Category: NFL

Seahawks defensive stand hold off 49ers 30-23

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Seattle Seahawks defensive end Carlos Dunlap (8) forces a safety on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) sacking him in the end zone at Lumen Field in Seattle Sun Dec 5, 2021 (AP News photos)

by Marko Ukalovic

Lumen Field continued to be a house of horrors for the San Francisco 49ers.

The Seattle Seahawks made one final defensive stand to hold on for a 30-23 victory over their NFC West rival on Sunday afternoon

San Francisco had its three-game winning streak snapped as the fell to .500 and to the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC with five games left. Seattle, playing the spoiler role for the first time in a long time, ended their three-game losing streak and have won four in a row against the 49ers.

The game got off to a scary start when 49ers special teams player Trenton Cannon was injured on the opening kickoff. He was left the field in an ambulance as he was taken to the hospital for a concussion injury.

Seattle (4-8) drew first blood catching the 49ers off guard on a fake punt. Travis Homer took the direct snap and rushed around the left side for 73 yards for his first rushing touchdown of the season after the Seahwaks first possession went three and out.

San Francisco’s defense responded when DJ Jones stripped Gerald Everette on a reception and Emanuel Moseley recovered the ball.

The 49ers (6-6) offense didn’t waste time answering back on the first play. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo threw a strike to tight end George Kittle alone in the endzone for a 24-yard touchdown reception to even the score at 7-7.

San Francisco took advantage of a missed 56-yard field by Jason Myers. Garoppolo led a scored on nine play 54-yard drive that was set up by a 28 yard reception by Kittle at the Seattle eight yard line. Two players later rookie running back Elijah Mitchell rushed in for a two-yard touchdown with 1:32 left in the first quarter.

After a Robbie Gould 50-yard field goal, Seattle responded with a nine play 63-yard play drive that was capped off by Adrian Peterson’s two-yard touchdown run. Peterson was signed by Seattle over on Friday as their backfield has been ravaged by injuries.

Peterson’s 126 touchdowns passed Walter Peyton and tied Jim Brown for 10th place on the NFL’s all-time list.

The Niners answered back with its third touchdown of the first half. Garoppolo found Kittle along the left side and the Pro-Bowl tight end did his best tightrope walker impression staying in bounds tip-toeing down the sideline for his second touchdown of the game, a 48-yard reception to give San Francisco a 23-14 lead with 3:47 left in the half after Gould missed the extra point.

Seattle cut the lead two points right before the half ended with an eight play 65-yard drive in just 1:36. Their drive was aided by two roughing the passer calls by the 49ers that kept the drive alive. Seahawks quarterback Russel Wilson capped off the drive with a seven-yard touchdown reception to D’Wayne Eskridge. It was Eskridge’s first career NFL touchdown.

The second half saw the 49ers shooting themselves in the foot as they were shutout in the final 30 minutes of the game thanks to a combination of turnovers and the Seahawks defense playing its best half of the season.

Travis Benjamin fumbled the opening second half kickoff. However the Niners defense forced Wilson into an interception at their own goal line when K’Waun Williams picked off the ball after a deflection off the hands of Everette.

Seattle gained the momentum when it sacked Garoppolo for a safety by Carlos Dunlap early in the third quarter to tie the game at 23-23.

It got worse for the 49ers when Garoppolo threw his second interception of the game when he overthrew a pass attempted for Kittle that went into the hands of Quandre Diggs who returned the ball the Niner’s 28-yard line.

The Seahawks made the Niners pay five plays later when Wilson connected with wide receiver Tyler Lockett with a 12 yard touchdown reception for Seattle’s first lead of the game with 2:28 left in the third quarter.

Seattle tried to put the game away with under three minutes remaining with the ball at the Niners two-yard line. However, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair knocked the ball away from Everette on a shovel pass attempt. Dontae Johnson recovered the ball at the two-yard line to give San Francisco one last chance to even the score.

