"They understood the stakes, discussed them throughout the week. To win this game, to beat the 49ers, would provide a measure of validation for a Raiders team trying to dissociate itself from the failures of seasons past. With a victory, these Raiders, who last week beat San Diego, would wear the mythical state crown. They would be at .500 after six or more games for the first time since 2002. They would position themselves close enough to the top of the AFC West that a win next Sunday in Denver might vault them into first place in the division. And they would -- this is a notable psychological barrier -- win consecutive games for the first time since 2008. All those rosy possibilities were blown up by a 17-9 loss at Candlestick Park on Sunday that featured an abysmal offensive performance and several devastating defensive plays for which the Raiders didn't bother to formulate any excuses. The familiarity of it all, of being in a game for most of its duration, only to walk away defeated, seemed to tear at them. Wide receiver Louis Murphy stared into his locker for a few minutes before rising to sling towels and talk out loud to no one in particular. Defensive tackle Tommy Kelly sat frozen, with a towel draped over his face. Coach Tom Cable was terse and annoyed, unable to hide his contempt for what he had witnessed. "The tale of this game is not taking advantage of the opportunities," defensive tackle Richard Seymour said in a corner of the cramped visiting locker room. "Everybody's involved in it. I'm involved. No one's exempt." With the possible exception of punter Shane Lechler, who averaged 53.5 yards on six kicks, Seymour's sweeping, stinging summary is on point." http://www.mercurynews.com/49ers/ci_16365243?nclick_check=1
