Raiders implode on run defense vs. Bucs

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OAKLAND -- The Raiders entered Sunday's game against Tampa Bay with the No. 11-ranked run defense in the NFL, having given up an average of 102.1 yards per game on the ground on the season.In fact, they had given up a total of 201 rushing yards total the previous three games, against Kansas City, Jacksonville and Atlanta. So it seemed as though the Raiders had, if not solved, at least figured out what ailed their rush defense.Then came the Buccaneers and rookie running back Doug Martin, who ran over, around and through the Raiders for a Tampa Bay franchise record 251 yards, including touchdown runs of 45, 67 and 70 yards. As a team, Tampa Bay rushed for 278 yards.REWIND: Instant Replay -- Bucs 42, Raiders 32
"I really think we have to take this extremely seriously," said Raiders rookie linebacker Miles Burris. "For something like this to happen, it's not O.K."In fact, Martin was sitting at 265 yards before he lost 14 yards as the Buccaneers ran out the clock on their 42-32 victory. The NFL single-game record of 296 yards, held by Minnesota's Adrian Peterson, had been within striking distance for Martin. And the most the Raiders had ever allowed? The 266 yards Seattle's Shaun Alexander rushed for in 2001."You have to look at the tape," offered defensive tackle Lamarr Houston. "The eye in the sky doesn't lie. I feel like (Martin) did a good job. The Bucs did a great job, their coaches did a great job. Once we look at the film (Monday) and see where we were making mistakes, I'm pretty sure we can get it corrected before the next game."One issue, though: many see Martin as Ray Rice 2.0, and the Raiders see the original Rice next weekend in Baltimore."That wasnt our brand of football," insisted strong safety Tyvon Branch. "Thats not the way weve been executing the past few weeks. Weve got to go watch the film, look (at) ourselves in the mirror, come back in and fix it.RELATED: Ratto -- Bucs use 17 big plays to execute Allen's Raiders
"Hes a good running back. I told y'all that before the game, watching him on film. You could see hes a good running back, he fights for every yard. We knew what we were getting into going into the game. We had a plan to stop him We just didnt execute."Raiders rookie coach Dennis Allen said it was a matter of the Raiders simply missing some tackles. Though it seemed more than that, much more, what with the massive holes through which Martin had to run.And while many fans and observers could only shake their heads at the Raiders implosion on run defense, at least one player was taking a more big picture approach."I dont think they burned down the facility in Alameda yet," said defensive end Dave Tollefson. "Im not trying to make light of it, but weve got another week. The crazy thing is, were still in this thing."Weve got to take it for what it is, and get better."

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