Tag: Ravens

Keys for starting a win streak

Vegas secured a somewhat surprising win on the road last week. Here is how they can win their home opener.

At some point in the fourth quarter, it seemed like the Raiders were not going to outlast the Ravens. The Ravens established the run with Derek Henry finishing the day with 84 rushing yards on 18 carries. Vegas starting runner Zamir White struggled again. He finished with only 24 yards on 9 carries.

The Silver and Black were efficient in the passing game. Gardner Mishnew completed 30-of-38 passes for 276 passing yards and one touchdown. Davante Adams finished with nine receptions for 110 receivng yards. Rookie toght end Brock Bowers finished with 98 receiving yards on 9 receptions. Mishnew completed passes to four other Raiders players too. It was about as solid of a game as one could expect in the air. Of course, minus the five sacks and one interception Mishnew registered in Baltimore.

Defensively, the Raiders held Lamar Jackson to 247 passing yards and 45 rushing yards. He found the end zone only once. Maxx Crosby found a way to register two sacks, despite the defensive group being banged up. The Raiders won with their defense on the field. This close game reminded me of the Seth Roberts games versus the Ravens last decade. Vegas found a way to win.

Now, they open the 2024 season against a Carolina Panthers team that made headlines for their decision to bench 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. Carolina got blown out by both the Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints. They’ve scored 13 points combined over the first two games. The Panthers expect veteran QB Andy Dalton to help their fortunes.

Dalton is not known for his big arm. He can manage an offense and get the ball out. Receivers Adam Thielen and Diontae Johnson have had success in the league. Jonathan Mingo and Xavier Legett bring some youth out of the slot. Carolina also has versatility out of the backfield with Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders.

The Raiders need to play discipline and tackle well. They can not afford to give up any big plays to an offense that is desperate to find some rhythm. It could be a long day if Johnson converts a big play. Thielen or Sanders could also extend a short pass.

Otherwise, the Panthers invested in their interior line this offseason. They added guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis in the offseason. Neither Sanders or Hubbard have been effective runners. Young was also sacked six times over the first two games. Young is more mobile than Dalton at this point. The Raiders must get home to the QB.

Of course, Christian Wilkins, Tyree Wilson and Crosby are all listed as questionable for this game. Malcolm Koonce is done for the year. The Raiders need to create pressure to force Dalton into bad throws, no matter who plays d-line. He is a rythm passer.

Defensively, the Panthers are not the same unit as years prior. Defensive lineman Derrick Brown is on IR. They let Brian Burns and Yetur Gross-Matos walk. Carolina is left with veterans like Jadaveon Clowney and A’Shawn Robinson. Second-year edge DJ Johnson does bring some speed, which the Raiders tackles could struggle against.

In the secondary, the Raiders should have favorable matchups. Outside of Jaycee Horn at corner, Carolina fields a bunch of veterans. Safeties Xavier Woods and Jordan Fuller are proven starters. However, they lack the size and ball skills against the Raiders’ TEs. Troy Hill and Mike Jackson are the other corners. Jakobi Meyes and Tre Tucker bring the explosiveness to win those matchups. Adams size and physicality should also dominate this corner group. Mishnew needs to keep getting the ball out to his playmakers, efficiently.

Otherwise, the Raiders have yet to really establish their running game. All their key players should be good to go today. At home, Zamir White needs a big game. Ideally, White needs to help the team sit on a lead and control the clock.

Vegas should absolutely win this game if they can run the ball, throw the ball efficiently, play discipline defense, and pressure the quarterback. A 2-1 start would feed the Antonio Pierce bandwagon. It should give them some momentum headed into a physical matchup against the Cleveland Browns next week.

The Raiders cannot afford to overlook the Carolina Panthers. They cannot underestimate this winless team. You don’t want to play down to their level. You do want to continue to establishing your identity. Vegas needs to set the tone and showcase their identity as a playoff contender.

How the Raiders can bounce back in Baltimore

The Raiders looked underwhelming against the Chargers in Week One. They will need their best effort to not get blown out Today.

We all know Vegas’ struggles going to the East Coast on the road, historically. The Raiders also struggle to contain running QBs and TEs. Not only do the Ravens have one of the best playmakers at QB but they have two TEs with playmaking abilities. Isaiah Likely is a dynamic athlete and Mark Andrews is an institution. Lamar Jackson is one of the best in the business.

Plus, the Ravens were a toe away from beating the Chiefs on opening night. Baltimore will look for revenge in their Home Opener. The Raiders will have their hands full containing Jackson and the Ravens offense.

Last week, the Raiders run defense got worn down by JK Dobbins. Now, they will have their hands full with Derek Henry. Henry basically upgraded Dobbins, anyways. Baltimore receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are good for big plays too. Baltimore also features a one-time Raider in Nelson Agholor.

Defensively, Baltimore brings playmakers at each level. Hybrid safety Kyle Hamilton and safety Marcus Williams are among the best on the back end. Corner Marlon Humphrey and linebacker Roquon Smith are also among the best at their positions. Humphrey and Adams should be a solid matchup while Smith, Hamilton and Williams can neutralize the Raiders’ TE duo of Michael Mayer and Brock Bowers.

Edge Odafe Oweh offers the speed and athleticism that the Raiders tackles can struggle against. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike also got paid after a breakout season last year. He should disrupt the Raiders’ pocket. Vegas allowed four sacks last week. That can not happen this week on the road again.

A lot of blame for last week’s loss fell on head coach Antonio Pierce and some of his questionable decisions. We will see how the Raiders bounce-back after a crushing loss to a rival. Reminder – Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby basically begged for this guy’s job. Pierce needs to be perfect in situational football.

