mercurynews--2020-10-04--Raiders’ second-half mistakes bite hard in home loss to Bills

The Raiders ’ 2-0 start was a distant memory Sunday following a 30-23 home loss to the Buffalo Bills .
Unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities or generate any sort of pass rush or defensive consistency , the Raiders saw a competitive game slip away in a one-sided second half against a Buffalo team that improved to 4-0 .
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen completed 24 of 34 passes for 288 yards and a pair of touchdowns .
The Bills look like a worthy challenger to New England ’ s run of 11 straight division titles in the AFC East .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raiders ( 2-2 ) looked light years from being able to compete with the Kansas City Chiefs , who happen to be next week ’ s opponent at Arrowhead Stadium .
CLICK HERE if you ’ re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device .
Allen threw touchdown passes of 26 yards to Gabriel Davis and 11 yards to Cole Beasley .
He also scored on a 1-yard sneak .
Running back Devin Singletary tacked on a 2-yard touchdown run and Tyler Bass converted a 34-yard field goal .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-yard touchdown pass to Jason Witten , a cosmetic 7-yard pass to Nelson Agholor with 1:29 left , and Daniel Carlson had field goals of 54 , 39 and 25 yards .
The second touchdown pass made Carr the all-time franchise leader in touchdown passes with 151 , passing Ken Stabler .
The last drive covered 80 yards in eight plays , but all that was left was for Buffalo to recover the onside kick to end the game , which it did .
Carr completed 32 of 44 passes for 311 yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offense .
Highs , lows and all you need to know from the Raiders ’ Week 4 game against Buffalo : Keeping Jacobs in check : Running back Josh Jacobs had 48 yards on 15 carries and was stuffed on key plays .
The Raiders were unable to stick with the run after falling behind in the fourth quarter .
Against the ropes : On Buffalo ’ s side of the field and with the Raiders in position to tie , cornerback Josh Norman punched loose a completion to Darren Waller and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Allen responded immediately with a 49-yard strike to Diggs against a leaping Erik Harris to the Raiders ’ 11-yard line , setting up what was eventually a 1-yard run by Singletary with 11:17 left for a 30-16 Bills lead .
The Raiders had virtually no pass rush on the big play .
Matter of inches : With the Raiders having a chance to take the lead late in the third quarter , Carr threw a pass a few inches beyond the outstretched hands of Zay Jones on a second-and-9 play at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they lose the chance at a big play , but Carr was also sacked on the ensuing snap and Andre Roberts returned A.J .
Cole ’ s first punt 39 yards to the Raiders ’ 44-yard line .
The Bills took advantage of the short field , with Allen hitting John Brown for 14 yards to the 1-yard line and then sneaking in from the 1-yard line on the first play of the fourth quarter for a 23-16 lead after rookie Tyler Bass missed the point after touchdown .
Eating the clock : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this one from 25 yards , was necessary after Carr hit Waller for a 6-yard pass on third-and-8 to the Buffalo 7 .
On fourth-and-2 , Gruden took the points rather than go for the touchdown to cut the Bills margin to 17-16 after a 68-yard , 11-play drive that took 6:24 off the clock .
Witten cashes in : Staring at a 17-6 deficit , Carr took the Raiders 75 yards in 11 plays to cut the margin to 17-13 with 20 seconds left in the first half .
The score came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Carr rolling to his right and finding Witten for the touchdown .
Witten had earlier caught a 15-yard pass for a first down on the drive .
Carr was 8 of 10 for 74 yards on the drive , with one of the incompletions a spike at the 3-yard line preceding the touchdown .
The Raiders and Bills each ended the first half with 182 yards of offense .
Carr was 16 of 23 for 153 yards , while Allen was 15 of 20 for 152 yards and two scores .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ built its lead to 17-6 on a 34-yard field goal by Bass , a drive which ended when Allen was hit on an awkward forward pitch to Diggs for eight yards on third-and-10 from the Raiders 24-yard line .
It was the first time the Bills failed to convert a third-down play .
Allen immediately left the field to get treated but returned to make some practice throws before halftime , sparing the Bills having to go with backup Matt Barkley .
Alignment error , lost opportunity : With the Raiders looking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropped a perfect 49-yard strike to Agholor for an apparent touchdown .
Hold everything .
Tight end Foster Moreau was misaligned and an illegal formation penalty erased the touchdown .
The Raiders still had a chance to score as Carr worked the Raiders into scoring range .
On second-and-12 from the 21 , a Carr to Waller pass inside the 10 was incomplete .
Carr ’ s throw under pressure wasn ’ t great , and Waller couldn ’ t come up with what would have been a very difficult catch .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal and trailed 14-6 with 9:38 left in the half .
• Raiders inactives : Trent Brown , Henry Ruggs out again as WR injuries force Doss into action Third-down failures : Buffalo converted its fourth consecutive third down when Allen hit slot receiver Beasley for an 11-yard strike on third-and-7 .
Joyner defended the play , and wound up taking a friendly fire blow to the head from Abram .
Earlier in the 75-yard , 11-play drive , Allen converted a third-and-13 play with an 18-yard catch and run to Isiah McKenzie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Old-school call backfires : After Carr had driven the Raiders to the Buffalo 35 and was faced with third-and-1 , Alec Ingold took the ball on a fullback lead and never had a chance .
He was dumped for a yard loss by Ed Oliver and Carlson came through with a 53-yard field goal to cut the Buffalo margin to 7-3 with 50 left in the half .
Welcome to the NFL : Joyner left with an injury to his right arm on a third-and-1 play with the Bills driving to the Raiders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately took it to Robertson , playing his first NFL snap .
Robertson bit on a play-fake , and Davis was wide open for a touchdown pass to give the Bills a touchdown on their first possession .

