county ’ s new health order will forbid all gatherings except for protests and religious services .
It also will limit occupancy at various businesses , including capping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public playgrounds and card clubs will also be forced to close .
Libraries , personal care services and non-essential retail , including indoor malls , will all be capped at 20 % occupancy .
Outdoor fitness centers , museums , galleries , zoos , aquariums , outdoor botanical gardens , mini-golf , batting cages and outdoor go-kart racing , meanwhile , will all be capped at 50 % occupancy .
Last week , health officials ended outdoor dining , an impromptu strategy implemented by restaurants and empowered by local leaders to help fill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoor dining in July .
Long Beach , which operates its own health department , aligned with the county rules , but Pasadena health officials decided to allow outside dining , with additional monitoring of restaurants .
County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis last week expressed concern that the daily scenario was not showing any sign of improvement .
“ We continue to be at a very difficult time in this pandemic , as is so much of the United States , ” Davis said .
According to current county estimates , every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus to an average of 1.27 people — the highest transmission rate the county has seen since March , before any safety protocols such as face coverings and social distancing were in place .
Based on that transmission rate , health officials estimate one of every 145 people in the county are now infected with the virus and transmitting it to others .
“ This doesn ’ t include people that are currently hospitalized or isolated at home , ” county Health Services Director Dr. Christina Ghaly said .
“ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and about and infecting others .
They may not know they ’ re infected .
They may know they ’ re infected and not be isolating .
But they ’ re out there and they ’ re exposing other people to the virus.
” Ghaly said the number of people hospitalized due to the virus has jumped by 70 % in the past two weeks , with the county now averaging about 300 new admissions daily .
The county was at 75 % capacity of its hospital beds on Saturday , Ferrer said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county would not change , she said Saturday .
“ They are and will remain spectator-free.
” The NFL ’ s Los Angeles Rams played their archrival , the San Francisco 49ers , with empty seats at the lavish new SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday .
As for college sports , “ We align with the state ’ s collegiate sports directive .
Should the state change , we at the local level will change.
” Ferrer said officials knew this surge was coming , but “ None of us really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , across such a short period of time.
” She added that with a vaccine expected to be approved for distribution shortly , “ The light is there at the end of the tunnel … but we ’ ve got to get there.
” Also Sunday , several dozen people protested at Ferrer ’ s home demanding to “ Open L.A. ” It was not immediately known if they were affiliated with a certain group or groups .
Many did not wear masks .
Social media posts showed some carried signs reading “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsom and Ferrer are non-essential ” and “ Trump won .
”

New coronavirus cases in Los Angeles County again topped 5,000 on Sunday, Nov. 29, and hospitalizations climbed over 2,000 as the surge continues to alarm officials and new restrictions arrive on Monday.
Health officials reported 5,014 new cases and 16 new deaths on Sunday, lifting those totals to 395,843 cases and 7,639 deaths, respectively, since the pandemic arrived. Sunday’s death number reflected a holiday weekend reporting lag.
Related: Monday’s new LA County restrictions at a glance.
The county’s five-day average for new cases climbed to 4,420, the number continuing to hover at more than 4,000, the threshold that spurred county officials to launch its first wave of tightened “Safer at Home” restrictions last week. The number jumped from 4,155 on Saturday.
Particularly unnerving is the current number of people hospitalized in the county, 2,049 — with 24% percent in intensive-care units — a statistic that is growing at an alarming clip now. That’s up from 1,951 people hospitalizations on Saturday, with 25% of those in ICU, Ferrer said. Those kind of hospitalization numbers hadn’t been reached since August.
The current positivity rate, based on a seven-day average, is 8.1%.
Barbara Ferrer, county public health director, said Saturday that case numbers could continue to rise over the next two to three weeks because testing declined during the Thanksgiving weekend, and that the increase would depend on what activities were occurring during the long holiday stretch. Officials have been urging residents for weeks not to travel or gather with others outside their own households, as the daily caseloads rose to record levels.
“We do wish the families of loved ones who have passed peace and healing during this difficult time,” Ferrer said.
Friday’s 4,544 new cases raised the county’s five-day average to 4,751 — then the highest point since the pandemic began — and triggered the new health order that starts Monday. The new rules will effectively ban most public and private gatherings and remain in effect through at least Dec. 20.
The county’s new health order will forbid all gatherings except for protests and religious services. It also will limit occupancy at various businesses, including capping essential retail at 35% capacity.
Public playgrounds and card clubs will also be forced to close.
Libraries, personal care services and non-essential retail, including indoor malls, will all be capped at 20% occupancy. Outdoor fitness centers, museums, galleries, zoos, aquariums, outdoor botanical gardens, mini-golf, batting cages and outdoor go-kart racing, meanwhile, will all be capped at 50% occupancy.
Last week, health officials ended outdoor dining, an impromptu strategy implemented by restaurants and empowered by local leaders to help fill the shortfall left by the ban on indoor dining in July. Long Beach, which operates its own health department, aligned with the county rules, but Pasadena health officials decided to allow outside dining, with additional monitoring of restaurants.
County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis last week expressed concern that the daily scenario was not showing any sign of improvement.
“We continue to be at a very difficult time in this pandemic, as is so much of the United States,” Davis said.
According to current county estimates, every COVID-19 patient in the county is passing the virus to an average of 1.27 people — the highest transmission rate the county has seen since March, before any safety protocols such as face coverings and social distancing were in place.
Based on that transmission rate, health officials estimate one of every 145 people in the county are now infected with the virus and transmitting it to others.
“This doesn’t include people that are currently hospitalized or isolated at home,” county Health Services Director Dr. Christina Ghaly said. “This is the estimate of people that are out and about and infecting others. They may not know they’re infected. They may know they’re infected and not be isolating. But they’re out there and they’re exposing other people to the virus.”
Ghaly said the number of people hospitalized due to the virus has jumped by 70% in the past two weeks, with the county now averaging about 300 new admissions daily.
The county was at 75% capacity of its hospital beds on Saturday, Ferrer said.
Protocols for professional sports teams in the county would not change, she said Saturday. “They are and will remain spectator-free.” The NFL’s Los Angeles Rams played their archrival, the San Francisco 49ers, with empty seats at the lavish new SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday.
As for college sports, “We align with the state’s collegiate sports directive. Should the state change, we at the local level will change.”
Ferrer said officials knew this surge was coming, but “None of us really thought the increase would be so big, across such a short period of time.”
She added that with a vaccine expected to be approved for distribution shortly, “The light is there at the end of the tunnel … but we’ve got to get there.”
Also Sunday, several dozen people protested at Ferrer’s home demanding to “Open L.A.” It was not immediately known if they were affiliated with a certain group or groups.
Many did not wear masks. Social media posts showed some carried signs reading “COVID is a con-job,” “Newsom and Ferrer are non-essential” and “Trump won.”
City News Service contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-11-30--10 p.m. curfew? A lot of us are sleeping through it