Garoppolo drove the 49ers down to Seattle’s three-yard line. But the drive ended in frustration after Garopollo’s pass on fourth and goal was tipped at the line of scrimmage, turning the ball over on downs with 18 seconds left.

Kittle finished the game with his best performance of the season with nine catches for 181 yards and two touchdowns. San Francisco needed every yard from Kittle as they were without the services of their number offensive weapon Deebo Samuel, who was inactive with a groin injury.

Garoppolo went 20 of 30 for 299 yards with two touchdowns but his performance was overshadowed by his two interceptions.

Wilson, who had a difficult first half, rebounded in the second half to finish 30 of 37 for 231 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Lockett led Seattle in receiving with seven catches for 68 yards and his touchdown which proved to be the game winner.

Both defenses played well against the run. Seattle had the 49ers to 71 yards on the ground, while San Francisco, with the exception of the fake punt rush by Homer, held the Seahawks to just 73 yards rushing.

GAME NOTES: San Francisco finished 3-for-10 on third down conversions. Seattle was 5-for-10.

UP NEXT: San Francisco concludes its two-game road trip when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday 12/12 at 1:25pm at Paul Brown Stadium.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: Shanahan-inserting Lance would disrupt play calling; Look for Garoppolo to complete games

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) is not expected to see much game action as starter Jimmy Garoppolo has been starting and completing most of the recent games. Garoppolo will start this Sunday against Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle (AP file photo)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 Joe, the San Francisco 49ers (6-5) above .500 having won three straight games and are looking like their back on track what would you say the Niners best chances are to have a shot at post season.

#2 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan says that it’s unlikely that he will insert back up quarterback Trey Lance into the line up anytime soon because it disrupts the play calling. So his obvious choice right now is to start and finish games with Jimmy Garoppolo.

#3 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said that 49ers back up quarterback Trey Lance being the practice squad quarterback simulating the opponents’ quarterback gives Lance an opportunity to develop many facets of the game and gives him some developmental experience.

#4 Taking a look at the 49ers injury update: Wide receiver Jauan Jennings (groin), running back Trey Sermon (ankle), linebackers Fred Warner (hamstring) and Marcell Harris (concussion) did not practice and running back JaMycal Hasty (ankle), defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (calf) had limited practice time. Joe talk about how some of these players will be missed and how some might be limited today in Seattle.

#5 The 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks (3-8) at Lumen Field today at 1:25pm. Seattle has lost three straight games most recently last Sunday to the Washington Football Team (5-6) 17-15. The Seahawks starting quarterback Russell Wilson has been struggling getting protection, getting time to throw and just executing in the red zone. How do you see the 49ers matching up against Wilson and the Seahawks today?

Join Joe Hawkes for the 49ers podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Hill suspended one game for helmet flying punch of Simpson

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Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Trysten Hill in yellow circle throws punch knocking Raider lineman John Simpson’s helmet off in a post game confrontation at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Sun Nov 28, 2021 (Larry Brown Sports photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Rich, after losing three straight games do the Las Vegas Raiders (6-5) look as if they righted the ship somewhat with their close but 36-33 win over the Dallas Cowboys (7-4) last Thursday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington?

#2 Rich, Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Trysten Hill was been suspended for the next Cowboys game for throwing a punch a Raider lineman John Simpson but had his suspension reduced to just one game after appealing to the NFL. Hill sought out Simpson after the game going in the opposite direction of the Cowboys locker room and toward the Raiders tunnel side and confronted Simpson throwing a open hand punch in Simpson’s face mask. The NFL said this was deliberate behavior and the force of the punch knocked Simpson’s helmet off.

#3 It was reported that Hill had trouble coming out of college and he had problems with the Cowboys and no one is really surprised by this and the NFL needed to set a heavy handed deterrent when they originally suspended Hill for one game.

#4 The fight between Hill and Simpson broke protocols it’s an unwritten rule amongst players, coaches and personnel that they were there to shake hands and show good sportsmanship at the conclusion of each game and not to seek each one another out and cause a fracas.