The Raiders’ 2-0 start was a distant memory Sunday following a 30-23 home loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities or generate any sort of pass rush or defensive consistency, the Raiders saw a competitive game slip away in a one-sided second half against a Buffalo team that improved to 4-0.
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen completed 24 of 34 passes for 288 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The Bills look like a worthy challenger to New England’s run of 11 straight division titles in the AFC East.
As for the AFC West, the Raiders (2-2) looked light years from being able to compete with the Kansas City Chiefs, who happen to be next week’s opponent at Arrowhead Stadium.
Getty Images LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders gets sacked by Darryl Johnson #92 of the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Jason Witten #82 of the Las Vegas Raiders catches a 3 yard touchdown pass thrown by Derek Carr #4 against A.J. Klein #54 of the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Getty Images LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Jason Witten #82 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates with Zay Jones #12 after catching a 3 yard touchdown pass thrown by Derek Carr #4 against A.J. Klein #54 of the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: John Brown #15 of the Buffalo Bills catches a pass for a first down against Cory Littleton #42 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Jason Witten #82 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates with Zay Jones #12 and Darren Waller #83 after catching a 3 yard touchdown pass thrown by Derek Carr #4 against A.J. Klein #54 of the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: John Brown #15 of the Buffalo Bills catches a 14 yard pass at the one yard line against Erik Harris #25 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Buffalo challenged the short of the goal line ruling, and the play was upheld. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) tosses the ball to Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Devin Singletary #26 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates with Stefon Diggs #14 and Andre Roberts #18 after scoring a two yard touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
A.P. photo Las Vegas Raiders strong safety Johnathan Abram (24) tackles Buffalo Bills wide receiver Andre Roberts (18) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs by Buffalo Bills cornerback Josh Norman (29) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller #83 carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Getty Images LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: John Brown #15 of the Buffalo Bills signals for a touchdown after catching a 14 yard pass at the one yard line against the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Buffalo challenged the short of the goal line ruling, and the play was upheld. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) runs after making a catch against Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
AP Photo Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Daryl Williams #75 blocks Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs #28 carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown #15 catches a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins #73 blocks Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards #89 during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jason Witten #82 celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller #83 carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jason Witten (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (12) is on the left. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jason Witten #82 celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jason Witten #82 catches a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Las Vegas Raiders inside linebacker Cory Littleton (42) tackles Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown (15) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
AP Photo Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jason Witten #82 catches a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Alec Ingold #45 of the Las Vegas Raiders gets tackled for a loss by Jerry Hughes #55 and Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
AP Photo Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) catches a pass over Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Alec Ingold #45 of the Las Vegas Raiders gets tackled for a loss by Jerry Hughes #55 and Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Getty Images LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Alec Ingold #45 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs with the ball against Tre'Davious White #27 of the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Zay Jones #12 of the Las Vegas Raiders gets tackled for a loss of a yard by Jordan Poyer #21 of the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Zay Jones #12 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs ball after a catch for 9 yards against Levi Wallace #39 and Dean Marlowe #31 of the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
AP Photo Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown #15 is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders inside linebacker Cory Littleton #42 during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller #83 takes a knee in the end zone prior to playing the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (19) runs against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
AP Photo Raiders quarterback Derek Carr surveys the field in Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at Allegiant Stadium.
Getty Images LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills looks to throw a touchdown pass to Gabriel Davis #13 against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Zay Jones #12 and Nevin Lawson #26 of the Las Vegas Raiders high five with teammates in the end zone prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Buffalo Bills catches a pass against Cory Littleton #42 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter in the game at Allegiant Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) stands on the sidelines before an NFL football game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
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Allen threw touchdown passes of 26 yards to Gabriel Davis and 11 yards to Cole Beasley. He also scored on a 1-yard sneak. Running back Devin Singletary tacked on a 2-yard touchdown run and Tyler Bass converted a 34-yard field goal.
For the Raiders, Derek Carr had a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jason Witten, a cosmetic 7-yard pass to Nelson Agholor with 1:29 left, and Daniel Carlson had field goals of 54, 39 and 25 yards. The second touchdown pass made Carr the all-time franchise leader in touchdown passes with 151, passing Ken Stabler. The last drive covered 80 yards in eight plays, but all that was left was for Buffalo to recover the onside kick to end the game, which it did.
Carr completed 32 of 44 passes for 311 yards as the Raiders had 383 yards of offense, but left with an empty feeling.
“I’m sick of losing,” Carr said. “I’m sick of working as hard as I do and we do and losing. It sucks. Enough is enough.”
Highs, lows and all you need to know from the Raiders’ Week 4 game against Buffalo:
The Gru review: How did coach Jon Gruden sum up the Raiders’ loss and the first quarter of the season?
“If anyone has played a tougher schedule than us, tell me who has?” Gruden said. “We played Monday night against the Saints, cross country for a short week against the Patriots and the Buffalo Bills are undefeated and playoff team. We’re not going to get any sympathy next week either going to Arrowhead.
“This is a great opportunity for us to continue to get better and look at our young players. We’ve been in all these games, we’ve won two, we’ve lost two and the first quarter is in the books.”
The two that got away: An offense that is often criticized for being unwilling to attack downfield got only three points out of two huge opportunities.
On the first, Carr hit Nelson Agholor with a perfect 49-yard rainbow that traveled a good 55 yards in the air for an apparent touchdown to cut Buffalo’s lead to 14-10. Except tight end Foster Moreau was whistled for not lining up properly. The illegal formation call negated the touchdown and the Raiders settled for Carlson’s 25-yard field goal.
Then in the third quarter, having crept within 17-16, having actually forced a Bills punt, Carr had Zay Jones open on a second-night play down the right sideline. It was a fraction too long. Carr was sacked on the next play, the Raiders punted, Andre Roberts returned it 38 yards and the Bills went on for a short-field drive and the 1-yard sneak by Allen.
Carr said he saw nothing amiss when he checked Moreau’s alignment before the ball was snapped. Gruden didn’t understand it, either.
“Zay, it was fingertips. It was that close,” Carr said.
Keeping Jacobs in check: Running back Josh Jacobs had 48 yards on 15 carries and was stuffed on key plays. The Raiders were unable to stick with the run after falling behind in the fourth quarter.
“They were flying in all the gaps, shooting the holes, early on they made our line react fast,” Jacobs said. “We had a few injuries, but it’s just a credit to their defense.”
Waller’s mistake: Reintroduced to the offense after being blanketed in New England, Darren Waller caught nine passes for 88 yards but lost a fumble in the third quarter with the Raiders on the move and trailing 23-16.
Cornerback Josh Norman made the strip and recovery — a great play — and Waller accepted responsibility for the mistake.
The Bills, as good teams do, struck immediately. Allen hit Stefon Diggs (six receptions, 115 yards) for a 49-yard strike that set up a 2-yard run by Singletary to make it 30-16 with 11:17 left.
“I feel my fumble was the turning point,” Waller said. “Stefon Diggs had the deep play the next play after. That was a huge swing right there. That’s where it started to get out of our control.”
Allen has time: On the deep strike to Diggs, and for the majority of the game, Allen had all the time he needed to throw. The Raiders wanted to keep him in the pocket because of his running skill and succeeded. And Allen made them play anyway.
The lone sack came from Maxx Crosby, and there were some instances of hitting Allen, but not nearly enough to disurpt the Bills passing game.
Going for it: Carlson’s third field goal, this one from 25 yards, was necessary after Carr hit Waller for a 6-yard pass on third-and-8 to the Buffalo 7.
On fourth-and-2, Gruden took the points rather than go for the touchdown to cut the Bills margin to 17-16 after a 68-yard, 11-play drive that took 6:24 off the clock.
On the ensuing possession, Buffalo was faced with a fourth-and-1 from the 50. The Bills’ Sean McDermott, a former defensive coordiantor, decided to go for it. Isaiah McKenzie then took a sweep for 14 yards and a first down. The Bills penalized themselves out of the possession, but it was a window to the differences in approach between Gruden and McDermott.
Witten cashes in: As they did the previous week against New England, the Raiders, staring at 17-6 deficit, took the ball 75 yards with an 11-play drive and Carr finding Witten for the 3-yard score. Carr was 8 of 10 for 74 yards on the drive, with one of the incompletions a spike preceding the touchdown throw.
Staring at a 17-6 deficit, Carr took the Raiders 75 yards in 11 plays to cut the margin to 17-13 with 20 seconds left in the first half.
Allen comes back: In retrospect, the Raiders best chance of winning probably came when Allen fell awkwardly on his left shoulder while making an under-pressure forward pitch to Diggs for eight yards on third-and-10 from the Raiders 24-yard line. Bass kicked the field goal and Allen left the field, apparently hurt.
Matt Barkley was set to go in, but Allen returned to finish the game. Allen’s risk-taking went down, but he was still good enough enough to make the key throws in the win.
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49ers-Raiders practice: ‘Bang-bang’ defense takes out Davante Adams Raiders | Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers get sentimental at Vegas reunion — to an extent Third-down failures: Buffalo converted its fourth consecutive third down when Allen hit slot receiver Beasley for an 11-yard strike on third-and-7. Joyner defended the play, and wound up taking a friendly fire blow to the head from Abram.
Earlier in the 75-yard, 11-play drive, Allen converted a third-and-13 play with an 18-yard catch and run to Isiah McKenzie to the Raiders’ 31-yard line.
Short-yardage failures: After Carr had driven the Raiders to the Buffalo 35 and was faced with third-and-1, Alec Ingold took the ball on a fullback lead and never had a chance. He was dumped for a yard loss by Ed Oliver and Carlson came through with a 53-yard field goal to cut the Buffalo margin to 7-3 with 50 left in the half.
Later, with the Raiders down 30-16 at their own 34 and over nine minutes to play, Gruden went for the first down only to have Jacobs stuffed on fourth-and-1.
Welcome to the NFL: Lamarcus Joyner left with an injury to his right arm on a third-and-1 play with the Bills driving to the Raiders’ 26-yard line Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll immediately took it to Robertson, playing his first NFL snap. Robertson bit on a play-fake, and Davis was wide open for a touchdown pass to give the Bills a touchdown on their first possession.
Joyner was in and out of the lineup, as were several players. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins departed with a shoulder injury.


mercurynews--2020-10-04--49ers-Eagles inactives: Injuries force Niners into another new cornerback combo

SANTA CLARA — Cornerbacks Jason Verrett and Dontae Johnson are the 49ers ’ projected starters tonight against Philadelphia , and while that continues a weekly change , the biggest pregame mystery with that position was K ’ Waun Williams ’ availability .
Williams indeed will suit up despite a hip issue that kept him out of Wednesday ’ s practice .
That also prompted the 49ers to re-sign Jamar Taylor , who is active .
Who will they cover ?
Well , aside from Greg Ward and tight end Zach Ertz , the Eagles are decimated by injuries and won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alshon Jeffery and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside .
The 49ers ruled out cornerbacks Emmanuel Moseley ( concussion ) and Ahkello Witherspoon ( hamstring ) on Friday , and Richard Sherman ( calf ) is not eligible to come off injured reserve until next week , after a three-game hiatus .
Those absences open the door for Johnson , who hasn ’ t started since he did so every game in 2017 .
And this is the first time Verrett has started consecutive games since 2016 .
He excelled last Sunday while starting against the Giants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since a hamstring strain .
“ I worked my tail off to get back out there , ” Verrett said Friday .
“ To the 49ers organization , from top to bottom , having faith in me , the training staff to make sure my body is right , I ’ m happy to be out there and look forward to the rest of the season.
” “ I love everything that Jason stands for , his mindset , his work ethic , his want-to , his grind , all of it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robert Saleh said last week .
“ To see him go out there and have the success he had was awesome .
Now it ’ s just a matter of stacking together good days for him , but I thought his performance overall was pretty darn good.
” Deebo Samuel will make his season debut alongside five other wide receivers in uniform for the 49ers , those being Kendrick Bourne , Brandon Aiyuk , Trent Taylor , Mohamed Sanu and Dante Pettis .

