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Shell vows changes upstairs after replay challenge gaffe
ALAMEDA -- Raiders coach Art Shell has shown he isn't shy about making a change if someone isn't playing as well as expected. His next change just might involve some of the personnel in the coaches' box.
This comes after Shell reviewed the TV footage from Sunday's 24-21 loss against the Cleveland Browns and realized that a replay challenge was warranted on a play that went against the Raiders early in the fourth quarter.
"After I saw it, I was miffed, because we should have challenged it," Shell said at his weekly news conference Monday.
To recap: Raiders wide receiver Ronald Curry caught a pass from quarterback Andrew Walter on a third-and-16 play from the Browns 45-yard line and the Raiders trailing by three. Curry caught the ball, turned up field, broke a tackle and lunged for a first down.
The officials spotted the ball just inside the 30. Replays showed that Curry picked up at least 1 yard more than that. Shell contacted the people responsible for telling him whether a challenge is worthwhile, at the risk of being penalized a timeout if the initial ruling gets upheld.
Shell said he got told by unidentified Raiders officials in the press box that it wasn't worth challenging the ruling. That brought about a fourth-and-one. Running back LaMont Jordan gut stuffed for a 2-yard loss on the next play.
Cleveland held the Raiders on their final possession and ran out the clock.
Players oftentimes are in a better position to gauge whether a play should be challenged. The play Sunday happened across the field from Shell. Still, he said, the best option rests with those who have access to TV replays.
"You rely on the player, but with the vantage from upstairs, they should be able to see it," Shell said of the team officials above the field.
A successful challenge wouldn't have guaranteed the Raiders anything more than a first down. They still needed to score some points for it to mean much. Even so, things won't be handled the same way from now on.
"We talked about it as a staff (Monday) morning," Shell said, "and did something about it."
Shell refused to be specific about what changes were made.
Moss 'not concerned'
Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss got criticized in certain circles for his failure to catch a long pass that appeared within his reach and for not challenging defensive backs for several other passes that were up for grabs Sunday.
His comments Monday on his weekly radio spot on Fox Sports lend credence to those who criticized Moss' play Sunday as being indifferent.
"I'm not concerned about football right now," Moss said. "I'm loving life."
When asked if he should be more concerned about the way things are going, he said: "No, I don't see anybody else having a concern, so why should I? There are negative things going on now. I'm not the only one unhappy."
Moss made a highlight-reel catch of a Walter pass for a 5-yard touchdown for his lone reception of the game. Walter threw Moss' way seven times.
"It was a bad game for me," Moss said. "It was hard to get into the game physically, to get myself sweating. But you have to be a pro."
Walter's second start
Shell left open the possibility of regular quarterback Aaron Brooks playing Sunday against the 49ers. Brooks all but shot down that possibility.
"No, probably not," Brooks said, when asked about his status. "Probably not at all."
Brooks sustained a strained pectoral muscle in Oakland's game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 17. The diagnosis by team doctors called for Brooks to miss anywhere from two to four weeks.
Therefore, it appears all but certain that Walter will make his second NFL start Sunday. Brooks has begun throwing for the first time since he got hurt.
Extra points
Defensive end Lance Johnstone (right knee), linebacker Isaiah Ekejiuba (right shoulder) and running backs Zack Crockett (right knee) and ReShard Lee (neck) sustained injuries against the Browns and underwent MRI exams Monday. Cornerback Fabian Washington (right hamstring) was in and out of Sunday's game. He is doubtful for the 49ers game, Shell said. Tyrone Poole is Washington's backup. Also, left offensive tackle Robert Gallery (shoulder/knee) got banged up Sunday but is expected to play against the 49ers.
-- Steve Corkran
http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/sports/15666161.htm
Shell vows changes upstairs after replay challenge gaffe
ALAMEDA -- Raiders coach Art Shell has shown he isn't shy about making a change if someone isn't playing as well as expected. His next change just might involve some of the personnel in the coaches' box.
This comes after Shell reviewed the TV footage from Sunday's 24-21 loss against the Cleveland Browns and realized that a replay challenge was warranted on a play that went against the Raiders early in the fourth quarter.
"After I saw it, I was miffed, because we should have challenged it," Shell said at his weekly news conference Monday.
To recap: Raiders wide receiver Ronald Curry caught a pass from quarterback Andrew Walter on a third-and-16 play from the Browns 45-yard line and the Raiders trailing by three. Curry caught the ball, turned up field, broke a tackle and lunged for a first down.
The officials spotted the ball just inside the 30. Replays showed that Curry picked up at least 1 yard more than that. Shell contacted the people responsible for telling him whether a challenge is worthwhile, at the risk of being penalized a timeout if the initial ruling gets upheld.
Shell said he got told by unidentified Raiders officials in the press box that it wasn't worth challenging the ruling. That brought about a fourth-and-one. Running back LaMont Jordan gut stuffed for a 2-yard loss on the next play.
Cleveland held the Raiders on their final possession and ran out the clock.
Players oftentimes are in a better position to gauge whether a play should be challenged. The play Sunday happened across the field from Shell. Still, he said, the best option rests with those who have access to TV replays.
"You rely on the player, but with the vantage from upstairs, they should be able to see it," Shell said of the team officials above the field.
A successful challenge wouldn't have guaranteed the Raiders anything more than a first down. They still needed to score some points for it to mean much. Even so, things won't be handled the same way from now on.
"We talked about it as a staff (Monday) morning," Shell said, "and did something about it."
Shell refused to be specific about what changes were made.
Moss 'not concerned'
Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss got criticized in certain circles for his failure to catch a long pass that appeared within his reach and for not challenging defensive backs for several other passes that were up for grabs Sunday.
His comments Monday on his weekly radio spot on Fox Sports lend credence to those who criticized Moss' play Sunday as being indifferent.
"I'm not concerned about football right now," Moss said. "I'm loving life."
When asked if he should be more concerned about the way things are going, he said: "No, I don't see anybody else having a concern, so why should I? There are negative things going on now. I'm not the only one unhappy."
Moss made a highlight-reel catch of a Walter pass for a 5-yard touchdown for his lone reception of the game. Walter threw Moss' way seven times.
"It was a bad game for me," Moss said. "It was hard to get into the game physically, to get myself sweating. But you have to be a pro."
Walter's second start
Shell left open the possibility of regular quarterback Aaron Brooks playing Sunday against the 49ers. Brooks all but shot down that possibility.
"No, probably not," Brooks said, when asked about his status. "Probably not at all."
Brooks sustained a strained pectoral muscle in Oakland's game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 17. The diagnosis by team doctors called for Brooks to miss anywhere from two to four weeks.
Therefore, it appears all but certain that Walter will make his second NFL start Sunday. Brooks has begun throwing for the first time since he got hurt.
Extra points
Defensive end Lance Johnstone (right knee), linebacker Isaiah Ekejiuba (right shoulder) and running backs Zack Crockett (right knee) and ReShard Lee (neck) sustained injuries against the Browns and underwent MRI exams Monday. Cornerback Fabian Washington (right hamstring) was in and out of Sunday's game. He is doubtful for the 49ers game, Shell said. Tyrone Poole is Washington's backup. Also, left offensive tackle Robert Gallery (shoulder/knee) got banged up Sunday but is expected to play against the 49ers.
-- Steve Corkran
http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/sports/15666161.htm