Category: Column

Oakland Raiders: Don’t take 2016 for granted

My annual trip to a Raiders game fell on the week of the Chargers.

There’s no better feeling than being amongst the thousands of Raider Nation faithful. Shoutout to all the friendly people who hooked me up with ice, wipes, an oven-glove, and great vibes.

It was a trueky memorable experience and we’re not even talking about the game. 

I don’t take the atmosphere of the Black Hole for granted.

***

The Oakland Raiders secured their best start since 2002 via a 31-34 win over the San Diego Chargers.

After years of interchanging quarterbacks and coaches, let’s not take that for granted.

Oakland is tied for first in the NFL and first in their division.

This isn’t just a paper championship earned via the draft and free agency.

The Raiders finally have a product reflected by their 4-1 record. 

Sure, it has not been perfect. Oakland got just enough autumn win for San Diego to muff the snap on a game tying field goal. 

Otherwise, the Raiders running game was largely inefficient as it managed less than four yards a carry. They also got torched in the passing game. Travis Benjamin and Tyrell Williams both registered more than 100 passing yards for the Chargers. 

Still, the team found a way to win. That’s been the moral of this season. Rather it was on the two-point conversion in New Orleans or the defensive stand versus the Ravens.

It has not always been pretty. The defense ranks towards the bottom and they’re not always efficient on third down, offensively. However, the Raiders continue to win despite not getting much production from their best defensive-line player Khalil Mack, best corner Sean Smith and rotating through tight ends and right tackles.

It is still early in the season, but let’s not take this Raiders team for granted. We must appreciate that this team is finding ways to win when previous teams always found way to lose.

Not to mention, they’re doing it in Oakland -the Mecca for Raider Nation. Despite the city’s inability to find a long-term stadium option, it is important that this team wins for a city that supports them through thick and thin.

Finally, the Silver and Black are rising from the shadows of mediocrity. The media has been noticing, but fans knew this thing was turning around years ago.

Let’s not take our recent success for granted. Enjoy the winning and let’s keep it going versus Kansas City on Sunday at 10:05 p.m.

Just win baby! 

Oakland Raiders Quarter Season Awards for 2016

Four games down and 12 remaining for the Oakland Raiders. Look at the good and bad from the Silver and Black’s 2016 season, with a quarter completed.

MVP: Derek Carr

Nine touchdowns and one interception. Don’t forget the game winning drives in the fourth quarter versus the New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens. Quarterback Derek Carr has lead the team to their best start since 2002, the same year quarterback Rich Gannon won league MVP.

It is no coincidence. He earned his ranking as the top-rated quarterback according to Pro Football Focus. Further, Carr is taking that next step as he is finishing drives in the endzone and he has become reliable in the clutch.

As long as the Raiders have Carr, they can finally compete with the best teams in the league. He is a natural athlete and leader, which make this MVP campaign real.

Comeback Player: D.J. Hayden

It is not often that a player who started the year before wins comeback player of the year. Considering he ended last season in the coaches’ and fans’ doghouse, corner D.J. Hayden deserves whatever extra credit he can win.

Yes, he has gotten beat. Yes, he has not been perfect. However, he has made plays that he did not in prior years. Hayden has shown ability as a pure tackler in the slot. He even broke up some passes last week.

Head coach Jack Del Rio has complimented his play multiple times in the season. David Amerson has said the sky is the limit for the young player. Hayden himself expects to continue building on the first quarter via CSN Bay Area. Look for Hayden to keep getting better with the entire team. The 2013 first round pick already climbed into the top 50 corners via PFF.

Best Newcomer: Cory James 

The Raiders are relying on lots of newcomers this season. We will limit it to rookies considering the high-profile free agents signed by Oakland.

Rookie runners DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard have both sparked the ground game. Vandal Alexander has filled in nicely at tackle. Korey Joseph has made plays in the secondary.

