Raiders Merit 2-D, At Best
About the only thing interesting about last night's Chargers-Raiders game on the NFL Network was that it was broadcast live in 3-D to theaters in New York, Boston and Los Angeles.
The experiment was plagued by a few technical glitches, with two first-half blackouts because of satellite problems, but generally was well-received by viewers, according to an Associated Press account from Los Angeles.
The NFL reportedly hasn't decided what to do next with the technology but discussions among the owners on its broadcasting committee on the topic are to continue.
As for the game, the Chargers won easily, 34-7, to improve their record in their disappointing season to 5-8. It's a season of "What ifs?" for the Chargers: What if they hadn't lost linebacker Shawne Merriman to a season-ending knee injury? What if referee Ed Hochuli's botched fumble call hadn't cost them an early-season game against the Denver Broncos? Yet none of it matters much now. The Chargers still trail the Broncos by 2-1/2 games in the AFC West and should have their faint playoff hopes extinguished entirely soon.
For the Raiders, the only "What if?" relates to the early-season firing of former coach Lane Kiffin by owner Al Davis: What if Kiffin had stayed? Even though their record was only 1-3 when Kiffin was dismissed, the Raiders did seem to be making progress under the youthful coach. They were close to winning games. They were competitive. They seem to have regressed since, and now they face the prospect of starting over next season with yet another new coach. They're 3-10 and have secured their sixth straight season with at least 10 losses, tying the second-longest such streak in league history. They lost an 11th straight meeting with the Chargers.
Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the first half before exiting the game because of an ankle injury. X-rays reportedly showed no breaks but Russell left the locker room on crutches. Andrew Walter took over at quarterback and threw another interception.
By
Mark Maske
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December 5, 2008; 10:51 AM ET
| Category:
Chargers
,
League
,
Raiders
,
Television
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