Bears Vs. Raiders: Caleb Hanie’s Comeback Bid Falls Short

Oakland Raiders punter Shane Lechler set a new franchise record with an 80-yard punt today. Lechler’s punt came in the second quarter after the Raiders offense produced another three-and-out against the Chicago Bears. Lechler broke the franchise’s previous record of 77 yards held by Wayne Crow, who set it in 1961.

Check out the video of Lechler’s amazing punt right here.

So Mike Martz may have been right about Caleb Hanie. That, or Jay Cutler’s place holder is just struggling in his season debut. Hanie just threw his third interception of the first half, just minutes after completing a touchdown throw to Johnny Knox. Raiders linebacker Kamerion Wimbley picked him off and returned the ball 83 yards, giving Oakland the chance to add to the score with less than 20 seconds left in the first half.

Check out the video of Hanie’s third interception and Wimbley’s 83-yard return right here.

The Chicago Bears began life without quarterback Jay Cutler with a rough start today. Facing the Oakland Raiders in Oakland backup quarterback Caleb Hanie threw two first quarter interceptions. The Raiders capitalized on both of the turnovers, kicking two field goals to go up by a score of 6-0 in the first quarter. Hanie later redeemed himself with a 24-yard drive-saving scramble before finally connecting with Johnny Knox on a 29-yard touchdown pass.

Check out the video of one of Hanie’s interceptions in this game.

For more on the Raiders, visit Silver And Black Pride.

Game Date/Time: Sunday, November 27; 4:05pm ET

Location: O.com Coliseum, Oakland, California

You’d think this would make the Raiders a popular pick, and that’s generally the case. All four of Yahoo’s experts are picking the Raiders. Although ESPN and CBS are considerably more split, the Raiders seem to be the safer bet, especially considering they are at home. Sports Illustrated’s Peter King summed up the game this way:

This might not be a great game to pick in your suicide pool, it seems risky, to say the least to go with a team whose quarterback as all of 66 career passing yards.

Odds Shark has more NFL Week 12 odds and lines. For more on this game, check out Bears blog Windy City Gridiron and Raiders blog Silver and Black Pride. Be sure to visit SB Nation NFL for more on Week 12’s action.