#5 The Raiders host the Washington Football Team (5-6) on Sunday Dec 5th for a home game at Allegiant Stadium. Washington is coming off three straight wins after losing three straight games. In their last game Washington just got by the Seattle Seahawks 17-15. Seeing how Washington has improved lately how do you see this match up Sunday between Washington and Las Vegas.

Rich Perez is a Las Vegas Raiders beat writer catch Rich for the Raider podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Now Raiders need to push harder to get a playoff spot

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Las Vegas Raiders place kicker Daniel Carlson (2) gets congratulations from teammates by Jermaine Eluemunor (72), AJ Cole (6) after booting a game winning 29 yard field goal against the Dallas Cowboys Thu Nov 25, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Tony, after losing three straight games it had to be a lot of weight off the Las Vegas Raiders (6-5) shoulders to get that Thanksgiving Day win against the Dallas Cowboys (7-4) 36-33.

#2 Tony, how much over the span of the three game losing streak did situations and departures of Henry Ruggs and Damon Arnette play into focusing on games for the team?

#3 On Thanksgiving Day going to Dallas after three straight loses critics didn’t give the Raiders much chances of winning but win they did they hung with them on on both sides of the ball for the whole game right down to kicker Daniel Carlson’s game winning field goal to win that game.

#4 For Raiders quarterback Derek Carr an afternoon of just staying in the pocket and getting rid of the ball and making his throws count going 24-39 for 373 yards, and one touchdown he really help guide that offense last Thursday.

#5 The Washington Football Team (5-6) had previously lost three straight games and then turned things around and have won three in a row they won their last game against the Seattle Seahawks (3-8) close as it may 17-15 does Washington pose a threat coming into Allegiant this Sunday against the Raiders how do you see this upcoming match up?

Join Tony R for the Raiders podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Will Samuel and Warner injuries impact 49ers vs. Seahawks on Sunday?

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel will be out of action for two weeks with a groin pull injury here he sits after the injury against the Minnesota Vikings on Sun Nov 28, 2021 at Levi Stadium (photo from ninerswire.usatoday.com)

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 David, the San Francisco 49ers (6-5) have a good run going with a three game winning streak coming off a win last Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings (5-6) 34-26 at Levi Stadium but will the injuries of wide receiver Deebo Samuel and linebacker Fred Warner have an impact for this weekend’s game against the Seattle Seahawks (3-8) in Seattle?

#2 Dave talk about the job the 49ers defense did to hold back the Vikings allowing the Vikings to score only one touchdown in each of the first and second quarters and shut them out in the fourth quarter.

#3 49ers are in Seattle this Sunday against the struggling Seahawks who have lost three in a row. Their last loss coming Sun Dec 5 vs. the Washington Football Team 17-15. These days it’s been frustrating for Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson against Washington he threw 20-31, 247 yards, and two touchdowns. Dave, how do you see this match up this Sunday at Lumen Field?

Join David Zizmor for the San Francisco 49ers podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

49ers hitting their stride in 34-26 win over the Vikings

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San Francisco 49ers cornerback Josh Norman (26) and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) both reach up for the ball as Norman is called for pass interference in the second half at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara Sun Nov 28, 2021 (AP News photo)

by Marko Ukalovic

SANTA CLARA, Calif.—Winning cures all ails and criticism.

For the San Francisco 49ers they used a familiar formula in which has made them successful in the month of November in a 34-26 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon at Levi’s Stadium.

That formula was to control the time of possession by utilizing the hottest rookie running back in the NFL, in Elijah Mitchell, and get timely turnovers on defense.

San Francisco has won three games in row to climb over the .500 mark. They also climbed up to the number sixth seed and second wild card spot in the NFC. Minnesota had its two-game winning streak snapped and fell a game under .500 and are in a three-way tie for the seventh and final playoff spot.

