Blackadder, the Crusaders stalwart who captained the team to the first three of its seven titles, said his side had not been helped by a massive number of injuries.
"We have been close and are not far away.
We are putting ourselves under pressure and some of our handling has not helped at times," Blackadder said.
"Some of the errors are down to individuals, while some of it is team stuff we are not doing right."
The Crusaders started the Super 14 with a win over the Chiefs, but then lost to the Brumbies in the last minute and went down to the Hurricanes last round.
Blackadder downplayed the talk of a continuation of the Crusaders culture saying every year was simply one of careful preparation and hard work and attempting to make progress in every game.
The long injury list was showing no signs of abating, with experienced backs Casey Laulala and Leon MacDonald unavailable this weekend.
Skipper Richie McCaw had missed a game with a head knock while key lock Brad Thorn has had foot problems.
Blackadder was enjoying the challenge of coaching in Super 14, a step up from coaching Tasman in the Air New Zealand Cup.
He said players were of a different quality in the Super 14 but the first task was to get a fit team.
He said the win last year by the Highlanders had no bearing on tonight's game.
"The Highlanders may not have won a game but we can't take anything out of that.
"They are a good team and have been playing well.
"They will give us a torrid game."
