OAKLAND, Calif. -- Observed and heard in the locker room after the Raiders’ 31-28 defeat to San Diego:
No moral victories: Tony Sparano said he was happy with the way his team competed in his first game as the Oakland Raiders’ interim coach. But he said the talk all week was to win, not just compete. Sparano said the Raiders have to find a way to win a close game. He said that’s when this team will start to turn the corner.
Frustrated players: Sparano’s team seemed to take the same approach. This team has lost 11 straight games dating back to November and the Raiders weren’t celebrating a close call. They want to win badly.
Carr stands by last throw: Oakland rookie quarterback Derek Carr had a terrific day, tossing four touchdown passes. But the game ended with an interception inside the 10-yard line on a long pass with the Raiders close to field-goal range. Carr said he trusted the play and his throw and he would do it 100 times over if given the chance.