SANTA CLARA — Cornerbacks Jason Verrett and Dontae Johnson are the 49ers’ projected starters tonight against Philadelphia, and while that continues a weekly change, the biggest pregame mystery with that position was K’Waun Williams’ availability.
Williams indeed will suit up despite a hip issue that kept him out of Wednesday’s practice. That also prompted the 49ers to re-sign Jamar Taylor, who is active.
Who will they cover? Well, aside from Greg Ward and tight end Zach Ertz, the Eagles are decimated by injuries and won’t suit up DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside.
The 49ers ruled out cornerbacks Emmanuel Moseley (concussion) and Ahkello Witherspoon (hamstring) on Friday, and Richard Sherman (calf) is not eligible to come off injured reserve until next week, after a three-game hiatus.
Those absences open the door for Johnson, who hasn’t started since he did so every game in 2017.
And this is the first time Verrett has started consecutive games since 2016. He excelled last Sunday while starting against the Giants, after his first week of practice since a hamstring strain.
“I worked my tail off to get back out there,” Verrett said Friday. “To the 49ers organization, from top to bottom, having faith in me, the training staff to make sure my body is right, I’m happy to be out there and look forward to the rest of the season.”
“I love everything that Jason stands for, his mindset, his work ethic, his want-to, his grind, all of it is off the charts,” defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said last week. “To see him go out there and have the success he had was awesome. Now it’s just a matter of stacking together good days for him, but I thought his performance overall was pretty darn good.”
WIDE RECEIVER SIX-PACK
Deebo Samuel will make his season debut alongside five other wide receivers in uniform for the 49ers, those being Kendrick Bourne, Brandon Aiyuk, Trent Taylor, Mohamed Sanu and Dante Pettis.
OTHER 49ERS INACTIVES
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle)
Running back Raheem Mostert (knee)
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw (quadriceps)
Guard Tom Compton
Tight end Daniel Helm
Fresh sights on #49ers stadium’s 50-yard line: QB Nick Mullens warming up for a start (first at home since 2018) Banner on seats reflecting season slogan #FTTB (Faithuful To The Bay — #UTR Unlike The Raiders) pic.twitter.com/5k79opH3hK — Cam Inman (@CamInman) October 4, 2020
EAGLES INACTIVES
Wide receiver DeSean Jackson (hamstring)
Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (foot)
Wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (calf)
Cornerback Avonte Maddox (ankle)
Quarterback Nate Sudfeld
TIght end Hakeem Butler
Defensive end Casey Toohill


mercurynews--2020-10-04--Twitter users flood #ProudBoys hashtag with gay pride images

VANCOUVER – Twitter users are flooding the # ProudBoys hashtag on social media with images of LGBTQI+ pride , displacing posts made by neo-Nazis and white supremacists using the tag .
Proud Boys , a far-right group founded in 2016 , calls itself a “ white chauvinist ” organization but is considered a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center .
The group was in the news after U.S. President Donald Trump declined to condemn them during Tuesday ’ s presidential debate , instead telling them to “ stand down and stand by , ” which many group members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denounced the group in a Fox News interview .
On Sunday the # ProudBoys hashtag began trending in North America as LGBTQI+ users included it on photos of their significant others or wedding days and other pride imagery .
“ Look at these cute lil # ProudBoys , ” Bobby Berk , a host of the popular Netflix show Queer Eye , wrote on Sunday , alongside a photo with his husband .
“ Retweet and make this hashtag about love , not hate.
” The official Twitter account of the Canadian Armed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ image of a serviceman kissing his partner , captioned with emojis of the Canada flag and rainbow pride flag and the hashtag # ProudBoys .
“ If you wear our uniform , know what it means .
If you ’ re thinking about wearing our uniform , know what it means , ” the organization said in a follow-up tweet .
“ Love is love.
” An internal report from the Canadian military in November 2018 found 53 members were found to have made discriminatory statements or were linked to hate groups including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Odin .
Reporting by Moira Warburton in Vancouver ; Editing by Daniel Wallis

By Moira Warburton | Reuters
VANCOUVER – Twitter users are flooding the #ProudBoys hashtag on social media with images of LGBTQI+ pride, displacing posts made by neo-Nazis and white supremacists using the tag.
Proud Boys, a far-right group founded in 2016, calls itself a “white chauvinist” organization but is considered a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
The group was in the news after U.S. President Donald Trump declined to condemn them during Tuesday’s presidential debate, instead telling them to “stand down and stand by,” which many group members took as an endorsement. Trump later denounced the group in a Fox News interview.
On Sunday the #ProudBoys hashtag began trending in North America as LGBTQI+ users included it on photos of their significant others or wedding days and other pride imagery.
“Look at these cute lil #ProudBoys,” Bobby Berk, a host of the popular Netflix show Queer Eye, wrote on Sunday, alongside a photo with his husband. “Retweet and make this hashtag about love, not hate.”
Look at these cute lil #ProudBoys (#retweet and make this hashtag about love, not hate) pic.twitter.com/AddflCUMpi — Bobby Berk (@bobbyberk) October 4, 2020
The official Twitter account of the Canadian Armed Forces in the United States shared an image of a serviceman kissing his partner, captioned with emojis of the Canada flag and rainbow pride flag and the hashtag #ProudBoys.
“If you wear our uniform, know what it means. If you’re thinking about wearing our uniform, know what it means,” the organization said in a follow-up tweet. “Love is love.”
An internal report from the Canadian military in November 2018 found 53 members were found to have made discriminatory statements or were linked to hate groups including the Proud Boys and anti-immigrant group Soldiers of Odin.
Reporting by Moira Warburton in Vancouver; Editing by Daniel Wallis


mercurynews--2020-10-04--Report confirms pilot’s blood alcohol was 5 times over limit

ANCHORAGE , Alaska ( AP ) — The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed an Alaska airplane pilot involved in a fatal crash had a blood-alcohol level more than five times above the legal limit for pilots to fly .
The final NTSB crash report said pilot Charles Weimer was flying under the influence when he failed to maintain a safe distance from Goat Mountain in August 2019 , KTUU-TV reported Saturday .
“ We had some indicators that maybe this was going to be the case , ” said Clint Johnson , National Transportation Safety Board Alaska office chief .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ report back anything could be the case.
” Weimer , 31 , and three others died in the crash near Girdwood , a ski town in the municipality of Anchorage .
The airplane ’ s owner , Karl Erickson , 55 , and David Osborn , 60 , both of Girdwood , and Paul Wiley , 37 , of Superior , Arizona , were also killed .
The Piper PA-22-150 aircraft left Girdwood at about 4:15 p.m. and crashed 15 minutes later in steep terrain on the mountain , investigators said .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in her San Carlos home • The latest Vallejo police badge controversy : Investigation ‘ resurfacing ’ of 1907 badge with backwards swastika A witness saw the plane performing aggressive maneuvers before the crash , the NTSB report said .
“ I think that everyone would agree that this an avoidable accident , no doubt about that , ” Johnson said .

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed an Alaska airplane pilot involved in a fatal crash had a blood-alcohol level more than five times above the legal limit for pilots to fly.
The final NTSB crash report said pilot Charles Weimer was flying under the influence when he failed to maintain a safe distance from Goat Mountain in August 2019, KTUU-TV reported Saturday.
“We had some indicators that maybe this was going to be the case,” said Clint Johnson, National Transportation Safety Board Alaska office chief. “But until we got that toxicology report back anything could be the case.”
Weimer, 31, and three others died in the crash near Girdwood, a ski town in the municipality of Anchorage.
The airplane’s owner, Karl Erickson, 55, and David Osborn, 60, both of Girdwood, and Paul Wiley, 37, of Superior, Arizona, were also killed.
The Piper PA-22-150 aircraft left Girdwood at about 4:15 p.m. and crashed 15 minutes later in steep terrain on the mountain, investigators said.
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“I think that everyone would agree that this an avoidable accident, no doubt about that,” Johnson said.


mercurynews--2020-10-04--Bills quarterback Josh Allen hurts shoulder against Raiders

Josh Allen , the Buffalo Bills ’ emerging star quarterback from the Central Valley , was forced to leave Sunday ’ s game against the Raiders after suffering what appeared to be an injury to his left shoulder .
Allen and the Bills offense were having their way with the Raiders defense , while building a 17-6 lead in the second quarter , when he was hurt while completing an acrobatic pass to Stefon Diggs .
Allen flicked a back-handed pass to Diggs as he was being dragged down in the backfield by Arden Key and Keisean Nixon .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walked to the sideline while holding his left arm .
He was taken into the locker room while Tyler Bass drilled a field goal for the 17-6 advantage with 4:13 left in the opening half .
Allen , though , returned to the bench with two minutes left in the first half while the Raiders were driving .
He did return to take the kneel-down snap to end the half after the Raiders pulled within 17-13 .
CBS analyst Boomer Esiason mentioned that whatever the condition of Allen ’ s shoulder , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s game on adrenaline alone .
Allen came into this week as the NFL ’ s second-leading passer with 1,038 yards and 10 touchdown passes , and third in the league with a passer rating of 124.8 .
He was already on his way to another big passing game — he was 15-for-20 for 152 yards and a pair of touchdown passes and a 129.6 passer rating when he was hurt .
The Raiders , meanwhile , suffered injuries of their own as starting slot cornerback LaMarcus Joyner was on the turf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field a couple of times with a rib injury .
The Raiders listed his return as questionable but Joyner was able to return late in the third quarter .
• Raiders inactives : Trent Brown , Henry Ruggs out again as WR injuries force Doss into action Raiders rookie fourth-round pick Amir Robertson replaced Joyner five minutes into the game and immediately received a not so hospitable welcome to the NFL moment on his first snap .
Robertson bit hard on a Bills ’ play-action pass and allowed receiver Gabriel Davis to leak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tossed a pass to the wide-open Davis for a 25-yard touchdown .

Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills’ emerging star quarterback from the Central Valley, was forced to leave Sunday’s game against the Raiders after suffering what appeared to be an injury to his left shoulder.
Allen and the Bills offense were having their way with the Raiders defense, while building a 17-6 lead in the second quarter, when he was hurt while completing an acrobatic pass to Stefon Diggs. Allen flicked a back-handed pass to Diggs as he was being dragged down in the backfield by Arden Key and Keisean Nixon.
Is the the best shovel pass of all time? 🤯 Josh Allen is a BEAST. Lets hope he's okay! pic.twitter.com/6nqt97JX1l — Pickswise (@Pickswise) October 4, 2020
The third-year quarterback from Firebaugh, Cal. walked to the sideline while holding his left arm. He was taken into the locker room while Tyler Bass drilled a field goal for the 17-6 advantage with 4:13 left in the opening half.
Allen, though, returned to the bench with two minutes left in the first half while the Raiders were driving. He did return to take the kneel-down snap to end the half after the Raiders pulled within 17-13.
CBS analyst Boomer Esiason mentioned that whatever the condition of Allen’s shoulder, he should be able to finish off Sunday’s game on adrenaline alone.
Allen came into this week as the NFL’s second-leading passer with 1,038 yards and 10 touchdown passes, and third in the league with a passer rating of 124.8. He was already on his way to another big passing game — he was 15-for-20 for 152 yards and a pair of touchdown passes and a 129.6 passer rating when he was hurt.
The Raiders, meanwhile, suffered injuries of their own as starting slot cornerback LaMarcus Joyner was on the turf in pain and had to leave the field a couple of times with a rib injury. The Raiders listed his return as questionable but Joyner was able to return late in the third quarter.
Raiders rookie fourth-round pick Amir Robertson replaced Joyner five minutes into the game and immediately received a not so hospitable welcome to the NFL moment on his first snap. Robertson bit hard on a Bills’ play-action pass and allowed receiver Gabriel Davis to leak behind him in coverage. Allen easily tossed a pass to the wide-open Davis for a 25-yard touchdown.


mercurynews--2020-10-04--Athletics-Astros ALDS schedule: Oakland gets more day games even after complaints

Major League Baseball heard the A ’ s complaints about day games — and gave them five more .
When the complete schedule for the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros was revealed Sunday , this is what it looked like .
And so it shall be .
Having played in daylight all three games of the wild-card round , as well as their last two regular-season games , the A ’ s are looking at eight days games in a row — 10 if the series goes the distance .
It ’ s as if they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got lights .
The A ’ s went hunting for a silver lining , and found one .
“ We have experience doing it , ” manager Bob Melvin said .
“ We are conditioned for it now and our guys didn ’ t seem to have a problem.
” The problem , or potential problem , was laid out clearly by Melvin last week when he saw the schedule for the wild-card series against Chicago .
“ I mean , we have 12 o ’ clock games , which means we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the morning and taking batting practice at 9 o ’ clock .
We don ’ t even do that in spring training , ” Melvin said then .
Relief pitcher Jake Diekman had put it more bluntly .
“ That ’ s horse—- , ” he said .
“ We ’ re the second seed and we ’ re playing three noon games in a row .
That ’ s terrible.
” Well , at least MLB mixed it up for them a little bit this time around : Three 12:35 games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start Monday and a 1:37 start Tuesday .
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Major League Baseball heard the A’s complaints about day games — and gave them five more.
When the complete schedule for the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros was revealed Sunday, this is what it looked like. And so it shall be.
Monday: 1:07 p.m. (Pacific)
Tuesday: 1:37 p.m.
Wednesday: 12:35 p.m.
Thursday: 12:35 p.m.
Friday: 12:35 p.m.
Having played in daylight all three games of the wild-card round, as well as their last two regular-season games, the A’s are looking at eight days games in a row — 10 if the series goes the distance. It’s as if they’re the Chicago Cubs before Wrigley Field got lights.
The A’s went hunting for a silver lining, and found one.
“We have experience doing it,” manager Bob Melvin said. “We are conditioned for it now and our guys didn’t seem to have a problem.”
The problem, or potential problem, was laid out clearly by Melvin last week when he saw the schedule for the wild-card series against Chicago.
“I mean, we have 12 o’clock games, which means we’re (coronavirus) testing at 6:30 in the morning and taking batting practice at 9 o’clock. We don’t even do that in spring training,” Melvin said then.
Relief pitcher Jake Diekman had put it more bluntly.
“That’s horse—-,” he said. “We’re the second seed and we’re playing three noon games in a row. That’s terrible.”


mercurynews--2020-10-04--Thomas Jefferson Byrd, known for Spike Lee films, killed

ATLANTA ( AP ) — Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd , known for his roles in Spike Lee films , has been shot and killed in Atlanta , police said Sunday .
Police responded to a call around 1:45 a.m. Saturday and found Byrd unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds in his back , police spokesman Officer Anthony Grant said in a statement .
Responding paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene on the city ’ s southwest side .
Grant said homicide detectives were working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and declined to provide further details .
In an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was sad to announce Byrd ’ s death and recalled how the actor “ did his thang ” in his films including “ Clockers , ” “ Chi-Raq , ” “ Bamboozled , ” “ He Got Game ” and “ Da Sweet Blood of Jesus , ” among others .
“ May we all wish condolences and blessings to his family , ” Lee wrote .
“ Rest in peace , Brother Byrd.
” Lee also shared some of his favorite scenes with Byrd from “ Clockers ” and “ Bamboozled.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was nominated in 2003 for a Tony for his performance in the Broadway revival of “ Ma Rainey ’ s Black Bottom , ” co-starring Whoopi Goldberg and Charles S. Dutton .
“ Loved working with you Byrd , ” she wrote .
“ What a fine actor you were .
So sorry your life ended this way .
Praying for your family.
” Byrd was a “ brilliant dancer , actor , and friend , ” Elisabeth Omilami , a fellow actor and community activist , told WXIA-TV in Atlanta .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filled up the whole room when he entered you knew he was there , ” she said .
“ He fought his way through this very racist and difficult Hollywood system and was able to maintain a career through it all.
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ATLANTA — Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, known for his roles in Spike Lee films, has been shot and killed in Atlanta, police said Sunday.
Police responded to a call around 1:45 a.m. Saturday and found Byrd unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds in his back, police spokesman Officer Anthony Grant said in a statement.
Responding paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene on the city’s southwest side.
Grant said homicide detectives were working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and declined to provide further details.
In an Instagram post Sunday, Lee said he was sad to announce Byrd’s death and recalled how the actor “did his thang” in his films including “Clockers,” “Chi-Raq,” “Bamboozled,” “He Got Game” and “Da Sweet Blood of Jesus,” among others.
“May we all wish condolences and blessings to his family,” Lee wrote. “Rest in peace, Brother Byrd.”
Lee also shared some of his favorite scenes with Byrd from “Clockers” and “Bamboozled.”
Byrd, also a stage actor, was nominated in 2003 for a Tony for his performance in the Broadway revival of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” co-starring Whoopi Goldberg and Charles S. Dutton.
Oscar-winning actor Viola Davis tweeted: “Oh no!!! 2020! Whaaattt!!!”
“Loved working with you Byrd,” she wrote. “What a fine actor you were. So sorry your life ended this way. Praying for your family.”
Oh no!!! 2020! Whaaattt!!! Loved working with you Byrd. What a fine actor you were. So sorry your life ended this way. Praying for your family. So very sorry.💔💔💛💛💛https://t.co/R9YxP4gNW4 — Viola Davis (@violadavis) October 4, 2020
Byrd was a “brilliant dancer, actor, and friend,” Elisabeth Omilami, a fellow actor and community activist, told WXIA-TV in Atlanta.
“He was a special person whose personality filled up the whole room when he entered you knew he was there,” she said. “He fought his way through this very racist and difficult Hollywood system and was able to maintain a career through it all.”


mercurynews--2020-10-05--Astros out to ‘silence the haters’ in ALDS against A’s

LOS ANGELES — Josh Reddick and the rest of the Houston Astros heard the “ cheaters ” chants and banging on garbage cans as the team ’ s buses pulled into Dodger Stadium for a series last month .
They were greeted by Dodgers fans still angry that the Astros illicitly stole signs during the 2017 World Series , when Houston won in seven games and celebrated on the Dodgers ’ field .
“ I was kind of disappointed there wasn ’ t enough out there , ” Reddick said .
“ I know I ’ m stirring that pot.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ town for an AL Division Series against Oakland starting Monday , the Houston outfielder agitated things again .
“ All the Dodgers fans that probably still hold that grudge are going to be out here voicing their opinion , ” Reddick said .
“ It ’ s all about silencing the haters , that ’ s what all this year was about .
The trash talk seems to be a little bit more running , and I love it.
” Just like the shortened 60-game regular season , no fans will be inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The coronavirus pandemic largely has protected the Astros from having public scorn heaped on them this season .
Mike Fiers rocked baseball when he revealed his old team ’ s scheme to The Athletic last year , saying the Astros used a camera in center field to steal signs and then banged on a trash can to let their hitters know which pitch the opposing catcher had signaled .
Astros manager Dusty Baker — a former Dodgers outfielder — doesn ’ t need to walk around his old ballpark , where there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Glove award .
“ Most of my reminiscing is done in the dugout , ” he said , recalling how he was booed when he struggled during his first season in 1976 .
A few years , later he made the All-Star team .
“ It taught me not to get too high when things are going good or too low when things are going poorly , ” he said .
“ That ’ s why I don ’ t read any articles on me to this day .
I learned when I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , why should other people control my self-esteem ?
”

