SAN DIEGO – A trio of Raiders missed an easy chance to tackle Denver running back C.J. Anderson on what was the tide-turning touchdown in last week’s loss to the Broncos.
Charles Woodson was among them. The veteran free safety had another chance to make a huge stop late in Sunday’s 13-6 loss to the Chargers. He clung to Chargers tight end Antonio Gates like a wet blanket on third down, in the fourth quarter of a one-score game. A pass came his way, but it slipped through his hands and ended up in Gates’ grasp.
[RECAP: Raiders topped by Chargers, fall to 0-10]
The Chargers extended the drive, whittled the clock down to nearly nothing and pinned the Raiders too far back for a realistic comeback try.
Though there was plenty of blame to go around after the Raiders fell to 0-10 – Woodson was way, way down the list – the 38-year old thought back to last week’s missed tackle and then this week’s missed opportunity.
“I don’t know how many times I’ve (intercepted) balls like that,” Woodson said. “I could’ve got us the ball back right there or picked up yards after the catch. That’s on me. That kills me. I feel like I had an opportunity to help our team fight back and get a win. I failed the team.”
[BAIR: Raiders offense laments letting defense down]
The Raiders have been close in so many games, that a play here and there could make a huge difference between 0-10 and an improved record.
“That’s the way this season’s gone,” he said. “We’ve been that close so many times, and we haven’t been able to finish it. Those recent plays stick out in my mind illustrate how this season has gone. That’s the reason why we are where we are right now.”