Nonetheless, linebacker Cory James wins the award after coming out of nowhere. Dude was selected as a glorified special teams player but has made two starts, recorded 23 tackles and a forced fumble. He’s been all over the field and has helped the team communicate.

James is far from perfect, but he is playing better than Ben Heeney. Even his defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. said the team would be better if they had a bunch of players like him. Imagine where Oakland would be without him.

Best Playmaker: Michael Crabtree

Receiver Michael Crabtree has four touchdown receptions. He put the team on his back last week with three touchdowns. The receiver is on pace for 1236 yards and sixteen touchdowns. Crabtree also caught the game-winning, two-point conversion in Week 1.

Consistently, Carr looks for Crabtree in clutch third downs and in the redzone. The two players have developed chemistry in their second year. Yes, Amari Cooper is the x-factor thanks to his big plays. However, Crabtree is the player we need to keep drives alive.

Added, Bruce Irvin could claim this award. He has two strip sacks that changed the momentum versus the New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, we can’t reward a player that on one of the league’s worst defenses.

Biggest Bust: Dan Williams

Speaking of the defense, it gave up historically bad numbers in the first two weeks. Some may say it was because Dan Williams did not play. He only played 24 percent of last week’s snaps too.

Remember, Williams came into training camp out of shape. Last season, he was one of the better players on defense. Still, the team has not stopped the run and that starts at the nose tackle position. Their 5.1 yards per carry is the worst in the league, and their 134.5 yards per game is the second worst. Even with Williams on the field, the team is not playing much better. Nor has he earned more time thanks to his pass rushing ability.

It pains me to say it because Williams’ story about joining the Raiders is one of my favorite. Either way, he can and needs to play better.

All of these awards could easily change, because there are a ton of games remaining. Keep watching to see how the Raiders do.

Oakland Raiders: Turn up or Turn Down from Week 4

The Oakland Raiders secured their third road victory of the 2016 season via a defeat of the previously undefeated Baltimore Ravens. Here are more lessons from the 28-27 victory.

Turn Up: 3-1 overall record for the 2016 season.

Forget the fact that Oakland won all three games by a single score. The Raiders have their best start since 2002, the same year they won the AFC title.  Not to mention, the team seems poised for their first winning season since that year. That all sounds like  cause for celebrations.

Turn up: The Special Teams

Marquette King registered the best-graded game ever rated by Pro Football Focus. Jalen Richard also added a 47-yard punt return. Special teams really gave the Raiders an edge in the one-point contest versus the Ravens. Especially when Devin Hester sparked his team with a few nice returns, the Silver and Black needed to execute on special teams.

That is exactly what head coach Jack Del Rio said in Monday’s press conference.

“All three phases playing complementary football, impacting the game, and it’s about us and our team, and what we’re able to do when those three phases work together like that. That’s a great example of it.” Del Rio said.

Let’s see more sparks via corner punts and long returns as the season continues.

Turn Down: The talks about an elite offense

Oakland played an efficient game on offense. Derek Carr threw four touchdown passes and went 25 of 35 for 199 yards. The leading rusher was DeAndre Washington with 30 yards on five carries. Plus, the unit only converted a quarter of their third down attempts.

Obviously, the Silver and Black will take the win. However, we need to see more from the rushing attack before this unit becomes elite. An example of this includes Baltimore winning the time of possession category by more than 9 minutes. It could help not having a rookie like Vandal Alexander at right tackle. Some of his penalties killed the team. An improved rushing attack also makes for more easily managed third downs.

Either way, Oakland still ranks in the top 10 as far as offensive averages for rushing and passing. They just need a little better execution to become an elite unit.

Turn Down: Defensive hype

 

Yes, the Raiders defense came up with a four-and-out stop in the final two minutes before winning on the road. Yes, Bruce Irvin got a strip-sack and Khalil Mack got his first sack of the year in the fourth quarter. Plus, the team pressured Joe Flacco all day.

https://twitter.com/blackhanside/status/783100760800178176

However, Ravens running back slashed through the Raiders defense for 113 yards on 21 carries. Joe Flacco also got 298 yards, even if it took him more than 50 attempts. Also, 37-year-old Steve Smith caught 8 balls for 111 yards and 1 touchdown.

