PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : League Leaders in Wrong Area

The Raiders have almost always been among the league leaders in penalty yardage. This season, however, they have taken their relationship with officials to a higher level, leading the NFL with 72 penalties for 614 yards, with 19 calls having provided first downs for opponents.

“If we were undefeated and leading the league in penalties, it wouldn’t be a problem,” said cornerback Terry McDaniel. “But we aren’t in that position. So we can’t afford to get those penalties.”

In seven games, the Raiders (4-3) have been penalized 155 yards more than any other team. In fact, the Raiders have more than doubled the penalty yardage of 10 other teams. The New York Giants have the league’s fewest penalty yards with 215.