Daily Madden: Raiders Fail The Test; Niners Prepare For Theirs
OAKLAND (KCBS) - The Raiders gave up 14 points in the last five minutes in losing to the Detroit Lions 28-27 in Oakland Sunday.
"To me that's the most important statistic for a defense that there is. When you get the lead, can you hold it," Madden said. "Once you get a lead you have to shut the other team down."
Madden said he's impressed by Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, quarterback Matthew Stafford, and by their team's progress.
"Detroit's on their way now. They got over the hump. They're not ready to win a lot of playoff games...They have parts that they have to get, but they're on the right road," he said.
Madden said 49er fans looking forward to Monday night's game against the Pittsburgh shouldn't be encouraged by Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's ankle sprain.
"When he's banged up and he's hurt and you don't know if he's going to play or not, he plays well. Not only does he play, but he plays well."
The former coach said the cagey Pittsburgh defense will present a big challenge for the 49ers offense.
"Pittsburgh messes with your mind and your protections and stuff more than they beat you man to man," Madden said. "They don't give you any pre-snap reads, and what you see pre-snap isn't what's going to happen... Pittsburgh is going to be tough." (9:15)
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