Clearly, Oakland has a long way to go before the unit is actually good. They still rank last in total yards and average per pass. They are also second to last in opponent rushing yards per game.

It is great that the Silver and Black can rely on their team to make plays when it matters. Nonetheless, it would be great if they made plays through the entire game.

Turn Down: The Penalties

Overall, the Raiders have had too many penalties. They are No. 1 in offensive penalties with 43. They are in the top-five as far as defensive penalties too.

The margin for error is so low in the NFL. Oakland can not keep winning these one score games if they consistently lead in the penalty category.

Blame it on the Raiders-bias if you want. However, the Raiders need to look themselves in the mirror and execute better. This is especially true for an offensive line that is too good for holding calls and false starts.

Turn Up: D.J. Hayden in the nickel corner.

Hayden played 70 percent of the team’s snaps despite not starting in the base defense. He made six tackles and defensed one pass. Not to mention, he made some hits.

We’ve grown so much, man,” Hayden said. “As far as our execution; we’re playing smarter. We’re just out there playing. We’re not thinking, we’re just reacting.”

Considering how many fans were ready to write him off, we should definitely celebrate that Hayden is coming into his own  via the inside corner spot.

 

Marcel Reece: Closing the Chapter

This week, the Oakland Raiders said farewell to a Silver and Black legend. Oakland cut fullback Marcel Reece on his first day back from suspension.
Reece’s removal from the roster was coming. The team had replaced him with a younger and similar player in Jamize Olawale. Plus, the team already had three tight ends and four running backs on the active roster. 
Besides that, Reece himself had said the team was phasing him out of the offense last year. However, that should not tarnish his legacy with the Raiders.
The fullback was the Raiders only Pro Bowler a few times. Not to mention, he was always a visible member of Raider Nation via community events and social media. Even multiple members of the media said they would miss Reece. He always gave insightful quotes on the team. Reece always brought his energy and swagger to the team. 
It will be weird not seeing Reece’s No. 45. He was our bright spot, when the Raiders had none. 
Further, Derek Carr and Khalil Mack credit Reece for teaching them how to become Raiders. Plus, owner Raiders Mark Davis said it was a difficult decision to cut him.
Either way, we can’t forget what Reece brought to this team. We must thank him for his contributions to the Raiders.

Once a Raider, always a Raider!

Oakland Raiders versus Tennessee Titans: Turn Up or Turn Down

The Oakland Raiders (2-1) played a better defensive game as they held onto a road victory over the Tennessee Titans (1-2). Here are some reactions from the week three win.

Turn Up: The Secondary

Rookie safety Karl Joseph led the team in tackles during his debut as a starter. Meanwhile, free agency acquisitions corner Sean Smith and safety Reggie Nelson both registered interceptions. Not to mention, D.J. Hayden made some key tackles. T.J. Carrie made some plays in coverage on the final game. Also, David Amerson led the team with four pass deflections.

The Raiders secondary finally showed some ability. They still need to turn up their abilities to make up for the first two games, where they gave up more than 400 passing yards. However, this game showed a glimpse of their potential. Oakland will need the secondary to improve because they invested a ton of money into the unit during free agency.

Turn Down: Opponents’ Rushing Yards

Oakland got exposed in the running game, again. This time, Tennesse registered 181 rushing yards. The Silver and Black struggled tackling the Titans’ big running backs DeMarcco Murray and Derrick Henry.

Rookie linebacker Cory James showed some positives in his first start. However, the team still requires improved play in the middle of their defense. That starts up front with defensive tackle play. The Raiders’ under-sized linebackers need the big defensive tackles to eat space. This way, James and others can use their speed to get downhill and attack the ball.

Turn Down: Dropped Passes

The Silver and Black only scored 17 points, but it was a successful outing on the offensive side of the ball. Oakland could have dominated the ball more with better execution from their pass catchers.

