ANALYSIS : Davis Has Unsavory Food for Thought

That was some season for the Raiders . . . until the worst single-game performance in franchise history.

So what memories does owner Al Davis pack up as he heads into the off-season? He might consider the accomplishments of a team few had picked to be a contender, or the pitiful group that showed up in Buffalo to aid in their own execution. Which Jay Schroeder figures into 1991 planning meetings? There is the Schroeder who held up strong amid taunts of his own fans to finish with a better quarterback rating than Joe Montana, and the other Schroeder who contributed five interceptions and some familiar work habits to Sunday’s 51-3 loss to the Bills.

Which defensive coordinator Dave Adolph taps the office window for next month’s performance review? The Adolph who shaped a formidable defensive front all season, or the one who appeared stunned when Buffalo’s offense didn’t huddle between downs?

In the press box, a shell-shocked Davis sent his minions running for explanations as his Raiders self-destructed.

Could firings follow a 13-5 season? Don’t count on it, although few understand the inner workings of Davis’ mind.

“No way this is going to ruin it,” Schroeder said of the season after Sunday’s loss. “We’ve had a fantastic season. Not one of you in here, unless you’re lying through your teeth, expected us to be here.”

Tailback Marcus Allen agreed.

“I’m happy with the team,” he said. “We were overlooked by a lot of people. We showed a lot of character and poise. We got to this point. I guess there’s something to be happy about.”

Things the Raiders would do over: Win at Buffalo the first time. The Raiders held a 10-point lead at Rich Stadium Oct. 7 and lost, 38-24. Had the Raiders prevailed, they would have played host to the AFC title game. The way the Bills are going it might not have mattered, but at least it would have saved cross-country expenses.

Coach with a future to consider: Mike White, who brought Schroeder back, might have seen his stock drop a bit after his prize project nose-dived at Buffalo, but White still figures to draw inquiries around the league. He has been mentioned regarding job openings in Cleveland and elsewhere, with positions ranging from head coach to offensive coordinator. White had received no official calls as of Monday, but that could change in a hurry. White, who developed a close friendship with Schroeder during the season, said last week he wanted to return to the Raiders next season, but that was before he had the freedom to entertain offers.

Adolph had also surfaced as a possible candidate elsewhere, but, for the moment, he might be thankful to be working anywhere.

A coach who can sleep well at night: Art Shell. Despite Sunday’s embarrassment, Shell brought the Raiders back to prominence after four non-winning seasons. Shell was chosen AFC coach of the year by United Press International and restored some much-needed luster to the Raiders’ image. Shell, no doubt, is already breaking down the game film and muttering under his breath.

“I’m very proud of this football team,” he said after the game. “We came farther than anybody outside of this organization thought we’d come. They worked hard all year long. Through this experience they’ll learn from it, and understand that they’ve got to work hard to get back to this particular point again and give it one more try.”

The quarterback time forgot: Steve Beuerlein. No matter how the Raiders try, this issue isn’t likely to go away. In return for his summer holdout, Beuerlein was not allowed to suit up for a game all season. His sideline attire had a noticeably country flair, usually jeans and boots. No one is sure how well he can throw a football anymore, although he does a mean John Elway impression on the scout team.

So what happens? Beuerlein’s contract expires Feb. 1. The Raiders probably will protect him from Plan B free agency, entertain trade offers, force him into camp with another contract ultimatum and take it from there.

Knowing any negative comments could hurt him, Beuerlein declined to comment all season.

How many tailbacks does it take to run a backfield? Marcus Allen re-established himself as team leader after an injury-plagued 1989 season. Bo Jackson gains more yards, but a poll of teammates would prove Allen a landslide winner in terms of respect and toughness, whereas Jackson might sweep categories involving raw skill and general awe.

It turns out Jackson’s hip strain was much more serious than the team let on, and some are speculating he might not be ready for spring training. Jackson has one more season remaining on his Raider contract, then it might be time for a decision between baseball and football.

An injury-free Greg Bell sat, uncomplaining, on injured reserve most of the season before returning for mop-up action during the title game. Looked pretty sharp, too. But can the Raiders afford to carry him into next season? If they choose not to protect Bell on Plan B, would the Rams take him back?

A nose tackle who deserves better: Bob Golic. He is now 0 for 3 in AFC title games. At age 33, time is running out.

“The closer you get to the Super Bowl, the more frustrating it gets,” Golic said.

Golic said he was headed straight for the weight room Monday to get a head start on 1991. He was embarrassed by the comments of a few Buffalo Bills.

“They said it looked like we weren’t prepared,” Golic said. “But we had our coverages called, we had our alignments right. I think there was one time we didn’t get a personnel substitution, other than that we were in the coverage we wanted to be in. We just didn’t execute.”