I kind of like the idea that California now has a temporary curfew .
It will keep us from gathering on street corners , twirling our keys in the halo of a street lamp and getting into mischief .
If we think we ’ re going to be out late , we simply call the governor and let him know we ’ re safe .
If he ’ s not in his office , the calls will roll over to the French Laundry .
Seriously , though .
The curfew , officially “ a limited stay-at-home order , ” is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re allowed to be out , but not with people outside our household .
The principle is that we ought to be at home .
Mothers everywhere agree .
Anyway , the curfew began at 10 p.m. Nov. 21 .
It slipped right past me , since I was asleep at the time .
Even in the Before Times it was rare that I was out late .
Years ago during the Jay Leno/David Letterman “ late-night wars , ” I was agnostic on the subject because I was never awake late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At dinners or parties , I was the first to yawn .
“ It must be past Dave ’ s bedtime , ” one friend used to joke .
During the coronavirus pandemic , bedtime has gotten earlier .
Usually it ’ s lights-out at 9:30 p.m. And usually I ’ m tired enough to drop off pretty quickly .
A few days later I asked on Facebook : “ Are you affected by California ’ s 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew ?
” “ Makes me feel kinda old , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I don ’ t have 10 friends and I ’ m in bed by 8 , ” Denise Pappas wrote .
“ Oh , wait , look at the time.
” Even a local elected official , Chino Hills Councilman Peter Rogers , was sanguine .
“ Not going to lose sleep over it , ” Rogers affirmed .
In 49 responses , not a single one of you said you were being kept from anything .
“ In bed by 11 and up sometime after 7 the next morning .
Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , ” said Paul Myers .
“ Not at all , ” Cliff Hutson said .
He added : “ I don ’ t get out much.
” “ We ’ re asleep by 10 , so nope .
9 is the new midnight , ” Alison Rauchfuss said .
I like that : “ 9 is the new midnight.
” Said a defiant Joey Caturara : “ I ’ m protesting the curfew by sleeping from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. ” Hey , during the sit-in protest era , John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a fine time to revive it .
Not all my readers are asleep during those hours .
They ’ re just not out .
Cherise is surfing the internet , Eric Gavin is playing video games .
“ If Springsteen isn ’ t in concert I ’ m home , ” said Annie Gritchin .
Sadly , the Boss is working from home these days .
( He does have a new album , “ Letter to You , ” though , and I say it ’ s his most exciting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) The so-called curfew isn ’ t all it ’ s cracked up to be , a couple of you said .
Richard Sweeney said the situation is more of a business shutdown : “ I can still travel anywhere I want with no problem .
I just can ’ t go to a bar or dine at a restaurant .
Well , OK , my home bar works just fine , and I ’ m not 19 anymore , so I don ’ t need to eat at midnight.
” “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people complaining about the curfew who haven ’ t bothered to read the order about it , because they seem to think they ’ ll get pulled over or turn into a pumpkin or something at 10:01 p.m. if they ’ re not home , ” Molly Godfrey said .
“ The order does not require that you actually be at home , just not interacting with others outside your household during those times.
” I couldn ’ t interact with anyone after 10 p.m. anyway .
Nobody I know is up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staying home , you ’ re aware that others aren ’ t , because they ’ re making noise .
“ In the IE , 10 p.m. is when the fireworks Armageddon usually begins , ” Jan Taylor reported .
“ My earplugs are in good and tight by that time.
” “ I do wonder about the ragers that take place here all around Pomona with 20 to 60 partygoers in attendance , ” said Andros Gonzalez .
“ And no , not a mask in sight at these home parties , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rather than ask Gonzalez for some addresses , I ’ ll stay home .
From my standpoint , this is an easy government directive to comply with .
By doing what I ’ d be doing anyway , I get credit for sacrificing for the sake of my community and assisting the noble goal of public health .
And I don ’ t even break a sweat .
Unless my blanket is too cozy .
David Allen carries on Sunday , Wednesday and Friday .
Email dallen @ scng.com , phone 909-483-9339 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and follow @ davidallen909 on Twitter .