Quarterback Derek Carr completed 21 of 35 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown in the game, but his team went scoreless in the second half. Some of that goes on the shoulders of receivers who dropped too many balls. Amari Cooper, Clive Walford, Andre Holmes, and Seth Roberts all took turns at failing to complete receptions. Some of them were bad throws or good plays by the defense, but they need to make the catches when the ball is in reach.

Turn Up: The Rushing Attack

Again, Oakland still dominated the line of scrimmage by registering more than 100 rushing yards in the game. Nonetheless, most of that success came from a 22-yard run from Latavius Murray and a 30-yard run from DeAndre Washington. Take those away and the unit was much less effective. Just look at Murray’s pedestrian 3.7 yards per carry.

Either way, Oakland’s rushing attack should get better once they get one of their top-three tackles back from injury. Starting right tackle Menelik Watson went down with another injury in this game and Vadal Alexander put together a solid outing in his first extended performance during Watson’s absence. Regardless, it would be nice to see this unit stay at full strength.

 

Oakland Raiders: The one thing to improve versus the Tennesse Titans

The Oakland Raiders and Tennesse Titans had even odds at the beginning of the week. Now, the week three game moved in the Titans’ favor, according to Silver and Black Pride.

One of the biggest reasons the Raiders could lose to the Titans is the defense.

How bad is the Oakland Raiders defense?

Here are some alarming numbers about the Raiders defense.

  • The Raiders are the first team to have allowed more than 500 yards in each of their first two games, since the 1970 merger, per ESPN.
  • The Raiders rank 23rd among NFL defenses in yards per carry with 4.5 yards per carry average. They also give up 404 passing yards per game.
  • Opposing teams completed 54 of 76 passes for 808 yards, seven touchdowns (most in the NFL) and only one interception. *
  • Oakland ranks No. 29 in opponent’s completion percentage (71.1 percent) and 32nd in opponent’s passer rating (131.4). *
  • Football Outsiders ranks the Raiders 30th in defense-adjusted value over average, which calculates the Raiders’ defense to an average schedule of opponents. Oakland is last in pass defense and 28th in rush defense according to this metric.
  • The Raiders rank 30th in sacks, with only two. Both came on the first drive in Weeks One and Two. Jihad Ward, Shilique Calhoun, Denico Autry, Williams, Justin Ellis, and Stacy McGee have combined for 10 pressures between them, according to PFF.
  • Overall, the Raiders interior linemen grade poorly by PFF. Ellis ranks 58th among defensive interior lineman. Autry is tied for 60th. Darius Latham ranks 92nd, Ward ranks 101st, and Dan Williams ranks 108.
  • The Raiders pressure QBs on just 21.8 percent of opponent’s dropbacks in two games, which is below the league average of 31 percent in 2016.
  • Oakland can still not cover the tight ends. The Falcons tight ends caught 10 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown.

*Stats via CBS Sports Article.

The Major Key to beating the Titans

Before we all discount the Raiders defense, let’s remember it is two games. Granted, it is two horrible games. However, Oakland has too much talent and wise minds on defense not to produce.

Remember, the Raiders brought in a lot of changing parts via the NFL Draft and free agency. It was foolish to expect the Raiders to not have growing pains. Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. said this as he took some responsibility for the poor performance too.

Either way, the Raiders main key to victory remains the defense. Anyone who watched either game versus the Saints or Falcons can tell you that. Atlanta used Tevin Coleman and DeVonta Freeman to expose the middle of Oakland’s defense. The Saints relied on their crafty receivers.

Against the Titans, the Raiders defense must drastically improve.

Tennessee already proved they could move the ball in the third preseason game. Derek Henry and DeMarcco Murray could both bring outstanding fantasy performances versus the Raiders.

Not to mention, the Raiders still struggle covering the tight end. Now, Oakland faces one of the league’s best in Delanie Walker.

Further, Marcus Mariota is slowly becoming a dynamic player as he has completed 67 percent of his passes for four touchdowns, 509 yards, and two interceptions.

Ultimately, this game will come down to the Oakland making a play on defense. Last year’s matchup was a single score victory for the Raiders. Both teams improved since then, so it should be an interesting matchup.

On offense, Oakland has proven they can play with anyone. Quarterback Derek Carr lead the team on a game-winning drive in week one. He has only been sacked one time while finding a cast of different receivers.

The running game has been balanced. Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington both serve as the explosive change of pace backs behind Latavius Murray.

Therefore, do not expect the offensive game plan to change much.

Defensively, the Raiders will change it by integrated rookies Corey James and Karl Joseph. I’d also like to see more of Shilique Calhoun and Dan Williams.

Either way, their defensive effort can not get much worse. This is the biggest key to victory for the 1-1 Raiders.

Oakland will try to turn their defensive effort around at 10 A.M. PST on Sunday, Sept. 25 versus the Tennessee Titans.

 

 

Raiders versus Falcons: Predictions for Oakland

The Oakland Raiders (1-0) will take the field for their home-opener versus the Atlanta Falcons (0-1) later today.

Here are a few predictions from today’s week two regular season game.

Fantasy Player

Receiver Michael Crabtree

Too much has been made about the matchup between Julio Jones and Amari Cooper as the two receivers were drafted from Alabama. Part of that comes from the mutual respect between the two elite wideouts. Both have complimented each other via various media outlets this week.

Neither player will actually cover each other. Not to mention, both defensive-focused head coaches will make sure their scheme includes different looks for each respective receiver.

Therefore, this game has the makings of Michael Crabtree’s breakout performance. The 29-year-old receiver caught 7-of-9 balls for 87 yards in week one. Now, he faces an Atlanta team that ranks No. 12 in passing yards to opponents after one game.

Expect Crabtree to build off his game-winning, two-point conversion last week.

Key Matchup

Sean Smith versus Atlanta’s receivers

Speaking of receivers, the Raiders must defend Jones, who caught 136 passes for 1871 yards and 8 touchdowns last year.

He only had four catches, 66 yards and one touchdown versus the Tampa Buccaneers in week one. Look for Atlanta to try and establish him early.

Granted, Atlanta is only 5-4 when Jones eclipsed 100 receiving yards, according to Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton.

Hence, a big performance from Jones does not equal a win.

Still, Oakland will need corner Sean Smith to play better this week. Don’t expect Smith to shadow Jones as the Falcons’ No. 2 receiver Mohamed Sanu is also a big target.

Either way, the Raiders paid Smith via free agency to become their No. 1 corner. He will need to rebound from a poor performance last week. I think he will answer the call, regardless of who lines up in front of up.

X-Factor

The Raiders’ rushing attack

Currently, Oakland ranks No. 1 in rushing offense. Attribute most of that to a dominating performance by the offensive line. However, give some credit to rookie Jalen Richard for busting a long-run last week.

This week, Oakland will need another big rushing play. Latavius Murray should consistently gain yards as the feature back, but who can take a long run for points?

Will Richard hit another homerun? Could Taiwan Jones or DeAndre Washington get a turn to take it to the house?

The Raiders need the long runs to keep their offense balanced. Either way, this will be a prove it game for the Raiders rushing attack.

Final Score

Atlanta: 24, Oakland: 31

Atlanta’s defense ranks No. 13 in rushing yards given up to opponents and No. 8 in rushing yards per attempt. That will change as Oakland will control the line of scrimmage and the clock with their running game. Even without their starting right tackle, Austin Howard is expected to replace Menelik Watson this week, Oakland will impose their will at home.

On defense, I expect the Raiders to rebound from getting shredded last week. It is reported that Ben Heeney lost his duties as the playcaller of the defense. Malcolm Smith will have to play better as he fills that role. Both players visibly struggled attack blocks and making tackles versus the Saints. Pro Football Focus graded Smith as Oakland’s worst defender last week. You can read more about last week’s struggle in the middle via ESPN insider Paul Gutierrez.

