RAIDERS EDGED BY COLTS 21-17

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By Scary Barry Rodriguez         September 8, 2013


( 2 of 2, Refer to:  49ERS OUTLAST GREEN BAY 34 - 28 )
 
Lucas Oil stadium, Indianapolis - The Oakland Raiders gave the Indianapolis Colts a run for their money at home. On paper this game wasn't supposed to be that close. The Colts won the game in the first half by scoring 14 points and limiting their mistakes . Less is more !

The Raider"s usually porous defense put up a good fight only to give up a rare 19 yard touchdown run by the slow footed Indianapolis QB Andrew Luck. On the offense Oakland QB Terrelle Pryor in only his second NFL start rushed for a franchise record 112 yards from under center. This didn't overcome the two red zone interceptions he threw. Yet , because of the Raider's weak offensive line , the mobile Pryor was the clear choice to start.

Colt head coach Chuck Pagano didn't get much flash from his crew. QB Andrew Luck in only his second season was able to transcend the overall lackluster performance of his team to pull out a victory in the fourth quarter with a touchdown run. He was clutch when it counted and Reggie Wayne caught enough balls , 8 for 96 yards, to provide some fire power to the offense.

Its another example of how statistics can be misleading. The Oakland Raiders statistically beat the Colts in every category but lost the game. The bottom line is scoring ! All the mainstream jockcasters were estatic over Pryor running for 112 yards. What really was happening on the field was an exercise in futility on the part of both teams.

Indianapolis underperformed and the Raider defense played above their usually terrible level ! Right now , Terrelle Pryor is still a project at quarterback. Darren McFadden is still not up to par and the Oakland offensive line is patchwork . Dennis Allen is a rookie head coach of a team in the re-build mode , so losing a close game to a playoff level team is not the kiss of death.

The main difference is that the Indianapolis Colts have tasted some success and can win ugly ! Andrew Luck was 18/23 for 178 yards and 2 touchdowns. he didn't set the playing field on fire but pulled off the big play when it counted. He has the confidence to do that. Hopefully , Terrelle Pryor can do more than talk confident in the near future. He has the all the tools to become an NFL quarterback. If the Raiders are to succeed he will have to step up ! Message to coach Chuck Pagano , maybe the other teams on your schedule will now take you lightly ! Luck may be with you !