I kind of like the idea that California now has a temporary curfew. It will keep us from gathering on street corners, twirling our keys in the halo of a street lamp and getting into mischief. If we think we’re going to be out late, we simply call the governor and let him know we’re safe.
If he’s not in his office, the calls will roll over to the French Laundry.
Seriously, though. The curfew, officially “a limited stay-at-home order,” is from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. We’re allowed to be out, but not with people outside our household.
The principle is that we ought to be at home. Mothers everywhere agree.
Anyway, the curfew began at 10 p.m. Nov. 21. It slipped right past me, since I was asleep at the time.
Even in the Before Times it was rare that I was out late. Years ago during the Jay Leno/David Letterman “late-night wars,” I was agnostic on the subject because I was never awake late enough to watch either of them.
At dinners or parties, I was the first to yawn. “It must be past Dave’s bedtime,” one friend used to joke.
During the coronavirus pandemic, bedtime has gotten earlier. Usually it’s lights-out at 9:30 p.m. And usually I’m tired enough to drop off pretty quickly.
A few days later I asked on Facebook: “Are you affected by California’s 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew?”
“Makes me feel kinda old, but no,” Ray Lantz admitted.
“Is this a joke question?” demanded Ann Lara.
“I don’t have 10 friends and I’m in bed by 8,” Denise Pappas wrote. “Oh, wait, look at the time.”
Even a local elected official, Chino Hills Councilman Peter Rogers, was sanguine.
“Not going to lose sleep over it,” Rogers affirmed.
In 49 responses, not a single one of you said you were being kept from anything.
“In bed by 11 and up sometime after 7 the next morning. Just amazing how many people are complaining about it,” said Paul Myers.
“Not at all,” Cliff Hutson said. He added: “I don’t get out much.”
“We’re asleep by 10, so nope. 9 is the new midnight,” Alison Rauchfuss said. I like that: “9 is the new midnight.”
Said a defiant Joey Caturara: “I’m protesting the curfew by sleeping from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.”
Hey, during the sit-in protest era, John and Yoko invented the “bed-in.” This is a fine time to revive it.
Not all my readers are asleep during those hours. They’re just not out. Cherise is surfing the internet, Eric Gavin is playing video games.
“If Springsteen isn’t in concert I’m home,” said Annie Gritchin. Sadly, the Boss is working from home these days. (He does have a new album, “Letter to You,” though, and I say it’s his most exciting since “Born in the USA.”)
The so-called curfew isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, a couple of you said.
Richard Sweeney said the situation is more of a business shutdown: “I can still travel anywhere I want with no problem. I just can’t go to a bar or dine at a restaurant. Well, OK, my home bar works just fine, and I’m not 19 anymore, so I don’t need to eat at midnight.”
“I’ve been surprised by the amount of people complaining about the curfew who haven’t bothered to read the order about it, because they seem to think they’ll get pulled over or turn into a pumpkin or something at 10:01 p.m. if they’re not home,” Molly Godfrey said. “The order does not require that you actually be at home, just not interacting with others outside your household during those times.”
I couldn’t interact with anyone after 10 p.m. anyway. Nobody I know is up.
While you readers seem to be staying home, you’re aware that others aren’t, because they’re making noise.
“In the IE, 10 p.m. is when the fireworks Armageddon usually begins,” Jan Taylor reported. “My earplugs are in good and tight by that time.”
“I do wonder about the ragers that take place here all around Pomona with 20 to 60 partygoers in attendance,” said Andros Gonzalez. “And no, not a mask in sight at these home parties, with music that rivals any nightclub.”
Rather than ask Gonzalez for some addresses, I’ll stay home.
From my standpoint, this is an easy government directive to comply with. By doing what I’d be doing anyway, I get credit for sacrificing for the sake of my community and assisting the noble goal of public health. And I don’t even break a sweat.
Unless my blanket is too cozy.
David Allen carries on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Email dallen@scng.com, phone 909-483-9339, visit insidesocal.com/davidallen, like davidallencolumnist on Facebook and follow @davidallen909 on Twitter.