By BETH HARRIS / AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES — Josh Reddick and the rest of the Houston Astros heard the “cheaters” chants and banging on garbage cans as the team’s buses pulled into Dodger Stadium for a series last month.
They were greeted by Dodgers fans still angry that the Astros illicitly stole signs during the 2017 World Series, when Houston won in seven games and celebrated on the Dodgers’ field.
“I was kind of disappointed there wasn’t enough out there,” Reddick said. “I know I’m stirring that pot.”
And, with the Astros in town for an AL Division Series against Oakland starting Monday, the Houston outfielder agitated things again.
“All the Dodgers fans that probably still hold that grudge are going to be out here voicing their opinion,” Reddick said. “It’s all about silencing the haters, that’s what all this year was about. The trash talk seems to be a little bit more running, and I love it.”
Just like the shortened 60-game regular season, no fans will be inside Dodger Stadium for the best-of-five ALDS. The coronavirus pandemic largely has protected the Astros from having public scorn heaped on them this season.
Mike Fiers rocked baseball when he revealed his old team’s scheme to The Athletic last year, saying the Astros used a camera in center field to steal signs and then banged on a trash can to let their hitters know which pitch the opposing catcher had signaled.
Astros manager Dusty Baker — a former Dodgers outfielder — doesn’t need to walk around his old ballpark, where there are photos of him and his 1981 Gold Glove award.
“Most of my reminiscing is done in the dugout,” he said, recalling how he was booed when he struggled during his first season in 1976. A few years, later he made the All-Star team.
“It taught me not to get too high when things are going good or too low when things are going poorly,” he said. “That’s why I don’t read any articles on me to this day. I learned when I was with the Dodgers that first year, why should other people control my self-esteem?”


mercurynews--2020-10-05--Trump MAGA flag at California police department’s HQ hung without permission, officials say

Someone stole a flag hanging at the Long Beach Police Department ’ s headquarters over the weekend , then replaced it with another bearing the name “ Trump ” and the words “ Make America Great Again , ” officials said Sunday , Oct. 4 .
The swap occurred without the authorization of the Long Beach Police Department , the agency said in a statement .
Staff at the LBPD Public Safety Building at 400 W. Broadway noticed the flag on Sunday morning and had to use bolt cutters to remove it .
“ The LBPD is an apolitical organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity that promotes one political party over another , ” the department wrote in a statement .
“ Flags or images depicting political activity are not authorized or endorsed by the LBPD.
” Investigators believe at least one person gained access to the flagpoles by trespassing through a portion of a parking lot that is currently under construction , police said .
A description of any possible suspect was not immediately released .
There was no immediate indication that a department employee was responsible .
Officers were working with the construction company working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witnesses .
Police released surveillance Sunday afternoon of footage recorded at the parking lot , but did not specify when it was filmed .
A grainy , zoomed-in clip shows a figure crossing the street and approaching the poles .
One flag appears to come down , and another goes up in its place before that person is seen leaving .
The incident took place with less than 30 days remaining before in-person ballots are cast in the presidential election on Tuesday , Nov. 3 .
Long Beach resident Ian Thomas Malone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said she was walking along Chestnut Ave. toward Broadway when she saw the bright red campaign banner flying next to the flags of the United States and the State of California as early as 12 p.m. Saturday .
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However , she said employees entering the building ’ s parking lot should have seen the flag , and questions why it wasn ’ t taken down sooner .
Malone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she moved to Long Beach in 2017 in search of a progressive community facilitate her transition .
She said residents have been supportive and her experiences have been mostly positive .
“ But seeing that flag flying from the police station was outrageous , and made me question what values they were promoting , ” Malone said .

Someone stole a flag hanging at the Long Beach Police Department’s headquarters over the weekend, then replaced it with another bearing the name “Trump” and the words “Make America Great Again,” officials said Sunday, Oct. 4.
The swap occurred without the authorization of the Long Beach Police Department, the agency said in a statement. Staff at the LBPD Public Safety Building at 400 W. Broadway noticed the flag on Sunday morning and had to use bolt cutters to remove it.
“The LBPD is an apolitical organization and does not participate in any political activity that promotes one political party over another,” the department wrote in a statement. “Flags or images depicting political activity are not authorized or endorsed by the LBPD.”
This morning. pic.twitter.com/rfUfWIGdV8 — Dave (not the banking app or TV show) Moreno (@aeromat) October 4, 2020
Investigators believe at least one person gained access to the flagpoles by trespassing through a portion of a parking lot that is currently under construction, police said. A description of any possible suspect was not immediately released. There was no immediate indication that a department employee was responsible.
Officers were working with the construction company working at the lot to identify any possible witnesses. Police released surveillance Sunday afternoon of footage recorded at the parking lot, but did not specify when it was filmed. A grainy, zoomed-in clip shows a figure crossing the street and approaching the poles. One flag appears to come down, and another goes up in its place before that person is seen leaving.
We’re still reviewing evidence to find those responsible for this. Video shows a subject cross the street, enter our lot which is under construction & change the flag. No indication the subject is a #LBPD employee & we’re working w/ construction company to locate any witnesses. pic.twitter.com/8toJXWmXQ1 — Long Beach PD (CA) (@LBPD) October 4, 2020
The incident took place with less than 30 days remaining before in-person ballots are cast in the presidential election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Long Beach resident Ian Thomas Malone, 29, lives near the police station and said she was walking along Chestnut Ave. toward Broadway when she saw the bright red campaign banner flying next to the flags of the United States and the State of California as early as 12 p.m. Saturday. It was still displayed when she returned to take a photo of it that day at 4 p.m.
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Malone identifies as a trans woman, and said she moved to Long Beach in 2017 in search of a progressive community facilitate her transition. She said residents have been supportive and her experiences have been mostly positive.
“But seeing that flag flying from the police station was outrageous, and made me question what values they were promoting,” Malone said.


mercurynews--2020-10-05--California addiction treatment CEO faces federal charges