“Yeah, I think we have played our best football, these past three games,” said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan when asked if his team were hitting their stride during its current winning streak. “Just in all three phases. I thought this one was a huge one because it’s a little different that the last two (games) because it came down to the wire and things went good for both sides at certain times in the game.”

Minnesota (5-6) drew first blood after Harrison Smith intercepted 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garopollo on the Niners first possession and returned the ball to San Francisco’s 49 yard line.

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins engineered an eight-play drive that resulted in a two-yard touchdown reception to wide receiver Adam Thielen with 3:33 left in the first quarter.

San Francisco (6-5) responded with a six-play, 75-yard drive to even the score at 7-7 when Deebo Samuel scored the first of his two rushing touchdowns, a 20-yard end around down the right sideline. The key play of the drive was a 37-yard reception to Brandon Aiyuk on a 3rd and 14 to Vikings 33 yard line.

Minnesota went up 14-7 early in the second quarter. Cousins led a six-play drive for 80 yards that accumulated in a 20-yard touchdown reception to Thielen who was left wide open in the end zone for his second touchdown of the game.

The 49ers finished off the first half with a 15-play, 85-yard drive to tie the score at 14 apiece. The drive was set up with a 24-yard reception to Aiyuk at the Vikings six-yard line. After an offside penalty, Garoppolo found Jauan Jennings in the flat as he tip-toed his way along the sidelines for a two-yard touchdown reception.

San Francisco opened the second half with a six-play, 75-yards to take their first lead of the game that resulted in a three-yard rushing touchdown from Samuel as he cruised around the left sideline for his second rushing touchdown of the game. Samuel set up the drive with a 49-yard rush to get the inside the Vikings red zone.

“Yeah. I wasn’t happy with how it (the game) started,” said Garoppolo. “But what we did before halftime and coming out in the second half, I think really helped turn the game in our favor.”

Samuel finished with 66 yards of rushing on just six carries.

The Niners defense came up with a big turnover on Minnesota’s first play of the second half. Azeez Al-Shaair intercepted Cousins at the 26-yard line and returned it for 24 yards to the Vikings two-yard line.

San Francisco didn’t waste any time punching the ball in the endzone as Mitchell scored on the next play, a two-yard rushing touchdown.

Mitchell, the rookie running back sensation, finished the afternoon leading all rushers with 133 yards on 27 carries and one touchdown.

“Whoever is in my way, I just try to run the ball, run them over, if anything run by them. It’s just the mindset I have and I’m going to continue to have it,” Mitchell said.

The Vikings got back into the game when Alexander Mattison scored on a six-yard rushing touchdown with 8:28 left in the third quarter to complete a five-play, 75-yard drive. However, kicker Jordan Berry missed the extra point wide right to trail 28-20.

San Francisco marched down the field on their next possession as Robbie Gould kicked a 46 yard field goal to extend the 49ers lead to 31-20.

Minnesota answered back immediately as Kenny Nwangwu returned the kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown to close the game to 31-26. The Vikings went for the two-point conversion but Cousins failed to connect with wide receiver Justin Jefferson on a passing attempt.

The Niners defense held down the fort in the fourth quarter as the kept Minnesota off the scoreboard on the Vikings final two offensive possessions. Each resulted in a turnover in downs inside the 49ers red zone.

“Disappointing loss,” said Cousins. “I was proud of the way our team battled in all three phases and made plays. It was a great team effort but, this one hurts right now.”

Vikings running back Dalvin Cook had to be carted off the field after suffering a shoulder injury on a play where Niners defensive lineman Kevin Givens stripped Cook of the ball that was recovered by Al-Shaair.

Garopollo finished with 230 yards on 17 of 26 with one touchdown and one interception. Cousins 20 of 32 for 238 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Jefferson threw one pass for 24 yards on a Philly special type of play in the second half.

Aiyuk led the Niners in receiving with three catches for 91 yards. Jefferson led all Vikings receivers with four catches for 83 yards. Thielen chipped in five catches for 62 yards and his two touchdowns but was shutout in the second half.

