What we want to see versus the Bengals

The Raiders whooped the Bolts butt and it was amazing. I got to witness the greatness of the Raiders in its native home one last time. Shoutout to the Sacramento butcher who hooked it up with a nice cowboy steak. Also shout out to the dude who stole our compact toll box grill. The compact size was incredibly crucial for this quick turnaround. That is the last ride I guess for the limited edition grill.

Well it is on to the Cincinnati Bengals. A team the Raiders have always had weird ties to. The Bengals are currently headed towards a massive rebuild. Here’s what we want to see as we look to look for as we head to the playoffs.

Can the defensive line keep up the pressure?

Last Week, Clelin Ferrell had his break out game with 2.5 sacks versus the Chargers. A couple of those were discounted sacks due to Philip Rivers holding the ball too long. The Chargers O-line is also pretty bad versus any kind of speed.

All well, we will take it. the Raiders young defensive ends needed that confidence booster at home versus a rival and they should build on that versus the Bengals. They’ll be playing with a young quarterback Ryan Finley and down key players like AJ Green who have been hurt all season.

Hence, the Raiders should get another really strong performance versus the Bengals. Cincinnati also happens to be Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther’s previous team.

Maintain Offensive Momentum

When I said other key players from years past I meant corner Dre Kirkpatrick who is also missing most of this season. The Bengals defense is already in a transition year with other key players missing time too.

That puts the pressure on the Raiders to score. Let’s see Oakland score early and often. Give Josh Jacobs and Tyrell Williams some load management. They’ve been battling various injuries that need rest and there is no need to kill yourself versus the winless Bengals.

Oakland should use Jacobs to establish themselves early then take their shots with Tyrell and company. I want to see Zay Jones make an impact today too versus the Bengals. Derek Carr should dominate and spread the ball around.

The Replacements

Oakland’s safety has been fluid for a few seasons now. They lost Karl Joseph and Lamarcus Joyner who were their best players and veteran leaders. They signed edge Dion Jordan and safety DJ Swearinger to help out. Swearinger should see some time but who knows. Erik Harris played the best game of his career and Curtis Riley has played and started for the Giants before playing in spots this season. Opportunities are limited there for Swearinger.

I’m most excited for Jordan because he has the highest ceiling. His tools are something you can’t teach and he flashed two seasons ago with the Seahawks. The Raiders have plenty of solid guys who can play but they need a specimen like Jordan who can win 1-on-1 pass rush on the edge, even if it is only in spots.

Ultimately, the Raiders need to handle their business as the football cliche goes. They need to build on the last game’s big performance, dominate early and lean on some lesser known characters to send the Bengals home one loss closer to the No. 1 overall pick.

How the Raiders Close Out TNF with a Win Over the Bolts

All aboard the Josh Jacobs train. As long as the Raiders have him they will have a chance versus the Chargers. Oakland will need Jacobs to help neutralize the Chargers aggressive ends.

The offense will also need Derek Carr to once again make crucial throws in tight spots on third down and in the red zone. That gives the Raiders a punchers chance.

Expect more Zay Jones at receiver too. We saw him get worked in the offense slowly over the past few weeks. He offers fresh legs the Raiders need.

Marcell Ateman should also see some time if he makes plays like last game.

Of course, Tyrell Williams and Darrren Waller have alternated as the Raiders No. 1 targets. That should continue.

Otherwise, the Raiders will need Trent Brown if Derek Carr hopes to throw deep. Brown left last week’s game early but he and center Rodney Hudson returned to practice this week. Getting Hudson back is critical too as the Raiders are much better in blitz pickup and double teams with Hudson.

Chargers edges Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are among the league’s most dynamic rushing duos.

On defense, the Raiders could also be without corner Daryl Worley. Worley took his lumps but made a dynamic interception. He is also practice this week despite an injury in last week’s game. 

The Silver and Black better prepare for anything. Mike Williams and Keenan Allen could easily have a day. Don’t forget Hunter Henry and Austin Ekeler have also come up with big catches for the Bolts. Plus, the Chargers are getting Melvin Gordon back to speed.

L.A. is still banged up. Both teams are Fighting for their seasons in a tight AFC West. Cliches aside this should be a rivalry game where both teams will fight their asses off for a victory.

Don’t expect this game to be particularly well executed. Thursday Night Football is infamous for poor games due to the short turnaround. The difference in this game could easily be what team is healthier and which coach does more with less preparation time. The good thing is these teams know each other well enough already that they don’t need a full week for preparation.