Unbeknownst to Tarek Greiss , the feds were already listening .
The CEO of Beginnings Treatment Centers and South Coast Counseling in Costa Mesa — who “ entered the world of addiction recovery through the front door , as a client ” — was on the phone with his Tustin marketing firm , SeKe .
It was March 18 , 2019 , and a new federal law , the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018 , had kicked in just months before .
The law makes giving or receiving money in exchange for addiction treatment referrals a federal crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for admissions ” and low on detox-eligible patients — the people who bring in the biggest insurance payouts , according to a federal indictment filed under seal Sept. 16 .
He discussed the monetary value of 19 people — values based on the insurance reimbursements they could generate — and compared that to payments already made to SeKe under a marketing services agreement that prosecutors called a “ sham.
” That marketing agreement — whereby Greiss paid SeKe a flat fee of $ 30,000 a month — was designed to meet the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments on the number of individuals referred for treatment .
But Greiss said he ’ d “ rather get admissions ” than get money back from SeKe , undercutting the idea that payments weren ’ t tied to patient volume , the indictment asserts .
Greiss , who was an anesthesiologist before addiction cost him his medical license in Nevada and he entered the treatment industry in California , is among 345 people charged in a what the U.S. Department of Justice is calling “ a historic nationwide enforcement action ” that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other licensed medical professionals for a wide variety of alleged health care fraud .
Greiss pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and “ illegal remunerations for referrals to clinical treatment facilities ” on Sept. 28 and was released on a $ 10,000 bond signed by his mother in Walla Walla , Wash. Trial is slated for November .
“ Mr .
Greiss is innocent and intends to challenge the government ’ s allegations at trial , ” said his attorney , John L. Littrell , a partner with Bienert | Katzman , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is an industry with a lot of bad actors , but Mr. Greiss is not one of them .
“ These allegations have nothing to do with the quality of the care Greiss provides to his patients , ” Littrell added .
“ He has helped countless people endure the most difficult periods of their lives and go on to achieve lasting sobriety.
” Beginnings Treatment Centers , a for-profit enterprise , has several detox facilities in Costa Mesa , according to state records .
South Coast Counseling , meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported revenue of $ 8.4 million , and expenses of $ 8.1 million , in 2018 , the most recent year available , according to documents filed with the IRS..
The massive federal crackdown charges defendants with submitting more than $ 6 billion in fraudulent claims to federal health care programs and private insurers .
That includes some $ 4.5 billion connected to telemedicine schemes ; $ 845 million connected to substance abuse treatment or “ sober home ” schemes ; and another $ 806 million in other health care fraud and illegal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sober homes ’ cases are particularly egregious , not just because of the substantial amounts of financial loss they cause , but also because of the significant harm they cause to patients who are used and abused along the way , ” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt in announcing the crackdown on Sept. 30 .
“ In many of these cases , defendants are alleged to have preyed upon addicted patients , recruiting them from their hometowns , where they have support networks , and shipping them off to far-away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so-called ‘ sober homes.
’ Once there , these vulnerable patients are often provided with drugs that undercut their ability to recover from the addiction they are trying to kick , and they are often shuffled from facility to facility to boost headcount and maximize billing , instead of being given the care they so desperately need.
” In some of the more troubling cases — a great many filed in Florida — some patients were also referred to other healthcare providers who , in return for kickbacks , billed for medically unnecessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This fraud and abuse truly inflict a human — not just financial — toll on their victims , ” Rabbitt said .
Many of these prosecutions are the direct result of “ the pioneering use of data to strategically target wrongdoing ” in healthcare and opioid prescription and distribution , he added .
In the Central District of California , which includes Los Angeles and Orange counties , six people were charged in varying schemes to defraud insurance programs of more than $ 48 million , the DOJ said .
They include allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctor from Tarzana who owned and operated California Medical and Rehabilitation Group in Northridge , billed Medicare $ 20 million between 2013 and 2019 and was reimbursed $ 7 million for drainage of tailbone cysts , removal of growths , and injections of drugs to treat osteoporosis and osteoarthritis that he never actually provided , according to court paperwork .
He pleaded not guilty .
• Christian Mohases of Santa Ana , who owned and operated multiple call centers , was charged with obtaining doctors ’ orders for orthotic braces and patient referrals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies then provided those orders and referrals to medical companies in exchange for bribes , court documents allege .
He pleaded guilty .
• John Paul Thropay of Arcadia , a doctor who worked for Blue Sky Hospice from 2014 to 2016 , allegedly participated in a scheme to defraud Medicare , according to his indictment .
Blue Sky ’ s owners paid illegal kickbacks of hundreds of dollars per patient for each month the patient remained in hospice .
Thropay is accused of doing cursory examinations without consulting medical records before certifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often when they were not , according to court paperwork .
He pleaded not guilty .
“ Dr .
Thropay will vigorously contest the allegations and looks forward to being acquitted , ” said attorney Michael J. Khouri .
“ He is a very accomplished radiation oncologist and there would have been no reason to overcharge Medicare.
” • Marc Hoang was accused of making false statements to the DEA to renew the controlled substances registration of Infinite Health Solutions , Inc. , a Los Angeles company , though he was not an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company .
He pleaded not guilty .
In September , Kevin M. Dickau , 32 , of Tustin , pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud .
He is listed as chief executive for SeKe , Inc. , the marketing company for Greiss , on papers filed with the Secretary of State .
Akikur Mohammad , 57 , a physician from West Hills , pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act .
Costa Mesa , a city that is de-facto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troubled addiction treatment industry , with more licensed addiction rehabs per capita than any place except Malibu , is battling operators in state and federal courts .
Costa Mesa is in federal court with seven cases and has won motions for summary judgement in five of them , meaning that judges ruled in the city ’ s favor without seeing a need for a trial .
It also has won sanctions worth some $ 200,000 against operators , though it has yet to collect any of that money .
The city also has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to shut down three operations , said Seymour B. Everett III , partner with Everett Dorey , the law firm representing the city .
Greiss ’ s operations , though , have not been subject to any of those enforcement actions or lawsuits , officials said .
Mayor Katrina Foley was pleased with the federal actions and hopes they send the message that if people break the law , they ’ ll be prosecuted .
“ The city will continue to shed light on the criminal activities of certain sober living home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operators who illegally operate in Costa Mesa , ” she said .
Costa Mesa is down to about 92 sober homes from some 300 a few years ago , Foley said , suggesting the city ’ s strategy is working .

Unbeknownst to Tarek Greiss, the feds were already listening.
The CEO of Beginnings Treatment Centers and South Coast Counseling in Costa Mesa — who “entered the world of addiction recovery through the front door, as a client” — was on the phone with his Tustin marketing firm, SeKe. It was March 18, 2019, and a new federal law, the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018, had kicked in just months before. The law makes giving or receiving money in exchange for addiction treatment referrals a federal crime.
Greiss said he “was hungry for admissions” and low on detox-eligible patients — the people who bring in the biggest insurance payouts, according to a federal indictment filed under seal Sept. 16. He discussed the monetary value of 19 people — values based on the insurance reimbursements they could generate — and compared that to payments already made to SeKe under a marketing services agreement that prosecutors called a “sham.”
That marketing agreement — whereby Greiss paid SeKe a flat fee of $30,000 a month — was designed to meet the new law’s requirements by not basing payments on the number of individuals referred for treatment. But Greiss said he’d “rather get admissions” than get money back from SeKe, undercutting the idea that payments weren’t tied to patient volume, the indictment asserts.
Greiss, who was an anesthesiologist before addiction cost him his medical license in Nevada and he entered the treatment industry in California, is among 345 people charged in a what the U.S. Department of Justice is calling “a historic nationwide enforcement action” that has ensnared more than 100 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals for a wide variety of alleged health care fraud.
Greiss pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and “illegal remunerations for referrals to clinical treatment facilities” on Sept. 28 and was released on a $10,000 bond signed by his mother in Walla Walla, Wash. Trial is slated for November.
“Mr. Greiss is innocent and intends to challenge the government’s allegations at trial,” said his attorney, John L. Littrell, a partner with Bienert | Katzman, which has an office in San Clemente. “This is an industry with a lot of bad actors, but Mr. Greiss is not one of them.
“These allegations have nothing to do with the quality of the care Greiss provides to his patients,” Littrell added. “He has helped countless people endure the most difficult periods of their lives and go on to achieve lasting sobriety.”
Beginnings Treatment Centers, a for-profit enterprise, has several detox facilities in Costa Mesa, according to state records. South Coast Counseling, meanwhile, is registered as a nonprofit. It reported revenue of $8.4 million, and expenses of $8.1 million, in 2018, the most recent year available, according to documents filed with the IRS..
‘Abused along the way’
The massive federal crackdown charges defendants with submitting more than $6 billion in fraudulent claims to federal health care programs and private insurers. That includes some $4.5 billion connected to telemedicine schemes; $845 million connected to substance abuse treatment or “sober home” schemes; and another $806 million in other health care fraud and illegal opioid distribution schemes.
“These ‘sober homes’ cases are particularly egregious, not just because of the substantial amounts of financial loss they cause, but also because of the significant harm they cause to patients who are used and abused along the way,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt in announcing the crackdown on Sept. 30.
“In many of these cases, defendants are alleged to have preyed upon addicted patients, recruiting them from their hometowns, where they have support networks, and shipping them off to far-away states where they are placed into these so-called ‘sober homes.’ Once there, these vulnerable patients are often provided with drugs that undercut their ability to recover from the addiction they are trying to kick, and they are often shuffled from facility to facility to boost headcount and maximize billing, instead of being given the care they so desperately need.”
In some of the more troubling cases — a great many filed in Florida — some patients were also referred to other healthcare providers who, in return for kickbacks, billed for medically unnecessary tests, medications and services. “This fraud and abuse truly inflict a human — not just financial — toll on their victims,” Rabbitt said.
Many of these prosecutions are the direct result of “the pioneering use of data to strategically target wrongdoing” in healthcare and opioid prescription and distribution, he added.
In the Central District of California, which includes Los Angeles and Orange counties, six people were charged in varying schemes to defraud insurance programs of more than $48 million, the DOJ said. They include allegations that:
Minas Kouchumian, a doctor from Tarzana who owned and operated California Medical and Rehabilitation Group in Northridge, billed Medicare $20 million between 2013 and 2019 and was reimbursed $7 million for drainage of tailbone cysts, removal of growths, and injections of drugs to treat osteoporosis and osteoarthritis that he never actually provided, according to court paperwork. He pleaded not guilty.
Christian Mohases of Santa Ana, who owned and operated multiple call centers, was charged with obtaining doctors’ orders for orthotic braces and patient referrals for genetic cancer screening tests. His companies then provided those orders and referrals to medical companies in exchange for bribes, court documents allege. He pleaded guilty.
John Paul Thropay of Arcadia, a doctor who worked for Blue Sky Hospice from 2014 to 2016, allegedly participated in a scheme to defraud Medicare, according to his indictment. Blue Sky’s owners paid illegal kickbacks of hundreds of dollars per patient for each month the patient remained in hospice. Thropay is accused of doing cursory examinations without consulting medical records before certifying that the patients were terminally ill — often when they were not, according to court paperwork. He pleaded not guilty. “Dr. Thropay will vigorously contest the allegations and looks forward to being acquitted,” said attorney Michael J. Khouri. “He is a very accomplished radiation oncologist and there would have been no reason to overcharge Medicare.”
Marc Hoang was accused of making false statements to the DEA to renew the controlled substances registration of Infinite Health Solutions, Inc., a Los Angeles company, though he was not an officer or point of contact for the company. He pleaded not guilty.
In September, Kevin M. Dickau, 32, of Tustin, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. He is listed as chief executive for SeKe, Inc., the marketing company for Greiss, on papers filed with the Secretary of State. Akikur Mohammad, 57, a physician from West Hills, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act.
Battle
Costa Mesa, a city that is de-facto ground zero for Southern California’s troubled addiction treatment industry, with more licensed addiction rehabs per capita than any place except Malibu, is battling operators in state and federal courts.
Costa Mesa is in federal court with seven cases and has won motions for summary judgement in five of them, meaning that judges ruled in the city’s favor without seeing a need for a trial. It also has won sanctions worth some $200,000 against operators, though it has yet to collect any of that money. The city also has prevailed in state court and is finalizing plans to shut down three operations, said Seymour B. Everett III, partner with Everett Dorey, the law firm representing the city.
Greiss’s operations, though, have not been subject to any of those enforcement actions or lawsuits, officials said.
Mayor Katrina Foley was pleased with the federal actions and hopes they send the message that if people break the law, they’ll be prosecuted.
“The city will continue to shed light on the criminal activities of certain sober living home operators to protect its residents and prosecute operators who illegally operate in Costa Mesa,” she said.
Costa Mesa is down to about 92 sober homes from some 300 a few years ago, Foley said, suggesting the city’s strategy is working.


