PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : It Has Been Tough to Throw Deep

Raider quarterback Jay Schroeder has thrown five more touchdown passes than Jim Everett of the Rams this season, but that isn’t saying much. Everett has thrown none.

The frustration with the Raider passing game is real. Coach Art Shell claims that opposing defenses are taking away the deep pass. Since connecting with Willie Gault on a 59-yard scoring pass in the opener against the Houston Oilers, Schroeder has thrown two 16-yard touchdown passes and short scoring tosses of four and five yards to tight ends Andrew Glover and Ethan Horton.

Whatever happened to the days of Cliff Branch?

“People are taking away the big strike,” Shell said. “They’re really playing off us. We can’t be impatient. We’re always looking for it, but when they start dropping back deep, it’s not going to be there for you.”

Things could be worse. The Raiders face the San Diego Chargers (0-5) this Sunday at the Coliseum. Their quarterback, John Friesz, is the lowest-ranked passer in the AFC with a 57.9 ranking.