Oakland’s other Puncher’s advantage is the home field. The baseball field is gone and there are only a few more home games left before the Raiders leave Oakland for good after this season.

That means the Coliseum should get rocking for their last Thursday Night Football. That advantage should not get overlooked versus a talented and underachieving rival.

i will be in attendance and I am looking forward to taking in Oakland and the Mecca of the Silver and Black one last time. Most of all, I’m looking forward to beating the Chargers.

Lions or Cubs

The Oakland Raiders are fresh off a loss to the Houston Texans that should have been win. Oakland put the pressure on Houston for most of the game until the Texans were able to squeeze one out. That’s not surprising given they were a home team with more talent.

The Same question, new week

Who are the Raiders in 2019?

They showed similar strengths in glimpses versus the Packers and Chiefs early. Versus the Broncos, Bears and Colts they dominated early and held on for dear life. Minnesota dominated the Raiders much like the Packers and Chiefs eventually did.

Oakland is still learning how to win. They’ve had turnovers in tough spots. They do not always have someone who can make a play in a big third down or red zone spot. Players they have like Waller is still doing his best as the No. 1 option.

Josh Jacobs is balling as well despite dealing with shoulder injuries. He has a shot at rookie of the year. The Raiders have to give him the ball if he can shoulder it.

Zay Jones caught two passes for 27 yards in his Raiders debut. That’s two first downs. The Raiders got to look for more from him.

Oakland needs to keep trying to score at a high level if they want to sniff the playoffs. They should be able to do that against Detroit who hasn’t looked anymore consistent.

The only thing keeping the Lions out of Last place in the NFC north is a tie with the Cardinals in Week One. Otherwise, the Lions have won and lost some close games.

Lions or Cubs

Of course the Raiders real key to winning this game is on defense again. Maxx Crosby is getting a lot of hype as an every down player but Oakland needs more than that.

The Raiders could also use some help from the backend. Oakland will get opportunities for interceptions versus Matthew Stafford who takes shots downfield.

However, Stafford throws one of the best deep balls in the league. Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones ain’t nothing to sleep on as receivers. They could easily give the young Raiders corners long days.

On defense, the Raiders are really missing Vontaze Burfict’s instincts, toughness and knowledge of the defense. They aren’t wearing on offenses like they did with him.

The Raiders do not have to play excellent defense. They just need to be good enough to get off the field and hold teams to field goals.

Oakland’s offense is strong enough upfront to build up a fast lead and run out the clock. They just need their defense to bend and not break as the old cliche says. That is complimentary football as they call it.

Ultimately, this is another opportunity for the Raiders to reveal their true identity. They need to prove they are a dominate run team at home. If they can get a lead and hold onto it, that should be enough to beat Detroit.

The Lions are nothing to sleep on though. They could easily embarrass the Raiders and send them below a .500 record. A win for the Silver and Black on the other hand would set them up for a playoff run. Right now, Oakland is one of a pack looking up at the Texans in the AFC Wild Card race. At least Oakland enters the softer part of their schedule.

Thus, we will see what Gruden can keep cooking up on offense. We also have to hope Geunther and the defense doesn’t get embarrassed for the third weekend in a row.

 

 

 

Raiders trade options at the deadline, Texans and RIP Willie

The Raiders have moved every first round player from the Reggie McKenzie days, except Karl Joseph. However, Joseph could still get moved before Monday’s deadline.

This week Oakland traded Gareon Conley after missing some crucial tackles last week. Rumors say the talks went on for weeks but the timing makes even Lane Kiffin’s infamous departure from USC even seem prolonged.

Conley was a first rounder in 2017 and one of the better players on the Raiders roster. The Silver and Black traded that for a third rounder from the Texans, the very same week they play them?

Again, the timing seems off. Trading Conley isn’t crazy considering the purge Oakland has done of McKenzie’s draft picks but trading him to your upcoming opponent is awkwardness Mark Davis’ haircut doesn’t even want part of.

Plus, the Raiders are essentially battling the Texans for a Wild Card spot right now. Houston has made several trades to get players to help them win this year, as the AFC is open outside of the Pats. Meanwhile, the Raiders have even better standing, with less talent, but are trading away players instead of acquiring an extra piece to put them in the playoff hunt for their final season in Oakland.

Still, this gets even weirder when you look at the Raiders roster. Oakland’s corners weren’t good with Conley and it will be surprising if they get better without him. Frankly, you look at the defense and see an NFL defense that comps to Al Davis’ most delusional days.

That’s why Raider Nation shouldn’t rule out anything this upcoming trade deadline. San Francisco and New England already looked like favorites for the Super Bowl but even they made moves for veteran receivers who will improve their chances.

