Oakland Raiders: Head Coach Dennis Allen Speaks after Fourth Preseason Game

Stuart Kovacs – Aug 31, 2012

On Thursday, the Oakland Raiders lost by a score of 21-3 to the Seattle Seahawks in their fourth and final preseason game. Here is what head coach Dennis Allen had to say about the game as well as the injuries that occurred.

With the Raiders being outgained 334-101 by the Seahawks in total offense, it is evident that Thursday night’s game wasn’t the team’s best effort.

The team’s lackluster performance showed that they still have a lot of work to do on the practice field. Allen realizes that the team needs to improve in certain areas before their first game against the San Diego Chargers on Monday, September 10.

"We didn't play good, and that's significant. It's the last preseason game, and they count for real now. Obviously, with our execution tonight, we weren't ready for prime time."

During the game, the starters on both sides of the football only played one possession. This gave most of the playing time to players battling it out for roster spots on the second and third teams.

While many of these players will not be on the final 53-man roster, Allen still believes that this game displayed the Raiders’ lack depth in certain areas.

"It tells you where we are from a depth standpoint. We hold everybody to the same standard, and we all have a job to do. So we all have to do a better job."

In terms of depth, Allen’s biggest concerns come on the offensive and defensive lines.

The Seahawks were able to sustain long offensive possessions while being able to get off of the field quickly on defense. This was made evident by the time of possession which the Seahawks won 39 minutes to 21 minutes.

"We were not good enough up front. We were overmatched on both sides of the ball, and then defensively we got worn down."

Throughout the entire preseason, special teams have been an incredible issue for the Raiders.

In order to spark the punt return game, the team signed long-time Buffalo Bills' returner Roscoe Parrish this week.

Parrish did not have his best game as he fumbled both punts that came his way. The first fumble resulted in a turnover, while the second barely made its way out of bounds.

Although Allen concedes that the former Miami Hurricane did not have the best of nights, he also doesn’t think that this performance is indicative of what Parrish can bring to the team.

“I don’t know that one night really defines who he is. But obviously he had a rough night.”

On the hand, fellow returner Bryan McCann, who is battling to make the final 53-man roster, had a nice game.

Late in the fourth quarter, McCann had an 18-yard return that began the Raiders’ only scoring drive of the game.

McCann was also able to have nice coverage on a deep pass over the middle that didn’t go unnoticed by Allen.

“He had a nice return that gave us a chance to get some points on the board, and he made a nice play on the ball down the seam. I was pleased with the way he played.”

On the injury front, kicker Sebastian Janikowski (groin), defensive lineman Richard Seymour (knees), wide receiver Jacoby Ford (left foot), wide receiver Denarius Moore (hamstring), linebacker Aaron Curry (knees), offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski (right calf), and punter Marquette King (foot) all didn’t play due to injuries.

According to Allen, King aggravated a foot injury on the flight to Seattle that resulted in him missing action. King was also seen in a walking boot during the game.

Curry will likely be placed on the physically unable to perform list before Friday’s deadline.

In addition to those players that were inactive, running back Darren McFadden, defensive lineman Tommy Kelly, and tight end Brandon Myers all didn’t play despite suiting up.

With Seymour and Kelly out of action, Desmond Bryant and Christo Bilukidi both started for the Raiders at defensive tackle. Taiwan Jones and Richard Gordon also started the game due to McFadden and Myers not playing.

During the game, there didn’t appear to be any significant injuries sustained.

Safety Brandon Underwood needed to be stretched out on the sidelines at one point, according to Paul Gutierrez.

Bilukidi, who nearly played the entire game, had to be helped off of the field at one point in the fourth quarter with apparent leg cramps.

Friday will be an extremely important day for the Raiders as they have until 9:00 PM PST to trim their roster from 75 players to 53.

The Raiders will also be monitoring other players around the league that get cut.

In addition to the players being cut, the Raiders will also have to decide on Friday whether to put ailing linebacker Aaron Curry on the physically unable to perform list or the injured reserve.

Raider Nation Times will closely monitor all player transactions as well as the Raiders’ preparation for the 2012 NFL season.

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