PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : Smith Says Blame Players, Not Shell

Much has been made of the Raiders’ struggles in the second half of games this season. Much has been made of Coach Art Shell’s attempts to alter the split-personality of his team.

Too much, according to defensive lineman Anthony Smith. “I see him on the sidelines,” Smith said of his coach, “and I know that players like myself are not living up to his expectations and that hurts. Really hurts.”

After amassing 10 sacks in the Raiders’ first seven games, Smith has only one in their last three. He nearly had Kansas City Chief quarterback Dave Krieg in the fourth quarter last Sunday. Smith got his hands on Krieg’s helmet, only to have him slip away and throw the touchdown pass that clinched a 31-20 Kansas City victory.

Smith said he deliberately let up on his grasp of Krieg’s helmet to avoid a penalty. “I feel as low as I’ve ever felt as a professional,” Smith said after the game, “but I’ve got to keep my head up because I am a pro. The next game is going to tell a lot about Anthony Smith.”

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San Diego Charger Coach Bobby Ross said that John Friesz will be his starting quarterback Sunday against the Raiders. But Stan Humphries, recovered from a shoulder injury, will also be available. Humphries relieved an injured Friesz in the Chargers’ fifth game, but has not appeared in the last four.