Oakland could do the same after they beat Houston. The Raiders could also head for fast sales again if they get dominated by the Texans. The Silver and Black could become buyers or sellers based on this upcoming game. Here are players the Raiders should target before the deadline.

Leonard Williams

This one has been obvious for a few seasons and gets more obvious now that Leonard, on an expiring contract, is being phased for Quinnen Williams. That discounts the Jets asking price majorly, especially cause the Jets are having an underwhelming season.

In the past, Jets have wanted a first round pick for Leonard. Oakland should try and get him with one of their third round selections.

Leonard Williams would instantly make the entire Raiders defense better. His motor and athleticism would free up other solid Raiders players who are probably playing in more situations then they should. Williams gives the Raiders depth to play young players like Mo Hurst and PJ Hall in selected situations they can win instead of every down.

Plus, Williams never really been utilized as a three technique or strong side end like Oakland would use him. He’s been a stand up rusher and two gapper and still been impressive despite never playing his natural position. His versatility, athleticism and connection to Cali makes him a dream trade target.

Vic Beasley

Vic Beasley is probably a more logical trade prospect. Atlanta is even lousier than the Jets and Beasley is underperforming too. The Falcons have been shopping Beasley around a while.

He has not had more than five sacks since his double-digit sack year in 2016. Beasley pays hybrid linebacker roles and his low asking price makes him logical for the Raiders.

If the price is right, I don’t see why not. The Raiders reportedly think he is too small but he might still be Oakland’s best pass rusher the moment he steps into the building. Make the deal if it only costs anything less than a fifth round pick.

A Bengals Player

The Bengals should make some traded because they are really rebuilding in the post Marvin Lewis era. They should look to get some picks for players on big contracts from that regime like Dre Kirkpatrick, AJ Green, Geno Atkins or Carlos Dunlap.

All those players play premium positions. Green and Atkins are among the best at their position. Green is over the age of 30 but he will probably command a first round pick considering Sanu got moved for a second. That’s still hi for Green who deals with injuries every season.

Cincinnati probably holds onto Atkins too. He is under thirty and one of the best players at his position. The Bengals would want at least a first rounder. Dunlap is obviously a perfect scheme fit for Oakland but he is probably also unavailable. Kirkpatrick is also overpaid and battling injuries. The Bengals probably ask for too much and keep all these guys.

They are more likely to move guys like Tyler Kroft, Gio Bernard or Tyler Eifert. They are not the same household names but solid NFL players. I wouldn’t count out trading for any of those players considering Oakland’s ties with the Bengals through Paulie G.

A Dolphins/Redskins Player

Speaking of mining bad teams for talent to trade for, Oakland could call bad Miami and Washington deals for talent. But they don’t really need T Trent Williams from Washington who is on the block. Maybe Josh Norman but is he available? How about Paul Richardson who has been eh since going to Washington?

Then, you look at Miami’s Kenyan Drake or Davante Parker. Parker could be solid but we have been saying that for years and Oakland does not need another big possession received. They need a speedster. Drake is a speedster out of the gate but he is neither a big scheme fit and the Raiders are good at running back with Jacobs.

A Corner

Finally, there is the corner market. This is probably where the Raiders should make a move. Chris Harris, Xavien Howard, Patrick Peterson and Xavier Rhodes have all been on the block most of the season. I don’t think you make the Conley move unless you wanted to play here but who knows.

Nonetheless, Oakland is not paying the premium price for the booming secondary market. We saw Peters and Ramsey get moved for prices the Raiders weren’t going to pay.

Harris is a division rival which makes trading for him complicated. Rhodes and Peterson would cost a first round pick to Miami or Arizona. Howard might go for a mid rounder but is he better than Conley?

Other guys like Artie Burns, Trumaine Johnson and Janoris Jenkins are also on the board. But one man’s trash or big ass contract is not the Raiders’ gain.

It will be surprising to see the Raiders make any move but anything is possible given the team’s surprising standings and the surprisingly booming NFL trade rumors.

+ The Texans

Back to game day, the Raiders got a big game day coming up versus the Texans. It is big coming after the loss of Raiders icon Willie Brown. Brown was a Walking Raiders historian, mentor and member of the culture for decades. Look him up if you do not know. You might remember Oakland beat the Texans after Al’s death so hope is on their side again this time.0

It is also big for the Raiders race in the Wild Card. Oakland could’ve beat Green Bay or at least competed for four quarters if they did not make some crucial mistakes. However, you could say that for a lot of teams. The margin for victory will be small.

That is why this week will be big. How does Derek Carr rebound from a game where his mistakes cost the team critical possessions? How does the team look against a Houston team going for broke yo try and win by trading picks? What does Conley do versus his old team? Will DeShaun Watson tear up the Raiders defense like Rodgers last year? Does the secondary improve without Conley? Does Zay Jones make a debut for Oakland? Will the pass rush show up?

There are a lot of questions that will get answered in the Raiders final game of the first half of the season. This game could determine if the Raiders are a young team prepping for a rebuild or a surprise playoff team.

No Bye Week Blues, Zay Jones and No Pack No

No Bye Week issues this year minus Trent Brown’s off-the-field civil lawsuit for alleged DV against an ex girlfriend.

The Oakland Raiders beat the Khalil Mack led Chicago Bears in London, the Silver and Black acquired Zay Jones and they’re sitting above .500 in the playoff pick.

Either way, the Raiders are in a good spot in the bye week. Tyrell Williams got an extra week to rest his feet and Gabe Jackson is expected to return from preseason injury.

Zaytoven

I need a Zaytoven signature drop every time the former Bills receiver scores. Because his addition is music to my ears. The six-three receiver can bring the Raiders harmony once they get speedster receiver Tyrell Williams back from injury.

In the meantime, Jone might be the Raiders best receiver. He will make his debut as a key receiver with an extra week passed to have learned the playbook and Derek Carr. Jones never had more than 700 receiving yards in Buffalo but he did set the receiving record in college for career receptions. He was also a solid deep threat and had the agility, strength and explosiveness to be a second round pick in 2017.

It is a low risk move for the Raiders who could not rest on good enough to beat the Bears during the bye. Jones can hopefully bring some depth and possession receiver skills to Oakland’s corps which needs it all.

That means we should get a good read on what Jones will bring to the team, where his chemistry with Carr is and more this week. He could easily be the DaVante Adams (Carr’s college favorite target), James Jones or Michael Crabtree with his size and speed combination. Hopefully he can give the Coliseum reasons to dance when a Zaytoven drop hits after a TD.

No Pack No

Most of all, the Raiders get an extra week to figure out how to stop A-rod and the Packers offense.

The Silver and Black will also get challenged offensively. Green Bay paid for a couple of pass rushers with the last name Smith who are playing well this season. Add in Amos and a young, improving Packers defense is set up to take away Derek Carr’s downfield passing aspirations.

Of course, the Raiders are going to do their best to wear that front seven down with their run game and catch the secondary slipping on play action passes. The game is still gonna come down to Derek Carr matching No. 12 for the Packers.

Bad officiating aside, Monday Night Football showed Aaron Rodgers doing what it takes to help his team win. As long as the game is close, Rodgers always keeps them in the game. It will be Carr’s job to do the same for the Raiders. Carr needs to find ways to keep drives alive and answer the Packers’ momentum in a hostile environment.

Speaking of which, the Raiders haven’t won in Lombeau since the 80s. Social Media is already showing Raider Nation deep in Green Bay. Why Not?

This is an old rivalry of two small NFL teams dating back to Super Bowl II when these guys play. They’re the most iconic names and fanbases in all of sports.

We Talkin’ about Playoffs?

It should be a good game and a chance for a statement win as 5-1 Green Bay could be without several key receivers and Jimmy Graham.

Suddenly, the Raiders find themselves with the same amount of losses as the first place Chiefs who will be without Pat Mahomes at least a bit after his knee injury. Denver and Los Angeles seem underwhelming in the AFC West which gives the Raiders a good shot at the playoffs.

Before all that, they got to figure out a way to tell the pack no on defense. They managed without Vontaze Burfict on defense and kept running the ball with Trent Brown out a few weeks. They will need to do more against a Green Bay team that seems finally ready for Super Bowl contention again thanks to an improved offense and more skill around Rodgers.

This will be a telling game for the rest of the Raiders season. How do they come out on the road after a bye? Are they hyped and ready to go or sluggish? Do they come out with new formations on both sides or is it more of the status quo? What other adjustments can this coaching staff make to keep the Raiders competitive versus a very talent Packers team.

We find this all out today when Oakland plays the Pack as a 5-point underdog. If the Raiders can pressure Rodgers and get a turnover, they got a shot. That is especially true if  Carr can get the offense rolling again early like versus Denver, Indianapolis and Chicago.

This game will tell us if the Raiders are that team that won decisively in those three games. Or were they the team that got dominated by more talented Vikings and Chiefs teams?

Remember, Green Bay beat the Minnesota team that stomped the Raiders. They also beat the Bears so this game could honestly go either way.

It will be up to the Raiders to come out fast and smart early. They got to prove they’re not overmatched and they’re willing to win a physical game or shootout it a hostel environment. This will be the week where the Raiders show us if they are pretenders or contenders.

If they capitalize on the Packers injuries and find ways to score on offense, they got a chance to join the AFC’s strongest teams. Otherwise, a loss might expose them as the .500 team they are desperately trying to maintain.

Building momentum against the Mack Attack

The return of the Mack is here and this ain’t an Andrew Yang rally. The Raiders are lucky this game is in London and not Oakland. Khalil Mack’s return to the Bay would be nuts especially if the Bears win and/or Mack dominates.

Imagine Khalil Mack getting by Kolton Miller and saying I’m so glad we’re not on the same team, get better. Imagine him telling Brown this is what you gave all that money to?

The reality is, Mack probably doesn’t really even care. There are only 11 players who played with Mack on the Raiders. One of those players is Derek Carr.

What happens if Carr is dead to rights by Mack? Does Carr slide or take a knee? When Mack does sack his former teammate does he help out his bro?

They’ve been publicly nice to each other on social and things didn’t end bad with them. We still have never seen them play against each other.

The real beef lies with Jon Gruden who won’t actually play in the game. Gruden is the one who saw that Mack was traded. Gruden was the one who said he wanted Mack. Gruden is also the one who said he never met Mack not to long ago. It’s business but business is more fun when you get to prove people wrong.

Expect Mack to go full beast mode. I’d expect at least a couple of sacks and maybe a turnover.

The Raiders will do their best to make sure anyone but Mack beats them. That’s how good Mack is though. He can get doubled team and still change the game himself or free everyone else up. I know watching every game of his first four seasons.

I got into an argument at a bar last week. If the Raiders had Mack and Cooper they would be a playoff team. Mo Hurst, Arden Key and Clelin Ferrell are the exact complimentary players Mack never had in Oakland.

Tell me we couldn’t use Amari Cooper right now too. You can argue his motivation to stay in Oakland but don’t argue his impact on the field.

That’s why this game feels personal. This is the first time we will play Khalil Mack. Mack was nothing but a Raider. He played hard, he led by example and he changed games. He came to work every day and is arguably the best draft pick in team history. We shipped that off for Josh Jacobs.

No disrespect to Jacobs. He is balling right now and I’m glad he is here. However, Gruden upset what had already been a treacherous rebuild. We were only 3/4 through a franchise reconstruction before Gruden put the Raiders through another retool.

As much as we all want the Raiders to win, get over .500 and build some momentum, I think there is all a small part of us that wants Mack to stick it to Gruden and the Raiders. Remember, the Silver and Black are leaving Oakland after this year. You’re telling me they didn’t want two more seasons of Khalil? You’re telling me they don’t want to see Mack single-handling beat Gruden just a little?

You’re lying. Once a Raider, always a Raider.

The point is, this will be a can’t miss game for Raiders faithful. Get up early. Besides, the Bears always play us really tight. It wouldn’t surprise me if this is a very close game.

How do the Raiders win?

Upfront, naturally. All eyes should be on Miller and Brown. Both got to finish the game versus a tough Bears defense that ranks in the top five for scoring.

Oakland is going to need to exert their will with Jacobs and the run game. That will help neutralize the Bears rush.

Nonetheless, Tyrell Williams is questionable for this game. Oakland will have a tough time stretching the field without their best receiver. Darren Waller is going to get a lot of throws.

On defense, the Raiders face a similar challenge as Ferrell will probably miss the game due to a concussion last week. Oakland can not let the Bears get in sync like they allowed Minnesota a few weeks ago. Chicago’s offense is bad this year so the Raiders can’t get exposed by them.

That means this game is on the front seven. They’ll have to stop the run without Marquel Lee or Vontaze Burfict. Lee is on IR and Burfict suspended for the year. The D-line also needs to do their part in the run plus push Mitch Trubisky into bad decisions. Defensive backs got to tackle too and limit big run plays or yards after the catch.

In the end, this is a winnable game for the Raiders. It depends what team shows up. Will the Raiders come out fast like last week versus the Colts? Or will they come out dazed from the jump like versus the Vikings?

We will see. Carr and Gruden got to get these guys up. We all know Mack will do his best to get his guys going.

Time to rev the Carr

If the Raiders play like they did Sunday it will be a long season. Oakland came out with a 3-and-out faster than you can imagined. The defense wasn’t much better. The Raiders got beat as soon as they got off the plane.

Now, they’ll go into Indianapolis. The Colts are well coached and still strong enough to beat the Raiders.

Derek Carr also needs to play better. His statistics are fine. Carr is playing efficient.

Unfortunately, he’s far too comfortable over matched. Carr is also reverting back to bad habits. The Raiders quarterback is bouncing in the pocket unnecessarily. His footwork hasn’t been the best even when the pocket is set.

Still, he has been a strong leader. Carr has been accurate. He just hasn’t taken enough chances.  The ones he has haven’t been fruitful. I guess this is the narrative on Carr.

The Point is, Carr is the one player who might actually give the Raiders an advantage. He’s got the talent to be a top 10 player at a position. It is his time to take games over and stop optimizing his way to mediocrity.

On defense, the Raiders play more discipline than years past. That’s the problem. They need some game changers who can dominate one-on-one matchups consistently. Oakland has some players who can win in spots. They need more than that.

Indianapolis is 2-1 and they aren’t giving up on the playoffs. The Silver and Black can win this game. However, they need Derek Carr to outplay Jacoby Brissett and the Raiders need their defense to make more than a play.

A trade doesn’t answer the Raiders problems and keys versus Vikings

Antonio Brown ain’t walking through that door. Neither is Rich Gannon, Jerry Rice or any Raiders great. The only thing that will change the Raiders season is already in the locker room.

Jalen Ramsey ain’t the answer either. The Raiders have already invested too many high draft picks in the secondary over the past four seasons. Don’t forget LaMarcus Joyner’s big contract too. Joyner needs to step up. Gareon Conley and Karl Joseph must fill those first round bills. Pressure is on Trayvon Mullen needs to step up faster than what is fair to him too.

Even if the Raiders could get Ramsey, he isn’t rushing the passer. The Raiders answers aren’t as easy as trading for Ramsey or even Minkah Fitzpatrick when he was on the open market. The Raiders couldn’t afford to send a future pick for a defensive back when the Raiders are already waiting returns on many other DBS on the roster. Ramsey and Fitzpatrick aren’t lining up at DE anyways.

The Raiders young pass rush needs to take the next step. They need to turn flashes into consistency. Oakland needs push and disruption upfront.

Equal pressure applies to the other side of the ball. Those young guards and tackles need to step up. It’s not enough to just run or pass block as the Raiders need a balanced and consistent front for what they want to do on offense.

At the end of the day, the Raiders need answers internally. There isn’t a player they could trade for that would answer all their questions because teams value pass rushers. Oakland needs to find answers up front before they worry about trading for anyone including Jalen Ramsey. On to this week.

Raiders versus Vikings Keys

Don’t beat your self. n

It is gonna get echoed all year. Oakland signed veteran players for a reason, they must be discipline. The Raiders registered 140 yards from penalties but Minnesoa finished with 200. That’s opportunities the Raiders will take advantage of. Oakland can’t shoot itself in the foot with penalties.

Minnesota can win the turnover battle. They’re already plus one for the season in turnover differential while Oakland is -1. The Raiders are not gonna win if Carr tries to do too much and throws two interceptions.

The Silver and Black must rely on JoshJacobs to aleviate that pressure. Everson Griffin and Danielle Hunter might lick their chops against the Raiders tackles, especially if Trent Brown misses any time. Establishing the run game is critical to nuetralizing those ends and granting Derek Carr some time for downfield throws.

Don’t be surprised if this is a total run and defense game. That’s kind of ideal for the Raiders. Don’t forget Adam Thielen and Stefan Diggs still lineup at receiver for the Vikings. The secondary must not get exposed again like they did versus Kansas City. The Vikings haven’t had a great offense thus far this season but the Raiders can’t let them get in rythme. Expect the DBs to get attacked often. If they can step up along with the pass rush, they can take advantage of Kirk Cousins at QB. If not, they can make the infamously inconsistent player’s highlight reel.

In the end, both these teams are scrapping to keep their season from being challenged early with 1-1 records. No one is really sure what either of these teams are. The Vikings seemingly have the advantage as a more recent playoff team but they’re still figuring out what they have at quarterback. A loss hear could put Cousins on the hot seat as well as any of the veterans on that defense.

This game needs to be like Denver for the Raiders. They have to come out fast, with swagger and trying to prove something. If they get down, Minnesota’s defense is too talented to get one dimensional against. Oakland’s defense also needs to not give up any big plays that turn the game into a shoot out. The Raiders need to win upfront and play with great fundamentals if they have any chance to beat this Vikings team.

Again, all the answers are inside the Raiders lockerroom. They’re 1-1 entering a game that could go either way. Just Win Baby!

 

Lessons from the collapse to the Chiefs

What did we learn from the Raiders collapse versus the Chiefs in a 28-10 loss despite the Raiders early loss?

First, the Chiefs are again the class of the AFC West still. Oakland looked like they could be sneaky good when they were up 10-0 early versus their rivals. Then, the Chiefs turned it on for a quarter and that was it. They coasted their way to the win.

Second, the Raiders are better than Denver but not by much. Sometimes, when something like that 10-0 lead seems too good to be true it probably is. Even if the Raiders aren’t as bad as some thought they were that doesn’t mean they’re as good as the elite Chiefs.

Last, maybe the AFC West isn’t as good as any of us hoped. The Raiders have played a third of their division schedule already and split the results. On one hand, they’re better than Denver but the Broncos at least kept it close. The Chargers on the other hand lost thanks to some kicking yet again. They own the same record as Oakland after a loss in Week Two. To be determined.

Either way, the Raiders got to find a way to build around that 10-0 start and forget the rest. Their pass rush and secondary looked closer to last year than the week before. Carr too.

The schedule is too tough. Oakland needs wins fast or it might get ugly. There’s no one that’s gonna save the Raiders. The guys on the trade block are mostly expensive DBs. Sure, Ramsey might help but he ain’t playing defensive end. Oakland already has too much invested in the secondary. You got Joyner’s fat contract. Conley, Mullen, Abram and Joseph are all high picks. Riley, Worley and Harris are supposed to be good vets. Don’t forget the wasted pick on Obi. Oakland can’t afford trading a high pick or paying a big contract for a DB. They need more pass rush and it’s not clear that is out there on the trading block.

The point is, the Raiders got outclassed by the Chiefs. It won’t be the last time they’re overmatched. I think the game was a reality check for the Raiders after they bullied a sorry Broncos team. Oakland won’t be home for a while which means they got to find a way to put that collapse behind them and Just Win Baby!

Forget AB, for Oakland’s Sake and more game notes Week One 2019

Week One is upon us and Antonio Brown is behind us. The entire, short-lived Antonio Brown situation was nightmare for the Silver and Black. However, the biggest loser in the entire situation is Oakland. 

Without Brown, the Raiders are that much less talented and that much harder to support in their future ex-home city. Oakland deserved a team better than last year and Brown was supposed to be apart of that. Brown was supposed to be a center piece of the Raiders promise to bring Oakland a winning season and new culture. Delivering on these promise from the Raiders gets infinitely harder without a great player like Antonio Brown. Oakland deserved better than what AB and the Raiders did to them this offseason. 

Instead, Oakland got baited and switched. They bought their Brown Jerseys and drafted him as their fantasy player in hopes he’d be a focal point for the Raiders in the next few years. Then he left them hanging and used for clout. He backed the Raiders into a corner and forced them to go from the offseason’s biggest winner to the biggest loser overnight.

Whatever comes next with the actually season here might be worse than the Brown filled offseason circus. If that’s the case, then Oakland will continue to be the biggest loser of the entire Antonio Brown drama.

Oakland is the place that packs out every Raiders Game. It is the community that supports the team through 17 years of dysfunction and heart break. Oakland is still paying for the previous renovation that brought the Raiders back too. They do all this despite the team leaving for bigger and greener pastures in Las Vegas.

Regardless, the East Bay deserved a great player like Antonio Brown this year. They deserved a winner in the final season hosting their beloved football team. They deserved to have a reason for excitement every Sunday like AB.

They got more dysfunction instead. Now, they’ll get an offense built around Derek Carr and a team that is only as good as their infamous coach. Spoiler, we saw how bad that was last season.

Either way, many thought AB and Hard Knocks would be a great litmus test for the Raiders. Except this trial by fire didn’t go so well and it isn’t even Week Two. The Raiders had to put out AB’s sparks of negativity before it could spread like California Fire Season. 

Cutting AB is great for protecting the Raiders locker room but horrible for Oakland. Instead of talking about the final season in Oakland, the media is talking about Antonio Brown and the Raiders front office. They’re talking about the picks given up for the receiver and the headlines AB made in his few months as a Raiders. Media are searching for AB’s replacement and overlooking what the team’s absence will mean to the city.

No one is talking about how the Bay and Raiders culture intertwine. No one is talking about the franchise drawing inspiration for the very name, colors and swagger drawing from the place it called home for the better part of sixty years. No one is talking about the Raiders breaking up with their Mecca and what that means to the community thanks to this entire Antonio Brown distraction.

Raiders Nation and Gruden, remember when Amari Cooper wasn’t alpha enough? The Raiders shipped him out for a pick that would be Jonathan Abram and traded a mid round pick for AB to assume the role as shifty, speedy No. 1 receiver. Was that low price gamble on AB, an alpha, worth the squeeze? Hell no, give me my late round picks back especially if Oakland is gonna suffer through another bad season. 

Nonetheless, this entire Antonio Brown saga is the latest instance of a divide between the Raiders front office. Still, Gruden and Mayock got their shit together and aligned by cutting their No. 1 receiver. Both men looked noticeably irritated simply addressing AB’s latest altercation and suspension even though it is only Week One and Year One.

In the end, it’s the last season Oakland. We should be talking about the Raiders very logo, colors and cultures tied to Oakland but we’re talking about AB. Instead of reminiscing about the decades of great renegade football we’re talking about AB. We’re not talking about the community ties or social justice history of the Raiders either. We’re just talking about AB and that is disrespectful to Oakland which is the Mecca of Raiders football.

Ultimately, there are no winners when your coach and GM beef with each other or when their best player is cut. That’s even more true when you consider AB went to the Raiders’ hated-rival, the Pats. The L becomes even bigger when you read Brown did whatever he could to leave the Raiders and Oakland. Even if you deny that Brown conspired this all along, you can’t argue that Oakland losing a player of Brown’s caliber hurts the city’s entire prospect of having one more good season. 

Unfortunately, Vegas is coming fast and it is time for the Raiders to deliver on all those new culture promises. It’s time to deliver Oakland a decent team not all these headlines and trending hashtags from Antonio Brown dividing the Raiders front office or distracting the locker room. It’s time to move on from AB, for Oakland’s sake. Knock on wood if you’re with me. 

WEEK ONE KEYS VERSUS THE BRONCOS

In other news, football is back. The Raiders are the last team to kickoff their season with the late night double header versus the Broncos. They got to battle their long-time division rivals in what will be Oakland’s last installment of this legendary AFC West rivalry.

What do they need to do to beat the transitioning Broncos? Denver is a team somewhere between rebuilding and the Super Bowl they won less than five years ago. They’ve got their third head coach in four seasons and went the old-school, established vet. coach with lots of experience to make sure the team revamped their defense and didn’t lose any games from small mistakes.

The Raiders must win the game upfront. Oakland will be without their usual starters at guard due to suspension and injury. That means the Broncos should use a lot of twists and blitz to really confuse those guys. The Raiders offensive line will need their tackles to show improvement from last year since Kolton Miller is in Year Two and Trent Brown is making bank. They will need the o-line to consistently compete with Von Miller and Bradley Chubb so that Derek Carr stays clean and poised for most of the game. Good pass pro should also help get the run game going for Josh Jacobs and the Raiders other backs.

Also on offense, the Raiders will need receivers to step up across the board. AB gone puts Tyrell Williams in the uncomfortable spot of proving he’s worth all that skrilla. He must prove he’s a legit No.1 receiver and not only the deep threat he was type casted as with the Chargers. The same goes for the rest of the Raiders WR depth chart which is filled with young and inexperienced gadget-type receivers. Shoutout to Darren Waller who is also going to need a big game as the x-factor at tight end. Carr loves his tight ends and he’ll need Waller to live up to Hard Knocks hype quick. Outside of the o-line, Carr will need his receivers to step up versus the Broncos.

On defense, the game plan isn’t too different. The Raiders will show their inexperience at end with rookie Clellin Ferrell making his first start across from second year end Arden Key. Garrett Bolles and Ju’Wan James might be the Raiders greatest draw at tackle all season. Really, this entire Broncos front line is filled with question marks. Oakland needs a coming out party from the entire defensive line if they want to win this game. That includes versus the running game. Rushing the passer is great until Denver starts hitting on those open run lanes in the zone and scoring with their dynamic backfield. That means the key to winning this game starts with the defensive line.

Further, the Raiders secondary is supposed to be much improved. They added role players and starters through both the draft and free agency. We need some return on investment via turnovers from this group. That’s especially necessary if Joe Flacco or Emmanuel Sanders can turn the clock back. Don’t sleep on Noah Fant or Courtland Sutton who bring the size and athleticism to give the Raiders nightmare for a long time, despite their young age. The secondary is gonna need to limit big plays as well as make their own takeaways.

Antonio Brown shit aside, it’s time to Just Win Baby! What better place to do that than Monday Night Football in Oakland on opening night!