Smith and the entire unit will play better as the Raiders sort out their defensive line rotation. Expect Justin Ellis and Dan Williams to see more time in the middle as Atlanta fields a solid rushing attack behind Tevin Coleman and Devonte Freeman.

I like the Silver and Black by seven. This should be another thriller. Here is how you can view via Silver and Black Pride.

Also, check out three keys to the Raiders win.

Raiders versus Falcons: Oakland’s three keys for victory

The Oakland Raiders enter Sunday’s home-opener as a 4.5 points favorite.

Here are three ways Oakland can answer this expectations with a home victory and their first 2-0 start since 2002.

Handle their business at the line of scrimmage

The Oakland Raiders managed the No. 2 overall offense in week one. Despite the points and yards, the Raiders were not flawless with the ball.

However, they always seemed in control because of their guys up front. The offensive line generated push and seems in the running game.

https://twitter.com/blackhanside/status/775396307812835328

In the passing game, they did not allow a sack and helped quarterback Derek Carr control the game.

This week, Oakland must keep dominating the line of scrimmage. They will most likely be without two tackles starter Menelik Watson and backup Matt McCants. Hopefully, Austin Howard can return to form as he was the starter last year. He lost the role to Watson in a close race this offseason. The Silver and Black will lean on Howard to maintain balance when running to either side. They will also need him to maintain the momentum this group built last week.

Secondary must rebound

Against the Saints, everyone remembers Sean Smith getting dusted on a Brandin Cooks touchdown. Even before that play, Smith struggled with the acceleration and crafty route running of the New Orleans receivers.

Smith was not the only one, as D.J. Hayden and T.J. Carrie also left much to be desired during their snaps.

I mean Keith McGill was the highest grades defender according to PFF.

Really, our best defender was a safety who played corner a few months ago? Even after we invested all that money into the secondary via free agency and the draft.

This week, the entire group must rebound as they face the prototypical size and speed of Julio Jones and Marvin Jones – Jones to a lesser degree. Smith as well as David Amerson bring the size and ball skills to rival those two players. It should make for a fun matchup.

Improved middle of the defense

This next key ties into both of the last two. The same way Oakland needs to control the line on offense, the defense needs to do the same with stout tackle play.

The Saints stopped running the ball because their strength is passing. However, they exposed some deficiencies in our linebacker’s abilities to tackle and shed blocks. Some of that lands on the shoulders of the linemen upfront.

Further, the defensive line did not do the secondary a lot of favors. Outside of Bruce Irvin, the Raiders could not sack Brees. Granted, Brees is not easy to sack as he gets the ball out fast. Nonetheless, effective tackle play can help push the quarterback into the lanes of edge rushers. It can also mess up passing lanes. Irvin called out the guys in the middle in practice this week:

For the upcoming game, Oakland will need their interior defensive line to step up. The Falcons will try running the rock hard with Devonte Freeman and Telvin Coleman. Defensive tackles can make it easier for Ben Heeney and Malcolm Smith to make plays on them.

Plus, the Raiders will need to make Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan uncomfortable. This could lead to turnovers and sacks. Either way, it starts with improved play from the defensive tackles.

Oakland plays Atlanta at 1:25 P.M. PST on Sept. 18.

Oakland Raiders get alternate uniforms

Earlier this week, Nike released their Color Rush line of uniforms for the NFL season.

The Oakland Raiders were seen in the white jerseys with a silver number. These uniforms resemble the AFL throwbacks that the Raiders have worn in the past.

Many fans were outraged that the jerseys were not all black.

Like most fans, I would love black jerseys with black pants. However, the object of the Color Rush uniforms remains selling jerseys. An all black uniform closely resembles what the Raiders already wear on the road.

Hence, I am okay with the white alternates. The Raiders are the team most known for their colors, so I think it is ironic that their Color Rush uniforms lack any real color.