mercurynews--2020-11-30--Marin County dominates racial segregation rankings in Bay Area according to UC Berkeley study

Six out of the 10 most racially segregated municipalities in the Bay Area are in Marin County , according to a new report published by the University of California , Berkeley .
Prepared by the university ’ s Othering & Belonging Institute , the report calculated segregation in each of the Bay Area ’ s 101 municipalities using data from 2010 census tracts and categorizing demographics into five racial categories — Latinos , Whites , African-Americans , Asians and other .
“ The project revealed that despite its reputation as a progressive and inclusive region , the Bay Area , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains highly segregated , ” said lead researcher Stephen Menendian .
Since 1980 , Marin has had a twofold increase in the level of segregation , according to the report .
The study focused on ranking municipalities by what it called “ inter-municipal segregation ” — or the “ segregation of the residents from the larger region ” — as opposed to “ intra-municipal segregation , ” or “ the segregation of people between neighborhoods within the city.
” By that measure , the study ranked East Palo Alto first .
Latino residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s population of 28,155 .
Ross , with a population of 2,415 , ranked second .
White residents comprise 90.93 % of the town .
Belvedere , with 2,068 residents , ranked a close third .
White residents comprise 90.86 % of the town .
In fourth place is Sausalito , with White residents comprising 87 % of its population of 7,061 .
San Anselmo is fifth , with 86 % of 12,336 ; Fairfax is seventh , with 85 % of 7,441 ; and Mill Valley is ninth , with 85 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racially homogenous through restrictive land-use policies like redlining and racial deed covenants , which barred non-White families from purchasing homes in certain areas .
During World War II , Sausalito was a main shipyard for the war effort .
Neighboring Marin City housed many Black shipyard workers , but they were barred from buying property elsewhere in the county after the war .
Marin City Matters activist Paul Austin ’ s grandparents were not able to spend their money earned in the shipyards to buy a home in now-affluent areas .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be much higher if Black families were given the same opportunity as White families .
“ Even now you still have appraisers that won ’ t appraise homes in Marin City the same way they would in Sausalito , ” Austin said .
“ It happened to us this year.
” He said the first appraiser low-balled the cost of his home in Marin City , so he fought to get it reappraised .
“ But we had to do something White people would never think of or have to deal with — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to act like the house was theirs , ” he said .
“ We took down our family pictures or anything that might have drawn attention that house belongs to us .
My White friend brought pictures of her White family , and it got appraised for $ 500,000 more than it did the first time.
” Towns and cities have taken steps in recent months to bring more social equity and racial diversity to Marin .
Mill Valley , Fairfax , San Anselmo , Tiburon and Sausalito each formed a racial diversity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives Matter resolution .
• Thrust into spotlight of California ’ s crusade against cash bail , Kenneth Humphrey hopes to be an example • East Bay protesters focus on suburbs to bring about change • Opinion : Police responses to the mentally ill are dangerously wrong • Ex-Proud Boys member on what it ’ s like in the far-right group Austin said he appreciates the conversation is starting , adding that more affordable housing and public transportation would be key to ending segregation .
“ At this point we need to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color , ” he said .
“ We need for the systems to be changed so Black folks can get justice , because so far it ’ s not happened.
” Aside from the inordinate number of Marin municipalities , the top 10 included two similarly small cities , Portola Valley and Woodside , both in San Mateo County .
Cupertino , in Santa Clara County , is No .
10 , according to the report .

Six out of the 10 most racially segregated municipalities in the Bay Area are in Marin County, according to a new report published by the University of California, Berkeley.
Prepared by the university’s Othering & Belonging Institute, the report calculated segregation in each of the Bay Area’s 101 municipalities using data from 2010 census tracts and categorizing demographics into five racial categories — Latinos, Whites, African-Americans, Asians and other.
“The project revealed that despite its reputation as a progressive and inclusive region, the Bay Area, like the rest of the country, remains highly segregated,” said lead researcher Stephen Menendian.
Since 1980, Marin has had a twofold increase in the level of segregation, according to the report.
The study focused on ranking municipalities by what it called “inter-municipal segregation” — or the “segregation of the residents from the larger region” — as opposed to “intra-municipal segregation,” or “the segregation of people between neighborhoods within the city.”
By that measure, the study ranked East Palo Alto first. Latino residents comprise 64.5% of the city’s population of 28,155.
Ross, with a population of 2,415, ranked second. White residents comprise 90.93% of the town.
Belvedere, with 2,068 residents, ranked a close third. White residents comprise 90.86% of the town.
In fourth place is Sausalito, with White residents comprising 87% of its population of 7,061. San Anselmo is fifth, with 86% of 12,336; Fairfax is seventh, with 85% of 7,441; and Mill Valley is ninth, with 85% of 13,903.
Towns and cities became racially homogenous through restrictive land-use policies like redlining and racial deed covenants, which barred non-White families from purchasing homes in certain areas. During World War II, Sausalito was a main shipyard for the war effort. Neighboring Marin City housed many Black shipyard workers, but they were barred from buying property elsewhere in the county after the war.
Marin City Matters activist Paul Austin’s grandparents were not able to spend their money earned in the shipyards to buy a home in now-affluent areas. He said Marin City’s property values would be much higher if Black families were given the same opportunity as White families.
“Even now you still have appraisers that won’t appraise homes in Marin City the same way they would in Sausalito,” Austin said. “It happened to us this year.”
He said the first appraiser low-balled the cost of his home in Marin City, so he fought to get it reappraised.
“But we had to do something White people would never think of or have to deal with — we got some of our White friends to act like the house was theirs,” he said. “We took down our family pictures or anything that might have drawn attention that house belongs to us. My White friend brought pictures of her White family, and it got appraised for $500,000 more than it did the first time.”
Towns and cities have taken steps in recent months to bring more social equity and racial diversity to Marin. Mill Valley, Fairfax, San Anselmo, Tiburon and Sausalito each formed a racial diversity and equity committee or passed a Black Lives Matter resolution.
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“At this point we need to make sure Marin is welcoming to people of color,” he said. “We need for the systems to be changed so Black folks can get justice, because so far it’s not happened.”
Aside from the inordinate number of Marin municipalities, the top 10 included two similarly small cities, Portola Valley and Woodside, both in San Mateo County. Cupertino, in Santa Clara County, is No. 10, according to the report.


