OAKLAND -- Raiders defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan has been the fans' whipping boy for most of the season. And after Sunday's latest meltdown, in which the Raiders could not force a single punt by San Diego in a 38-26 defeat, he's most likely in the crosshairs of a "pissed" Hue Jackson.Asked how much of the defense's failing fell in Bresnahan's lap, Jackson, to borrow a phrase from Jackson himself, did not blink.
"We'll see, we'll see," Jackson said. "I think Chuck knows how I feel. I'm disappointed over there. I have been. It's not like we haven't had conversations. Chuck knows what I feel, and it's not good enough."Asked if Bresnahan would be back next season, Jackson said, "I'm not going to answer that right now."The Raiders gave up fewer than 17 points only once this season and gave up an average of 27.1 points per game with 53 touchdowns allowed. They gave up 31.8 points the last five games, 36.5 points in the last four losses.This was building a bully? To borrow another of Jackson's mantras."What's gone on on the defensive side of the ball," Jackson said, "what I seen today is kind of what I saw other than some things here and there at different times. I've seen the same thing. When you play defense in the NFL, man, you've got to hunt. You can't give up 28, 29 points and expect to win. You're not going to do that. Ive challenged our guys, Ive challenged everybody and obviously were not responding to it. We gotta get better."Which probably means getting a new defensive coordinator and, possibly a new 3-4 defensive scheme. But keep in mind, if Jackson moves to a 3-4, say goodbye to defensive line coach Mike Waufle, who only deals with four-man fronts.
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE