The blame for Raiders fans has been widespread after seeing their team get trounced by their division rival Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday, with the most prevalent target being offensive coordinator Todd Downing.

However, for those that have been paying close attention to this season, quarterback Derek Carr’s regression and timid nature in the pocket is the most obvious difference in 2017 as opposed to last season’s 12-win squad.

That led shrewd reporters to ask coach Jack Del Rio if he felt his franchise QB was playing tentatively during media availability Monday.

“I don’t believe so,” Del Rio said. “I don’t believe that he’s lost any confidence in his line. I think that there have been many examples throughout this season where we have not played boldly to go make the plays.

I would really like to see that. Because at the end of the day, if you kind of go halfway, it’s not good enough anyway. So, I’d love to see us just let it rip, OK? And go play. Talked about hair on fire, talked about that kind of effort and energy, playing fast, that’s what I believe in, and I’d love to see it more often.”

On more than one occasion Oakland defenders were seen jogging in the middle of plays and the team has appeared to lack the sense of urgency that is generally associated with any NFL team who is fighting for their playoff lives.

Related Raiders QB Derek Carr worst QB under pressure in pocket in NFL

Meanwhile, Carr has posted a quarterback rating of 41.8 while under pressure in the pocket in 2017 according to Pro Football Focus, which would imply that Del Rio’s position on his franchise quarterback is (at the very least) somewhat off base.

The 26-year-old QB was adamant in taking the blame for his unit’s lack of execution during his postgame press conference Sunday. And he and his 6-7 squad will get a crack at redemption Sunday, Dec. 17 when the Raiders host the Cowboys on NBC’s Sunday Night Football.

Oakland will need to win its final three games to finish at 9-7 and still have a chance to eke into the playoffs with a wild-card berth this year. After hosting Dallas Sunday, the Raiders will finish their final two games of the year on the road against the Eagles and Chargers, respectively.