mercurynews--2020-11-30--California man attacking estranged girlfriend killed by victim’s mother, sister

SOUTH PASADENA — A man beating and choking his estranged girlfriend in a Southern California home was killed by the woman ’ s mother and sister Saturday as they tried to rescue her , authorities said .
The man , whose name was not immediately released , was pronounced dead at the South Pasadena home , the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department said in a news release .
The woman ’ s mother and sister are not expected to face charges , Sheriff ’ s Lt. Barry Hall told the Los Angeles Times .
They had beaten the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him with a kitchen knife .
“ They were well within their right to act in defense of their sister and daughter , ” Hall told the newspaper .
The woman was treated for facial injuries and has been released from the hospital , authorities said .
Hall told The Times that the man had thrown a large concrete paver through the home ’ s window to get inside .
South Pasadena police officers , responding to a report of domestic violence , arrived to find the broken window and heard women screaming @ @

SOUTH PASADENA — A man beating and choking his estranged girlfriend in a Southern California home was killed by the woman’s mother and sister Saturday as they tried to rescue her, authorities said.
The man, whose name was not immediately released, was pronounced dead at the South Pasadena home, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.
The woman’s mother and sister are not expected to face charges, Sheriff’s Lt. Barry Hall told the Los Angeles Times. They had beaten the man with a golf club and stabbed him with a kitchen knife.
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Lawsuit alleges wrongdoing in police shooting of San Jose man– will Alameda County DA charge the officers? Crime and Public Safety | Antioch woman released from jail in plea deal for killing allegedly abusive boyfriend in Oakland “They were well within their right to act in defense of their sister and daughter,” Hall told the newspaper.
The woman was treated for facial injuries and has been released from the hospital, authorities said.
Hall told The Times that the man had thrown a large concrete paver through the home’s window to get inside. South Pasadena police officers, responding to a report of domestic violence, arrived to find the broken window and heard women screaming inside.


mercurynews--2020-11-30--Inside the Raiders: Blowout loss to Falcons has fans worried — and rightly so