GAME NOTES: San Francisco finished 5-for-12 on third down conversions. Minnesota was just 2-for-8.

Samuel, only had one reception for 12-yards but it was a meaningful one. It allowed him to reach the 1,000 yards receiving milestone for the first time in his career.

Linebackers Dre Greenlaw (groin) and Fred Warner (hamstring) suffered injuries and did not return. Samuel also left the game in the fourth quarter with a groin injury.

UP NEXT: San Francisco travels out to Seattle to take on the Seahawks on Sunday 12/5 at 1:25pm as the game was flexed out by the NFL and NBC as the original scheduled time was supposed to be at 5:20pm on Sunday Night Football.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: Can 49ers open up the offense against Vikings today at Levi Stadium?

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) drops back to look for a receiver as Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard, left, and defensive tackle Malcom Brown (90) get their rush on at Jacksonville Sun Nov 21, 2021. The 49ers host the Minnesota Vikings today at Levi Stadium (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 San Francisco 49er linebacker Dre Greenlaw and defensive end Dee Ford both have practiced this week but have not been activated and are not on the injured list could you talk about their status?

#2 Minnesota Vikings and quarterback Kirk Cousins who play the 49ers today at Levi Stadium has had less turnovers than 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. When you consider though that Green Bay Packers safety Darnell Savage picked off Cousins three times but each interception was negated by the officials. Nonetheless it shows that Cousins could be flawed.

#3 The 49ers won their third game in four weeks against the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sun Nov 21st by a convincing 30-10 final. For Garoppolo 16-22, 176 yards, and two touchdowns the 49ers had quite an offensive day last Sunday with Garoppolo under center.

#4 Joe, talk about Brandon Aiyuk who caught seven passes for 85 yards, and a touchdown against Jacksonville and has been a key to the offense these past four weeks.

#5 The 49ers host the Vikings today at Levi Stadium. The Vikings just got by the Green Bay Packers last Sunday 34-31. Cousins was 24-35 for 341 yards and three touchdowns. How do you see the Vikings matching up against the 49ers today at Levi.

Join Joe for the 49ers podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders game wrap: Raiders snap 3 game skid edge Cowboys in OT 36-33

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Las Vegas Raiders back up quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) got into the end zone on a carry in the second half of the game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington against the Dallas Cowboys on Thu Nov 25, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

Las Vegas Raiders beat reporter

It took about a month for the Las Vegas Raiders to get the taste of losing out of their mouths with an overtime win over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington 36-33 on Thursday night.

You’d have to go back to Sun Oct 24th when the Raiders defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 33-22 when they last won a game. After that game they had a bye week lost two key players to unforeseen circumstances in Henry Ruggs and Damon Arnette during that week that could have knocked any team off the rails and make them miss an opportunity at post season.

The Raiders would lose three straight games to New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals. After that Bengals loss critics really wonder when the Raiders would win another game. The wait wouldn’t be long. The victory against the Cowboys on Thursday night really gave the Silver and Black some light in their playoff hope tunnel as it were and at least looking to start playing close to get within striking distance of their opponents.

The Raiders held the lead for most of the game and to come away with a win like this against the Cowboys on a Thanksgiving Day you’d have to go all the way back to 1968 proceeding that year the Raiders lost the next two Thanksgiving dates with Dallas but got back in the win column in overtime Thursday after Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson booted a 29 yard overtime field goal to get the Raiders over the hump for the three point win.

For the Cowboys the loss marks their third loss in games when they went overtime and this is the sixth overtime game in Thanksgiving Day history. One of the key reasons why the Raiders won this game is the defense played such a key role in the first three quarters of the game the Raiders held the Cowboys to a single digit in scoring for each quarter. Each time the Cowboys would get close to the red zone the Raiders would close the gap on them and force a turnover.

