The stories keep coming about Raiders coach Lane Kiffin on the cusp of being fired by managing general partner Al Davis.
MediaNews reported eight days ago that Davis is prepared to fire Kiffin. Everyone is awaiting Davis' next move. On Sunday, he had five-plus hours on the plane ride home to weigh the import of a last-second 24-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills as it pertains to Kiffin's job.
Cornerback DeAngelo Hall said the way the Raiders lost certainly won't help Kiffin. The Raiders allowed the Bills to score on all three of their fourth-quarter possessions and squandered a nine-point lead in the final 6 minutes, 23 seconds.
"Oh, man, that's a good question,"
Hall said. "All we talked about (last) week was getting to 2-1. We were coming in here against a Buffalo team that was undefeated and we felt like we could get it. That was the main focus. Not being able to get the job done, there is no telling what's going to happen now."
Kiffin remains unfazed by all the speculation. He said after the game that he's focused on coaching the Raiders until further notice.
"I wasn't thinking that,"
he said, when asked about his job security. "So, I don't even think about that because what's that going to do? I'm going to watch the film on the way home, like I always do, of the game, and see how we can get better. I can't control that."
He added that he doesn't have any sense on whether he'll be retained beyond today.
"No I don't,"
Kiffin said.
The most logical scenario involves Davis waiting until after Oakland's game Sunday against San Diego. By doing so, he would give a new coach two weeks — they have a bye week between games four and five — to get up to speed before the Raiders play again Oct. 12 at New Orleans.
Davis hasn't commented on the matter since word surfaced that he is so unhappy with Kiffin that he is prepared to make a coaching change.
Wilson's ejection costly
Raiders strong safety Gibril Wilson was ejected midway through the fourth quarter for unnecessary roughness on receiver Josh Reed at the end of a Bills touchdown.
As a result, rookie Tyvon Branch was pressed into action, and the Raiders were assessed a 15-yard penalty on the ensuing kickoff.
"We just got to make better decisions,"
Kiffin said. "That was a crucial 15-yard penalty, too. It takes away the chance for a big return when you're kicking off after a personal foul."
Wilson was unavailable for comment. He responded to a push by Reed by striking Reed in the face and pushing his head to the ground.
Seabass on fire
Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski built upon his perfect start by converting all three of his field goal attempts. He upped his streak to six straight by making kicks of 23, 35 and 32 yards Sunday.
Higgins' big returns
Johnnie Lee Higgins entered Sunday's game sixth in the league in kick returns at an average of 28.6 yards. He improved upon his impressive start by returning the game's opening kickoff 69 yards. He averaged 32.7 for the game.
Extra points
Raiders receiver Javon Walker missed the first game with a hamstring injury and failed to record a catch in the second game. However, he caught passes on back-to-back plays on Oakland's first drive Sunday for his first receptions as a Raider. He went the remainder of the game without another catch and finished with two for 18 yards. ... Raiders starting receiver Ronald Curry and tight end Zach Miller didn't have any receptions. "... Defensive tackle Gerard Warren sustained a neck injury in the second half and missed the latter part of the game. Kiffin said he was unaware of the extent of Warren's injury. "... Raiders running back Darren McFadden lined up at quarterback twice, with JaMarcus Russell on the sideline. McFadden handed the ball to Michael Bush both times for 16- and 6-yard gains.