mercurynews--2020-10-05--Inside the Raiders: Defense shows no signs of being good enough for a playoff team

We ’ re 16 quarters into the 2020 season , and the Raiders have given no indication they can field a defense that could contribute to a nine- or 10-win team .
That was supposed to be the next step .
Adding new personnel at all three levels and finally giving defensive coordinator Paul Guenther enough weapons for a fair fight .
Guenther had a new vantage point Sunday in a 30-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Allegient Stadium , working from the coaches booth instead of on the field where he usually operates .
Coach Jon Gruden said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of communication , allowing Guenther to more freely interact with middle linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski and get a bird ’ s eye view of what his unit was doing on a play-to-play basis .
Yet what Guenther saw , along with everybody else , wasn ’ t good enough .
Not even close .
The Raiders gave up another 30 points to what appears to be a very good Buffalo team and to a quarterback in Josh Allen whose play has taken a remarkable jump in his second season .
We pause for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raiders ’ offense in falling to 2-2 .
The following were the Raiders ’ second-half possessions after coming in at halftime trailing 17-13 : And then one too-little , too-late 7-yard touchdown pass from Derek Carr to Nelson Agholor .
With that kind of production , the Raiders weren ’ t going to beat the Bills .
But at least you can see what the offense aspires to be when it grows up .
The Raiders punted only one time , averaged 5.4 yards per play and moved the ball consistently despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jacobs ( 15 carries , 48 yards ) .
Carr was 32 of 44 for 311 yards and two touchdowns and hasn ’ t thrown an interception through four games and 144 pass attempts .
It ’ s a methodical , sometimes maddingly plodding attack .
The goal is to accumulate first downs , work the clock and generate scoring opportunities , taking a shot now and then but with the priority on efficiency rather than daring .
It ’ s not exactly Andy Reid and the high-flying Kansas City Chiefs , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It worked for Gruden with Rich Gannon well enough for a couple of division titles .
After inheriting one of the best defenses in modern NFL history in Tampa Bay , Gruden ’ s offense worked well enough for a Super Bowl ring .
But those Raiders teams under Chuck Bresnahan had good if not great defenses that complemented the offense The Bucs under Monte Kiffin had a great defense as well as great players .
Guenther is operating at a disadvantage in that he ’ s got a lot of young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indefinitely after thumb surgery .
He got Kwiatkoski for only 22 snaps until Sunday .
He ’ s got new players on the front seven and back end who never had an offseason together .
And as Gruden said , “ If anyone has played a tougher schedule than us , tell me who has ?
” It ’ s not Guenther ’ s fault that Lamarcus Joyner got hurt , Amik Robertson entered the game , and immediately bit on a third-and-1 play-fake and a 26-yard touchdown pass from Allen to Gabriel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no doubt .
But sometimes all you ’ re looking for is a spark , a glimmer , a sequence of plays that portend something better .
Years ago , my late father would watch the Raiders when they were pretty good and if the defense was having a bad day , would mutter , “ C ’ mon .
.
.
surprise me.
” Which is pretty much what it ’ s like watching the Raiders play defense through the first quarter of the season , let alone most of the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has struggled , injured a shoulder and left the game .
Free agent linebacker Cory Littleton has been a non-factor .
Safety Johnathan Abram has shown flashes of brilliance but not consistency .
In four games , the Raiders have two interceptions , four sacks and have yet to recover a fumble .
Contrast that with Buffalo , which saw Josh Norman come off the injured list for a strip and recovery of a Darren Waller fumble when the Raiders were within striking distance at 23-16 .
It ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make .
“ We ’ ve got to get turnovers from our defense , ” Gruden said .
“ I think we ’ ve got one the whole season .
Maybe two .
Guy made a great play on Waller .
Credit Buffalo .
They ’ ve got a good defense.
” Or as Buffalo coach Sean McDermott said , “ We can score points and take the ball away .
That makes us pretty tough to beat.
” With the Raiders offense , like it or not , you can see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while I ’ m willing to admit I ’ d be lost five minutes into my first conversation with Guenther or any other coach when it comes to scheme and concept , it ’ s far too often that Raiders players appear lost themselves on defense .
• Raiders inactives : Trent Brown , Henry Ruggs out again as WR injuries force Doss into action They defend the run well enough occasionally , holding Buffalo to 2.6 yards per attempt after giving up 250 yards to the Patriots .
But receivers too often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backs don ’ t locate the ball in time and are at a diadvantage anyway because quarterbacks have so much time to throw .
The Raiders blitz some , but not a lot .
They ’ re below average in man-to-man or zone .
And here comes Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs , with Travis Kelce , Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins .
A new runner in Clyde Edwards-Helaire .
At a place where the Raiders have lost seven straight games .
After a bye week , Tom Brady , who had five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vegas with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
So I ’ m not expecting much .

We’re 16 quarters into the 2020 season, and the Raiders have given no indication they can field a defense that could contribute to a nine- or 10-win team.
That was supposed to be the next step. Adding new personnel at all three levels and finally giving defensive coordinator Paul Guenther enough weapons for a fair fight.
Guenther had a new vantage point Sunday in a 30-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Allegiant Stadium, working from the coaches booth instead of on the field where he usually operates.
Coach Jon Gruden said he thought it went well in terms of communication, allowing Guenther to more freely interact with middle linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski and get a bird’s eye view of what his unit was doing on a play-to-play basis.
Yet what Guenther saw, along with everybody else, wasn’t good enough. Not even close. The Raiders gave up another 30 points to what appears to be a very good Buffalo team and to a quarterback in Josh Allen whose play has taken a remarkable jump in his second season.
We pause for a moment to consider the problems of the Raiders’ offense in falling to 2-2. The following were the Raiders’ second-half possessions after coming in at halftime trailing 17-13:
Field goal, punt, lost fumble, turn over on downs, lost fumble.
And then one too-little, too-late 7-yard touchdown pass from Derek Carr to Nelson Agholor.
With that kind of production, the Raiders weren’t going to beat the Bills.
But at least you can see what the offense aspires to be when it grows up. The Raiders punted only one time, averaged 5.4 yards per play and moved the ball consistently despite the Bills doing a good job on Josh Jacobs (15 carries, 48 yards). Carr was 32 of 44 for 311 yards and two touchdowns and hasn’t thrown an interception through four games and 144 pass attempts.
It’s a methodical, sometimes maddeningly plodding attack. The goal is to accumulate first downs, work the clock and generate scoring opportunities, taking a shot now and then but with the priority on efficiency rather than daring.
It’s not exactly Andy Reid and the high-flying Kansas City Chiefs, but it can work. It has worked. It worked for Gruden with Rich Gannon well enough for a couple of division titles. After inheriting one of the best defenses in modern NFL history in Tampa Bay, Gruden’s offense worked well enough for a Super Bowl ring.
But those Raiders teams under Chuck Bresnahan had good if not great defenses that complemented the offense The Bucs under Monte Kiffin had a great defense as well as great players.
Guenther is operating at a disadvantage in that he’s got a lot of young players and has lost cornerback Damon Arnette indefinitely after thumb surgery. He got Kwiatkoski for only 22 snaps until Sunday. He’s got new players on the front seven and back end who never had an offseason together.
And as Gruden said, “If anyone has played a tougher schedule than us, tell me who has?”
It’s not Guenther’s fault that Lamarcus Joyner got hurt, Amik Robertson entered the game, and immediately bit on a third-and-1 play-fake and a 26-yard touchdown pass from Allen to Gabriel Davis.
There are extenuating circumstances, no doubt.
But sometimes all you’re looking for is a spark, a glimmer, a sequence of plays that portend something better.
Years ago, my late father would watch the Raiders when they were pretty good and if the defense was having a bad day, would mutter, “C’mon . . . surprise me.”
Which is pretty much what it’s like watching the Raiders play defense through the first quarter of the season, let alone most of the last 25 years. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins, who has struggled, injured a shoulder and left the game. Free agent linebacker Cory Littleton has been a non-factor. Safety Johnathan Abram has shown flashes of brilliance but not consistency.
In four games, the Raiders have two interceptions, four sacks and have yet to recover a fumble. Contrast that with Buffalo, which saw Josh Norman come off the injured list for a strip and recovery of a Darren Waller fumble when the Raiders were within striking distance at 23-16. It’s the kind of play the Raiders almost never make.
“We’ve got to get turnovers from our defense,” Gruden said. “I think we’ve got one the whole season. Maybe two. Guy made a great play on Waller. Credit Buffalo. They’ve got a good defense.”
Or as Buffalo coach Sean McDermott said, “We can score points and take the ball away. That makes us pretty tough to beat.”
With the Raiders offense, like it or not, you can see the philosophy and the end game. And while I’m willing to admit I’d be lost five minutes into my first conversation with Guenther or any other coach when it comes to scheme and concept, it’s far too often that Raiders players appear lost themselves on defense.
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49ers-Raiders practice: ‘Bang-bang’ defense takes out Davante Adams Raiders | Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers get sentimental at Vegas reunion — to an extent They defend the run well enough occasionally, holding Buffalo to 2.6 yards per attempt after giving up 250 yards to the Patriots. But receivers too often break free on crossing routes, defensive backs don’t locate the ball in time and are at a disadvantage anyway because quarterbacks have so much time to throw. The Raiders blitz some, but not a lot. They’re below average in man-to-man or zone.
And here comes Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, with Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins. A new runner in Clyde Edwards-Helaire. At a place where the Raiders have lost seven straight games. After a bye week, Tom Brady, who had five touchdown passes Sunday, comes to Las Vegas with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
So I’m not expecting much.
Surprise me.


