They Just Don’t Get the Point

Three points last time.

Out of the playoffs.

Six points this time.

Out of the playoffs.

These are not the Oakland/L.A. Raiders that America used to love/hate.

Whatever happened to the football team that used to score, score and score some more? Whatever happened to Daryle Lamonica’s team . . . Ken Stabler’s team . . . Jim Plunkett’s team . . . Bo Jackson’s team? Whatever happened to the team that scored 32 points in Super Bowl XI, 27 points in Super Bowl XV and 38 points in Super Bowl XVIII?

You can’t expect to get into the Super Bowl if you can’t even get into the end zone.

Buffalo 51, Raiders 3?

OK. Bad day for the defense and offense both.

But Kansas City 10, Raiders 6?

Nothing wrong with your defense.

The only reason Kansas City scored at all in Saturday’s AFC playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium is because Todd Marinovich got intercepted and Marcus Allen fumbled. The interception set up the game’s only touchdown. The fumble led to Kansas City’s only field goal. That’s it--the entire highlight film. Ten points.

All the Chiefs needed.

Ten stinking points.

Ten points against a Kansas City defense racked, wracked and wrecked. Derrick Thomas, hospitalized with a rapid heartbeat. Chris Martin, sprained knee. Tracy Rogers, sprained knee. Kevin Porter, sprained knee. Jayice Pearson, bell rung.

“At times, we were out there using guys other teams had traded, cut or written off,” defensive end Bill Maas said.

But what did the Raiders do with the ball?

First quarter: (Only possession) Marinovich intercepted.

Second quarter: (First possession) Marinovich sacked in Chief territory, fumbles. (Next possession) Three plays, punt. (Next possession) Marinovich intercepted. (Next possession) Drive to Kansas City 21, then Steve Wright called for holding. Settle for field goal.

Third quarter: (First possession) Drive to Kansas City eight, then settle for field goal. (Next possession) Allen catches pass in Chief territory, fumbles.

Fourth quarter: (First possession) Drive to Kansas City 24, then Marinovich intercepted. (Next possession) Drive to Kansas City 24, holding penalty, false start, facemask penalty, offensive interference, then Marinovich intercepted.

End of game.

End of season.

See you again next year with another exciting episode of Name That Quarterback.

We did get a look at the backfield of tomorrow. And, looking back, it looked good.

Nick Bell, we mean.

The rookie picked up 107 yards. Bell was on the ball. Marcus Allen hardly touched the ball. Roger Craig never touched the ball.

Todd Marinovich was another story.

Last time, three touchdowns, no turnovers.

Merry Christmas.

This time, same opponent, four interceptions and a fumble.

Unhappy New Year.

“Man, you guys tried to put him in the Pro Bowl,” Kansas City defensive back Kevin Ross practically spat. “You can’t judge a guy from one game. You can’t even judge him from one season.”

Deron Cherry was delighted to see Marinovich. He said he read the rookie’s eyes. He said he knew Marinovich would stick to shorter “intermediate” routes, as opposed to bombs-away Jay Schroeder. He said he understood Marinovich better having had some film to study.

And he, too, wasn’t too thrilled with the notices Marinovich got after the last game.

“Everyone was talking about how he just mangled our defensive secondary,” Cherry said. “That was a motivating factor, too.”

Neil Smith didn’t even expect to see Marinovich.

“I thought sure it would be Schroeder,” the Chief defensive end said, “being that he was the guy who got them this far.”

What did Smith think of Marinovich this week as opposed to last week?

“I think he knows now how to play on the road,” Smith said, smiling ear-to-ear.

So, what’s the verdict?

Marinovich is 0-2 as a pro. QB or not QB?

Ross: “Don’t get me wrong, man. Over all, he’ll probably end up being a big star.”

Cherry: “I like his poise, his leadership, the way he handles himself. He’s going to be a good pro quarterback.”

Smith: “Hey, he took the licks. I think the guy’s gonna be damn good.”

So, what do we get in next season’s playoffs?

Schroeder again?

Marinovich again?

Nine points?

Eleven would have won Saturday’s game.

Vince Evans probably could have got 11.