Oakland Raiders at San Francisco 49ers: 5 takeaways from Week 9

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders reacts from the sidelines against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders reacts from the sidelines against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

The coaching has been underwhelming

Much of this season’s criticism has been placed on the performance of the players, and rightfully so. But the play calling by the coaching staff has to be called out as well, and for the sake of Thursday night’s performance, much of the criticism has to be generated towards the performance of defensive coordinator Paul Guenther.

Guenther was brought in as a sound defensive mind, but we haven’t seen any hint of those expectations throughout the first half of the season. There has been no pass rush and the defensive rotations have been in constant flux, and its led to an onslaught of points being scored on the Oakland defense.

One season might be too quick to show Guenther the door, but Gruden was clearly not happy when they exchanged an interaction on the sideline Thursday night. Make no mistake, the fans aren’t happy either.