It was so bad it ’ s hard to know where to start .
And it could have been worse .
If the Raiders ’ defense hadn ’ t kept forcing Younghoe Koo to kick field goals — five in all — how many points would the Atlanta Falcons have scored ?
As it is , 43-6 is a solar plexus punch for anyone who dared to dream this Raiders team would emerge from its near-miss of a Kansas City sweep resolute in the belief that a march to the playoffs was inevitable .
My own prognosis hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be good enough on offense to be a nine or 10-win team if their defense could come up with enough stops to make it happen .
For one week , that hypothesis was set on its ear .
The Raiders actually weren ’ t bad on defense against the Falcons .
It was the offense , coached by Jon Gruden and led by Derek Carr , that imploded against an opponent that had been sliced and diced with regularity en route to a 3-7 record at kickoff .
Denver played without a viable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had lost twice by 28 points .
The Raiders played with Carr coming in at the top of his game against a team with seven losses and were blown out by 37 .
The CBS pregame show included happy talk of Gruden ’ s connection with Carr and Carr ’ s colorful and entertaining audibles .
The Raiders close loss to the Chiefs seemed to enhance their reputation instead of diminishing it .
Three hours later , the Raiders were 6-5 and on the outside looking in in terms of playoff seedings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ three teams make the playoffs .
Cleveland is 8-3 while Miami and Indianapolis are 7-4 and Baltimore is 6-4 .
The Raiders still have to play Miami and Indianapolis , so it ’ s not a lost cause .
But forgive a large portion of Raider Nation for its collective skepticism .
They ’ ve seen this act before , and not just in last year ’ s 34-3 loss to the New York Jets that began a 1-5 finish after a 6-4 start .
In Jack Del Rio ’ s last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rare playoff year were physically brutalized in a way that far exceeded the final score of 27-10 against Washington .
They never recovered .
It was the game that started the process of Gruden coming back to Oakland .
I ’ ve always thought the worst game for the Raiders in Gruden ’ s return was a 34-3 loss to the 49ers on a Thursday night when they made Nick Mullens look like Joe Montana .
But that team could be forgiven because of its lack of talent .
To a lesser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing about last year ’ s team when the slide started against the Jets .
The Falcons loss is a new low in Gruden Part II .
It challenges the coaching staff and roster to prove the first 10 games against tough opposition were nothing more than a prelude to another crash and burn .
Yes , the Raiders were missing players , but it was a more normal week of practice than the weeks leading in to Tampa Bay or the second Kansas City game .
Their offense was efficient , powerful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in giving up a league worst 6.4 yards per play .
The Raiders gained just 243 yards and turned the ball over five times .
Carr questioned the Raiders ’ practice habits during the week and called the result “ trash.
” Gruden said it was his fault and apologized to the fan base .
In the COVID-19 environment , the Raiders will have no chance to get back home , look each other in the eye do any in-person soul searching .
With the virus raging nationwide , the NFL decreed all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Tuesday .
Corrections will be made virtually .
“ This is unheard of kind of stuff .
It ’ s pretty interesting that we can ’ t go in the building , ” Carr said .
“ I understand they ’ re trying to make us and our families as safe as possible and we appreciate that .
But as a team , especially after something like this , you want to get back to work .
You don ’ t want that taste in your mouth for a couple days.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bright side , surmising that getting away from each other for a couple of days may not be a bad thing .
Assessing the biggest points of concern with five games to play : Where was the block party ?
The offensive line has caught bouquets all season , and deservedly so because of all the moving parts and its ability to protect Carr and block for Jacobs and Devontae Booker .
But if any proof was needed that Carr requires an impeccable front to thrive , it was supplied against Atlanta .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the 3 .
Brandon Parker struggled after doing some solid work .
Carr wasn ’ t anywhere near the smooth operator he was against the Chiefs both times and pretty much against everyone else .
Jacobs had no room to run .
Gripe about the play-calling all you want , but without good blocking , there are no good play calls .
With good blocking , a toss sweep on fourth-and-1 works just fine .
The Raiders won ’ t get Richie Incognito back this season , but right tackle Trent Brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If he ’ s not ready for the Jets , the last quarter of the season could be in play .
Whatever your feelings are about Brown and how much time he ’ s missed , they need him .
One week after giving up four first downs by penalty to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs , the Raiders gave up five more first downs by penalty to the Falcons .
They had 11 penalties for 141 yards , and some of them were killers .
Holding , illegal hands to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roughing the kicker call on Dallin Leavitt were lowlights .
The Leavitt penalty erased a missed field goal and led to a touchdown .
The way the Raiders ’ offense is structured , down-and-distance is huge .
Penalties throw them off schedule .
The Raiders defense simply isn ’ t good enough to give up free first downs and get away with it .
And special teams penalties can be game-changers .
A team that looked reasonably sharp and disciplined was anything but that against Atlanta and that ’ s how you lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone teams with good records .
The comparison with last year ’ s finish is unavoidable , and “ rightly so , ” as Gruden said .
It ’ s the winless Jets ( 0-11 ) on the road and then a three-game homestand against Indianapolis , the Los Angeles Chargers and Miami with the regular season finale at Denver .
• Derek Carr ’ s ugly day : Sacks , turnovers and a view from the bench • What the Raiders are saying after blowout loss to Atlanta Falcons • Raiders do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collapse The way the Raiders looked against the Chiefs and through much of the first 10 games , getting to 10 wins seemed reasonable .
The Atlanta game , more so because of the way the Raiders played rather than the loss , makes that number look like a serious challenge .
As much as Raiders fans are proud of their history , so much of it is ancient in terms of the glory days .
Recent history has been far more unkind .
Leave it to the eternally optimistic Hunter Renfrow to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I think it ’ s a good opportunity to go to the Jets , ” Renfrow said .
“ They kind of derailed our season last year , so what an opportunity for us to go there and get some redemption.
” Redemption won ’ t arrive until the Raiders reach the playoffs .
Until then , fumigating the stench of what happened in Atlanta will have to do .