mercurynews--2020-10-05--49ers report card: Kittle’s 15 catches, fourth-quarter lead got squandered

SANTA CLARA — Here is how the 49ers ( 2-2 ) graded in Saturday night ’ s 25-20 home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles ( 1-2-1 ) : The 49ers squandered not only another fourth-quarter lead but George Kittle ’ s 15-catch , career-high haul .
Those were the third-most receptions in a game in franchise history , behind Terrell Owens ( 20 receptions , 2000 vs. Bears ) and Jerry Rice ( 16 , 1994 vs. Rams ) .
Nick Mullens crashed back to Earth — and the bench after the Eagles cashed in his third turnover for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ porous , and left tackle Trent Williams proved mortal with a sub-par game .
Mike McGlinchey is drawing more negative attention than ever , and Daniel Brunskill gave up the strip-sack .
Yes , Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel are great threats to run the ball , but they combined for only five catches in their first game together .
Jimmy Garoppolo , please report to the white-courtesy telephone .
This is not the same , synchronized outfit from past years .
“ It wasn ’ t completely bad , but I expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shanahan , noting that having “ one guy off here and there ” turned potential big gains into negative yards .
Jerick McKinnon ’ s late touchdown meant he has scored at least one in each of the first four games , matching Jerry Rice ’ s 1991 feat .
While McKinnon racked up 97 all-purpose yards , Jeff Wilson Jr. got generally ignored aside from a nice shovel pass they worked on in practice .
Raheem Mostert , please report to the white-courtesy telephone .
Arik Armstead kept coming after embattled Eagles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than not managed to slip away and keep alive a comeback .
Fred Warner ’ s blitzes and D.J .
Jones ’ interior pressure also showed well .
Not so good was Dontae Johnson allowing a go-ahead touchdown bomb , on a perfectly placed pass .
Azeez Al-Shaair ’ s interception off Javon Kinlaw ’ s pass deflection resulted in a first-quarter takeaway that led to no 49ers points .
Ziggy Ansah ( biceps tear ) is done after a two-game tour , so time to find yet another defensive end until Dee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rescue in a few weeks .
Kwon Alexander came away with a team-high nine tackles — and an Eagles jersey in a postgame swap while the rest of his teammates already were off the field .
Miles Sanders was held to 46 yards , but because Wentz ran for 37 yards , that again exposed a 49ers defensive weakness against mobile quarterbacks .
Take that as an open invitation for the Miami Dolphins to unveil Tua Tagovailoa next Sunday .
So , an onside kick failed , which fit a fourth-quarter theme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Robbie Gould ( no field goals , two point-after kicks ) and Mitch Wishnowsky ( 2-of-4 punts were inside the 20-yard line ) .
Trent Taylor and Dante Pettis made no noise on punt returns , other than Taylor remarkably held onto his first return after getting creamed .
Kyle Shanahan and his staff must answer to another fourth-quarter collapse .
The 49ers ’ attrition at key positions ( quarterback , running back , defensive front , cornerback ) reflected in how replacements struggled down the stretch .
It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FTTB ( Fail , To The Backups — rather than Faithful To The Bay ) .
• Several 49ers , Eagles players demonstrate during anthem to protest police violence • 49ers-Eagles inactives : Injuries force Niners into another new cornerback combo

SANTA CLARA — Here is how the 49ers (2-2) graded in Sunday night’s 25-20 home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles (1-2-1):
PASS OFFENSE: D
The 49ers squandered not only another fourth-quarter lead but George Kittle’s 15-catch, career-high haul. Those were the third-most receptions in a game in franchise history, behind Terrell Owens (20 receptions, 2000 vs. Bears) and Jerry Rice (16, 1994 vs. Rams). Nick Mullens crashed back to Earth — and the bench after the Eagles cashed in his third turnover for a pick-six. The pass protection was surprisingly porous, and left tackle Trent Williams proved mortal with a sub-par game. Mike McGlinchey is drawing more negative attention than ever, and Daniel Brunskill gave up the strip-sack. Yes, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel are great threats to run the ball, but they combined for only five catches in their first game together. Jimmy Garoppolo, please report to the white courtesy telephone.
RUN OFFENSE: D
This is not the same, synchronized outfit from past years. “It wasn’t completely bad, but I expected us to do better,” said Shanahan, noting that having “one guy off here and there” turned potential big gains into negative yards. Jerick McKinnon’s late touchdown meant he has scored at least one in each of the first four games, matching Jerry Rice’s 1991 feat. While McKinnon racked up 97 all-purpose yards, Jeff Wilson Jr. got generally ignored aside from a nice shovel pass they worked on in practice. Raheem Mostert, please report to the white courtesy telephone.
PASS DEFENSE: D+
Arik Armstead kept coming after embattled Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, who more often than not managed to slip away and keep alive a comeback. Fred Warner’s blitzes and D.J. Jones’ interior pressure also showed well. Not so good was Dontae Johnson allowing a go-ahead touchdown bomb, on a perfectly placed pass. Azeez Al-Shaair’s interception off Javon Kinlaw’s pass deflection resulted in a first-quarter takeaway that led to no 49ers points. Ziggy Ansah (biceps tear) is done after a two-game tour, so time to find yet another defensive end until Dee Ford and Ronald Blair can rush to the rescue in a few weeks.
RUN DEFENSE: C-
Kwon Alexander came away with a team-high nine tackles — and an Eagles jersey in a postgame swap while the rest of his teammates already were off the field. Miles Sanders was held to 46 yards, but because Wentz ran for 37 yards, that again exposed a 49ers defensive weakness against mobile quarterbacks. Take that as an open invitation for the Miami Dolphins to unveil Tua Tagovailoa next Sunday.
SPECIAL TEAMS: B
So, an onside kick failed, which fit a fourth-quarter theme. New snapper Taybor Pepper debuted fine for Robbie Gould (no field goals, two point-after kicks) and Mitch Wishnowsky (2-of-4 punts were inside the 20-yard line). Trent Taylor and Dante Pettis made no noise on punt returns, other than Taylor remarkably held onto his first return after getting creamed.
COACHING: D


mercurynews--2020-10-05--Word Game: Oct. 5, 2020

Word Game: Oct. 5, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — DIPLOMA ( DIPLOMA : dih-PLO-muh : A document bearing a record of graduation or of a degree . )
Can you find 22 or more words in DIPLOMA ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
SATURDAY ’ S WORD — ANTHEMS ahem amen ante anthem ashen name neat neath nest tame team than thane them then haste hasten hate heat east mane manse mash mast mate math mean means meant meat mesa mesh same sane sate seam seat sent sham shame stamen steam stem To purchase the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ while supplies last !
1 .
Words must be of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “ s , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
Additional words made by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For example , if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , but “ bake ” and “ baking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nouns , slang words , or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — DIPLOMA (DIPLOMA: dih-PLO-muh: A document bearing a record of graduation or of a degree.)
Average mark 17 words
Time limit 30 minutes
Can you find 22 or more words in DIPLOMA? The list will be published tomorrow.
SATURDAY’S WORD — ANTHEMS ahem amen ante anthem ashen name neat
neath nest tame team than thane them then haste hasten hate heat east mane
manse mash mast mate math mean means meant meat mesa mesh same sane
sate seam seat sent sham shame stamen steam stem
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.