San Francisco, CA - Both the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders share the same 2-3 record, but little else is similar.
It's time for some more tough love for our five time Super Bowl champions.
One team looks like it's on the rise while the other can't seem to get a first down on offense. Is it really possible that the Raiders, one year removed from a dismal 2-14 record, are playing better than this 49er team that looked good on paper when the season started?
You better believe it.
The 49ers could go on a tear and the Raiders could start looking like, well, like the Raiders again but as of this very moment, our worst fears have come true due to the 49ers' inability to sustain an offensive drive.
Through five games, the 49ers rank toward the bottom in almost every offensive category. The Raiders are ranked third in rushing offense and tenth in points scored.
The Silver and Black boys from Oakland can actually get the ball downfield, unlike the 49ers.
The Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins aren't exactly the class of the NFL, but the Raider offense got the job done.
Arnaz Battle could have easily lost the football to an Arizona defender in Week 1 and Jeff Wilkins could have made the game winning field goal in Week 2.
As of right now, the Oakland Raiders offense have done more things right in their two victories.
The 49ers could have easily lost the two games they won if it wasn't for some clutch play by the defense and Alex Smith getting it together at the end of those two games.
The offense has terribly regressed without continuity at the offensive coordinator position, but it doesn't excuse the 49ers from their horrid offensive display this season.
Just a year ago, Art Shell's Raider offense was absolutely terrible. A coaching staff later, Lane Kiffin's Raiders are able to move the ball.
Norv Turner leaves for San Diego but many things remain in place. The only major differences in the starting offense are the additions of Darrell Jackson at wide receiver and rookie Joe Staley replacing the much maligned Kwame Harris.
These two changes were supposed to be upgrades, yet it has not translated on to the field.
Many of us lambasted the Seattle Seahawks for trading a seasoned receiver in Jackson to a division rival, but the move doesn't look too bad for Seattle as of this moment.
The Seahawk receivers were not known for holding on to the ball. Matt Hasselbeck's numbers could have been better the last few years if it wasn't for drops and receivers not being able to create separation consistently.
With former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch on board, Jackson became expendable in Seattle. Jackson has shown good hands throughout his career, but is an inconsistent target.
Speaking of ball catchers, can someone tell us where Vernon Davis has been?
Injured constantly since his rookie season.
Seems like many of us were enamored by his raw physical talent because he has made a few plays when he has been able to get on the field.
Is our first round draft pick from a year ago a fragile player? He has seen more sideline and less game time since he became an NFL football player.
Sooner or later, the excuses are going to get old.
Other teams are getting it together and becoming competitive while the 49ers continue to make excuses.
It's put up or shut up time for Nolan and the 49ers. They simply need to start executing a lot better.
Who knows, a miracle could happen and the 49ers regain an offensive identity. Maybe the football gods will think it's 1981 again.