It was so bad it’s hard to know where to start.
And it could have been worse. If the Raiders’ defense hadn’t kept forcing Younghoe Koo to kick field goals — five in all — how many points would the Atlanta Falcons have scored?
As it is, a 43-6 loss is a solar plexus punch for anyone who dared to dream this Raiders team would emerge from its near-miss of a Kansas City sweep resolute in the belief that a march to the playoffs was inevitable.
My own prognosis hasn’t wavered since August. The Raiders could be good enough on offense to be a nine or 10-win team if their defense could come up with enough stops to make it happen.
For one week, that hypothesis was set on its ear. The Raiders actually weren’t bad on defense against the Falcons. It was the offense, coached by Jon Gruden and led by Derek Carr, that imploded against an opponent that had been sliced and diced with regularity en route to a 3-7 record at kickoff.
Denver played without a viable quarterback and lost by 28 points to a team that had two losses on its record. The Raiders played with Carr coming in at the top of his game against a team with seven losses and were blown out by 37.
The CBS pregame show included happy talk of Gruden’s connection with Carr and Carr’s colorful and entertaining audibles. The Raiders close loss to the Chiefs seemed to enhance their reputation instead of diminishing it.
Three hours later, the Raiders were 6-5 and on the outside looking in on the playoff picture. Aside from the four division winners, three teams make the playoffs. Cleveland is 8-3 while Miami and Indianapolis are 7-4 and Baltimore is 6-4.
The Raiders still have to play Miami and Indianapolis, so it’s not a lost cause. But forgive a large portion of Raider Nation for its collective skepticism. They’ve seen this act before, and not just in last year’s 34-3 loss to the New York Jets that began a 1-5 finish after a 6-4 start.
In Jack Del Rio’s last year in 2017, the Raiders coming off a rare playoff year were physically brutalized in a way that far exceeded the final score of 27-10 against Washington. They never recovered. It was the game that started the process of Gruden coming back to Oakland.
I’ve always thought the worst game for the Raiders in Gruden’s return was a 34-3 loss to the 49ers on a Thursday night when they made Nick Mullens look like Joe Montana. But that team could be forgiven because of its lack of talent. To a lesser extent, you could say the same thing about last year’s team when the slide started against the Jets.
The Falcons loss is a new low in Gruden Part II. It challenges the coaching staff and roster to prove the first 10 games against tough opposition were nothing more than a prelude to another crash and burn.
Yes, the Raiders were missing players, but it was a more normal week of practice than the weeks leading in to Tampa Bay or the second Kansas City game. Their offense was efficient, powerful and explosive, and the Falcons came in giving up a league worst 6.4 yards per play. The Raiders gained just 243 yards and turned the ball over five times.
Carr questioned the Raiders’ practice habits during the week and called the result “trash.” Gruden said it was his fault and apologized to the fan base.
In the COVID-19 environment, the Raiders will have no chance to get back home, look each other in the eye do any in-person soul searching. With the virus raging nationwide, the NFL decreed all teams would shut down their facilities Monday and Tuesday. Corrections will be made virtually.
“This is unheard of kind of stuff. It’s pretty interesting that we can’t go in the building,” Carr said. “I understand they’re trying to make us and our families as safe as possible and we appreciate that. But as a team, especially after something like this, you want to get back to work. You don’t want that taste in your mouth for a couple days.”
Carr then tried to look at the bright side, surmising that getting away from each other for a couple of days may not be a bad thing.
Assessing the biggest points of concern with five games to play:
Where was the block party?
The offensive line has caught bouquets all season, and deservedly so because of all the moving parts and its ability to protect Carr and block for Josh Jacobs and Devontae Booker. But if any proof was needed that Carr requires an impeccable front to thrive, it was supplied against Atlanta.
Kolton Miller had a big holding penalty at the 3. Brandon Parker struggled after doing some solid work. Carr wasn’t anywhere near the smooth operator he was against the Chiefs both times and pretty much against everyone else. Jacobs had no room to run. Gripe about the play-calling all you want, but without good blocking, there are no good play calls. With good blocking, a toss sweep on fourth-and-1 works just fine.
The Raiders won’t get Richie Incognito back this season, but right tackle Trent Brown could make an appearance Wednesday at practice. If he’s not ready for the Jets, the last quarter of the season could be in play.
Whatever your feelings are about Brown and how much time he’s missed, they need him.
Penalty problems
One week after giving up four first downs by penalty to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, the Raiders gave up five more first downs by penalty to the Falcons. They had 11 penalties for 141 yards, and some of them were killers.
Holding, illegal hands to the face, pass interference and a dubious roughing-the-kicker call on Dallin Leavitt were lowlights. The Leavitt penalty erased a missed field goal and led to a touchdown.
The way the Raiders’ offense is structured, down-and-distance is huge. Penalties throw them off schedule. The Raiders defense simply isn’t good enough to give up free first downs and get away with it. And special teams penalties can be game-changers.
A team that looked reasonably sharp and disciplined was anything but that against Atlanta and that’s how you lose to teams with inferior records, let alone teams with good records.
The 2019 example
The comparison with last year’s finish is unavoidable, and “rightly so,” as Gruden said.
It’s the winless Jets (0-11) on the road and then a three-game homestand against Indianapolis, the Los Angeles Chargers and Miami with the regular season finale at Denver.
The way the Raiders looked against the Chiefs and through much of the first 10 games, getting to 10 wins seemed reasonable. The Atlanta game, more so because of the way the Raiders played rather than the loss, makes that number look like a serious challenge.
As much as Raiders fans are proud of their history, so much of it is ancient in terms of the glory days. Recent history has been far more unkind.
Leave it to the eternally optimistic Hunter Renfrow to see the silver and black lining.
“I think it’s a good opportunity to go to the Jets,” Renfrow said. “They kind of derailed our season last year, so what an opportunity for us to go there and get some redemption.”
Redemption won’t arrive until the Raiders reach the playoffs. Until then, fumigating the stench of what happened in Atlanta will have to do.