Further, I think silver or grey jerseys with a black number would have been the easy way to maximize profit and please fans. Currently, Oakland does not wear silver uniforms. That would mean an extra uniform for fans to buy, and the grey or silver closely resembles the home white that Oakland wears.

Otherwise, a silver helmet would have been awesome too. A metallic black helmet would have been awesome too. However, those changes are too new-school for the Raiders’ tradition.

Either way, I am just glad the Raiders got an alternate jersey. I absolutely love our uniforms, but everyone will be pleased to see Oakland mix it up a little.

The Raiders will wear their new jerseys Dec. 8 versus the Kansas City Chiefs for Thursday Night Football.

Oakland Raiders at New Orleans Saints: Monday Morning Takeaways

Here are five lessons from the Oakland Raiders 35-34 defeat of the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 11.

The secondary needs work

Usually, you do not take much away from preseason football. However, the Raiders secondary showed signs of struggling during the exhibitions. This carried into the week one game with the Saints.

D.J. Hayden had some crucial penalties that kept some drives alive in the second-half. Willie Snead also got the best of Hayden from the slot.

Plus, Sean Smith got dusted for a 98-yard touchdown catch.

Even before that big play, Smith took his lumps against the New Orleans receivers.

Saints receivers Brandin Cooks and Snead both made plays. Snead registered 172 receiving yards, while Cooks got 143 yards.

That is way too many yards for a secondary group that was suppose to improve exponentially. The group may need more time playing together. However, the pass rush may also need to step their game up. Quarterback Drew Brees was only sacked one time.

The run defense?

Honestly, the New Orleans Saints got away from the run too early. Otherwise, maybe Oakland made some adjustments.

Either way, the Saints made some effective running plays in the first-half. Mark Ingrim dragged some defenders. However, that was not the case in the second-half. Not sure if that is attributed to an Oakland adjustment or if the Saints just liked what they were getting in pass coverage.

Ultimately, our run defense did some and bad. Inside linebacker Ben Heeney played his usual game. He did some good things, but struggled taking on linemen. Our defensive line played well versus the run in the second half. They also got drove back a few times.

Nonetheless, I need to see more from this group to determine how they will play.

Raiders are deep on the offensive line

Oakland had both of their right offensive tackles, Menelik Watson and Matt McCants go down versus the Saints. This is after they lost Austin Howard last week.

The team shuffled the line by moving Donald Penn from left tackle to right tackle. Meanwhile, Kelechi Osemele played left tackle and Jon Feliciano came in at right tackle.

This mismatched group did not prevent the Raiders from moving the ball via the run or pass. Clearly, this group is much improved from top to bottom. Hopefully, Oakland can get those guys back healthy.

Oakland plays to win

When was the last time Oakland started the season 1-0? More importantly, when was the last time you really thought the team could come back in a game that was a shootout?

Despite Oakland trailing in the second-half, you never felt like the game was out of reach. Further, the Raiders went to go and get the win.

They scored on the go ahead two-point conversion thanks to quarterback Derek Carr leading the drive.

https://twitter.com/GipsySafety/status/775164618926804992

Carr matured in yesterday’s game. He proved capable of leading a game-winning drive, and he did not play outsde of his normal abilitites. His decision-making seemed a little late, but Carr’s competitive toughness should never be questioned. Carr reminded us that, yesterday.

Oakland is deep at the skill position

The Silver and Blacked proved their offense can play with the best of them. Not only by the last-minute score, but Oakland played well throughout.

Eight different players caught passes and six players got rushing attempts. This shows Oakland’s depth and it illustrates a regime willing to utilize different players in positions that help the team.

Taiwan Jones, Seth Roberts, Clive Walford and Jamize Olawale made plays that kept the offense on the field. Latavius Murray, Jalen Richard, Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree all played their roles outstanding. Therefore, the Raiders have a group on offense.

Othere defenses should be scared as everyone will continue meshing together.