The other cause for the loss was the four pass interference calls that Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown got while defending the Raiders. On the fourth interference call on Brown came in overtime that put the ball in great field position for Carlson to be able to kick the 29 yard winner and take the Raiders home.

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr also had a great afternoon under center throwing 24-39 for 373 yards passing getting one touchdown. Carr didn’t allow a turnover and held onto the rock when he got sacked two times. Carr avoided moving the chains and relied on his receivers including Desean Jackson whose made a difference. Jackson three catches for 102 yards and one touchdown.

The Cowboys falling against AFC West opponents like they did last Sunday to the Kansas City Chiefs 19-9. The Raiders jumped right in with a big lead in the beginning, keeping that lead all the way until almost the end of the game.

Carr had a tremendous leadership role in leading the team really the whole game in big third down conversions all game long. Jackson had a great game at receiver and seems to be fitting in really well with the Raiders in that one two tandem of wide receiver with Zay Jones. It seems to be working out at the wide receiver angle along with wide receiver Bryan Edwards who helped out with one reception and 12 yards.

The Raiders now will have ten days off and play the Washington Football Team (4-6) coming in to Allegiant Stadium in a real big game on Sun Dec 5th. For the Raiders who have their eye on trying to get a shot at post season. Washington had a four game losing streak going before winning two in a row against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3) and Carolina Panthers (5-6). The Panthers being Washington’s most recent win.

Rich is a Raiders beat writer and join Rich Fridays for the Raiders podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders do enough to stay ahead of Cowboys; Get OT field goal from Carlson for winner 36-33

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Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 29 yard game winning field goal in overtime against the Dallas Cowboys on Thu Nov 25, 2021 at AT &T stadium in Arlington (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich:

The Las Vegas Raiders (6-5) kicker Daniel Carlson kicked the game winning field goal in overtime to just get the Raiders by the Dallas Cowboys (7-4) on Thanksgiving Day Thu Nov 25, 2021 36-33. It was a real nail biter the Raiders had just enough to stay ahead of the Cowboys throughout the game and got into overtime to get Carlson in good field position to boot the 29 yarder for the winner.

The win for the Raiders makes this their first Thanksgiving Day victory since 1968 the last time they won. This Thursday’s victory ended a two game losing streak and Thursday made it their third Thanksgiving game since 1968 as the Cowboys had won the two previous games.

The Cowboys Anthony Brown just couldn’t keep out of pass interference trouble. Brown’s pass interference help set up a field goal for Carlson. Brown would commit four third down pass interference penalties it no doubt was a factor in the Cowboys losing this game.

Rich Perez did the Raiders podcast at the conclusion of Thu Nov 25, 2021 in Dallas against the Cowboys at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Are Raiders still shook over loses of Ruggs and Arnette?; Las Vegas goes to Dallas with three game loss streak Thursday night

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Las Vegas Raiders head coach Rich Bisaccia yells instruction to the his players during Sun Nov 21, 2021 game against the visiting Cincinnati Bengals at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria:

After the Las Vegas Raiders (5-5) winning two straight games going to back on Oct 17th and 24th vs. the Denver Broncos (5-5) and Philadelphia Eagles (5-6). Then there was the bye week of Oct 31st when Henry Ruggs III was arrested for DUI by death and Damon Arnette who posted a video of himself with a automatic weapon with a scope saying he was going kill a someone.

After the loss of those two players the Raiders are currently in a three game losing streak with loses to the New York Giants (3-7), Kansas City Chiefs (7-4) and the Cincinnati Bengals (6-4). You had to wonder if the team fundamentally is off track or still shell shocked from the loses of Ruggs and Arnette.

The Raiders host the Dallas Cowboys (7-3) Thursday night for a Thanksgiving contest. The Cowboys are going well they have won seven of their last nine games and lost their most recent game against the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday 19-9. The Cowboys scores were just three field goals and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was off throwing 28-43 for 216 yards, no touchdowns and two picks. Tony tells us how he sees this match up on Turkey night.

Tony R does the Raiders podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com