mercurynews--2020-11-30--Sponsored: Building pace stays strong at River Islands

In community development , change is not just inevitable , it is a driving force that helps a master plan evolve into a vibrant community .
Over the past six years , River Islands has built and sold more than 2,000 homes , planted hundreds of trees , built two schools , opened a dozen lakes and as many parks , created a trail along the San Joaquin River , and dedicated a private ballpark worthy of statewide attention .
Homebuilders from all over the state have come to River Islands to enhance the community with their unique architectural vision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , every neighborhood has its own appeal , from its elevations to its landscaping .
Many of the neighborhoods have their own parks , or are walking distance to a community park .
Walkability is a factor in the planning process , and creating safe places for people to traverse the community by bicycle , on foot or while pushing a stroller are all considerations in the community ’ s development .
What is the result ?
Not only has River Islands been named to a list of the Top 20 Master-Planned Communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it is also putting into place the infrastructure for the next few years to come .
Among the basic tenets behind the River Islands vision is to make homeownership available to people in all the different stages of their lives .
The goal is to have in its lineup neighborhoods being built or in the planning for the first-time homebuyer and large family home neighborhoods for the move-up or multigenerational buyer .
Builders strive to bring new floor plans in single-story styling for the retiree or the pre-retiree .
And there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from the low $ 400,000 range up into the $ 600,000 range and beyond .
Currently , all of the neighborhoods are open by appointment only .
For those who want to explore River Islands by car , without going into the models , Tour Guide handouts are available on the porch of the Welcome Center , located at the corner of River Islands Parkway and Somerston Parkway .
The rapid pace of the growth of River Islands means that plans are almost always underway for the next school , the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Currently , Susan Dell ’ Osso , president of River Islands Development , has plans well underway for the third K-8 charter school , one of the newly formed River Islands Academies .
Each of the schools provides a campus location for a “ college-bound ” culture enhanced by the latest in technology .
The community has been fortunate to become the home of a state-of-the-art fire station for the Lathrop-Manteca Fire District .
Construction is well underway on a police administrative headquarters building , another landmark community service building within the site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual resource , with all of the floor plans , elevations , features lists and pricing available on RiverIslands.com .
Visitors are asked to make appointments in advance to tour the models and meet with the sales consultants , in keeping with public health practices .
For more information and to use the Home Finders Tool , go to RiverIslands.com .

BANG Advertising Staff and correspondents

In community development, change is not just inevitable, it is a driving force that helps a master plan evolve into a vibrant community. Over the past six years, River Islands has built and sold more than 2,000 homes, planted hundreds of trees, built two schools, opened a dozen lakes and as many parks, created a trail along the San Joaquin River, and dedicated a private ballpark worthy of statewide attention.
Homebuilders from all over the state have come to River Islands to enhance the community with their unique architectural vision of Delta living. As a result, every neighborhood has its own appeal, from its elevations to its landscaping. Many of the neighborhoods have their own parks, or are walking distance to a community park. Walkability is a factor in the planning process, and creating safe places for people to traverse the community by bicycle, on foot or while pushing a stroller are all considerations in the community’s development.
What is the result?
Not only has River Islands been named to a list of the Top 20 Master-Planned Communities in America for its success today, but it is also putting into place the infrastructure for the next few years to come. Among the basic tenets behind the River Islands vision is to make homeownership available to people in all the different stages of their lives. The goal is to have in its lineup neighborhoods being built or in the planning for the first-time homebuyer and large family home neighborhoods for the move-up or multigenerational buyer. Builders strive to bring new floor plans in single-story styling for the retiree or the pre-retiree. And there is always a broad range of pricing available, from the low $400,000 range up into the $600,000 range and beyond.
Currently, all of the neighborhoods are open by appointment only. For those who want to explore River Islands by car, without going into the models, Tour Guide handouts are available on the porch of the Welcome Center, located at the corner of River Islands Parkway and Somerston Parkway.
The rapid pace of the growth of River Islands means that plans are almost always underway for the next school, the next park and the next community-serving facility. Currently, Susan Dell’Osso, president of River Islands Development, has plans well underway for the third K-8 charter school, one of the newly formed River Islands Academies. Each of the schools provides a campus location for a “college-bound” culture enhanced by the latest in technology. The community has been fortunate to become the home of a state-of-the-art fire station for the Lathrop-Manteca Fire District. Construction is well underway on a police administrative headquarters building, another landmark community service building within the site.
The Welcome Center has become a virtual resource, with all of the floor plans, elevations, features lists and pricing available on RiverIslands.com. Visitors are asked to make appointments in advance to tour the models and meet with the sales consultants, in keeping with public health practices. For more information and to use the Home Finders Tool, go to RiverIslands.com.
Content provided by River Islands