Quarterback Gardner Minshew was actually pretty effecient for the Raiders last week. He completed 25 of 33 passes and Minshew utilized all kinds of weapons. Minshew needs a similar performance this week. He needs to find the end zone more than once, though. Last week, the passing game only scored on a short pass to Alexander Mattison. Minshew cannot turn the ball over versus a Ravens defense with playmakers at each level as well.

Ultimately, the Raiders won the time of possession battle last week despite never fully establishing their run game. Starting running back Zamir White finished with 44 rushing yards on 13 carries. The Raiders hyped up White as the new starter all offseason but they still used Mattison a ton. Vegas needs to count on White to control the clock. He needs to finish this week with a higher yards-per-carry so they can stay in-front of the chains.

The Ravens (head coach John Harbaugh) have a similar identity as the Chargers (head coach Jim Harbaugh) because their head coaches share a bloodline. Except, Baltimore’s offense is a lot more explosive and their defense is way more proven. The gameplan should not change much this week, but the Raiders need to execute better.

Vegas must establish the run game. White needs a much better week even if he is playing a better defense. Staying in front of the chains makes life easier for the pass game. It also keeps Lamar Jackson off the field.

The Silver and Black needs to push the ball downfield and find a way to convert a big play. Mishnew needs to be perfect. Don’t take four sacks and don’t throw any interceptions. It will also help if he can throw more than one long-ball.

Defensively, the Raiders need to tackle better. Henry is an even bigger bruiser than both the backs the Raiders faced last week. He can easily put a dagger in the Raiders if the Ravens get a big lead. He can also control the game early if the Raiders come out soft.

Jackson is one of the toughest QBs to sack. Not only is he dynamic running with the ball, but he gets the ball out quick. Ideally, the Raiders need more than one sack. That may not be possible versus Jackson. The Silver and Black will be down another edge rusher with Tyree Wilson out too. It will also help if Christian Wilkins and company can push the pocket from the inside.

Either way, the Raiders’ edges need to stay discipline and keep contain. Expect Baltimore to challenge Maxx Crosby by running the ball at him.

The Raiders secondary can do their part by limiting big plays. Forcing an interception or fumble is absolutely necessary given all the talent Baltimore has at the skill positions too. No fights or penalties this week please.

This game feels a bit overwhelming on the road. No excuses. The Raiders need to show up with energy early. Again, that is why they kept Pierce. Otherwise, the Silver and Black will be headed into their home opener desperate for their first win.

Nonetheless, Pierce can get his Raiders back on track if he can establish their identity. Run the ball, push the ball downfield, stay discipline on defense and take the ball away. A win over a contender like the Ravens could do a lot for the Raiders’ confidence.

2021: Back and More Silver than ever

Last season doesn’t really deserve an exit blog post. That is why you won’t find one on this blog. It’s also cause I’ve spent the last year raising teenagers. Thus, this is probably the least I’ve written about the Raiders over the last five years. Time to make up for lost time before the Raiders officially welcome fans to Allegiant for Monday Night Football..

2020’s Conclusion

Insert your favorite failed milk carton challenge and that’s what last year feels like for Raider Nation. The Raiders headed towards the right direction despite us all knowing it was built on a crooked foundation.

They reset the team pretty hard after a 6-3 start resulted in another missed playoff attempt. Many thought that would finally mean a new quarterback. Sike. Derek Carr is still leading the helm. At one point, they were even talking about extending dude. It’s not bad given the Lions got two first-rounders for Matt Stafford. AKA there was a premium even on solid-good quarterbacks.

This time the offensive line took the blame. Gone is staple Gabe Jackson. Trent Brown, once a marquee free agency acquisition, shipped for greener New England Pastures. Rodney Hudson is out of here too. Watch Hudson and Jackson both fill missing pieces for their respective NFC West teams. Davontae Booker and Nelson Agoholor are not returning on offense and that hurt a bit. Both were real bargains turned bright spots. It’s not surprising they left for more money and better opportunities.

Last season, our secondary never came along. The young players like Arnette and Abrams struggled along with many others. At least, Erik Harris and LaMarcus Joyner finally left the Silver and Black behind. Daryl Worley is gone too. Nevin Lawson is finally out as of the preseason. We were tired of seeing them in other team’s highlights.

Jeff Heath surprisingly got his walking papers. Despite getting picks, he was let go. Fellow former Cowboys Maliek Collins was not brought back. Raekwon McMillan, Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley never did much for the Raiders so they are out too. No use crying over spoiled defenders.

Arden Key and Mo Collins joined the 49ers after the Raiders wouldn’t even give them a shot to compete for a job. It’s ok because they underperformed but it was not that long ago we thought they would be still. Sorry to Reggie McKenzie’s draft picks. Derek Carr is the best one left.

Offseason Recap

Jon Gruden went out and hired one of the best defensive coordinators, Gus Bradley, to make this unit competent. He wasted no time putting together a new defense. Yannick Ngakoue joined as the marquee pass rush signing, despite all his previous Raiders trolling. Quinton Jefferson came from the Bills as a cap casualty. Soloman Thomas is a redemption project. The former top-five pick is still trying to stay healthy mentally and physically as he ascends in the league. Johnathan Hankins was brought back as the run stuffer.

Darius Philon was out the league but he is back with Bradley, his DC from the Raiders day. At least, David Irving is gone…

Safeties Trevon Moehring and Tyree Gillespie were added as good values in the draft. Rasul Douglas and Casey Hayward were added as vet corners to compete. Douglas didn’t make the roster. Karl Joseph came back after a really good year in Cleveland. It was surprising how cheap too.

On offense, their best signing was backup running back Kenyan Drake. The Raiders got a lot of flack for the signing since they were already good in the backfield. At least, Drake and Jacobs are good friends and know how to work together.

The team also drafted a right tackle with their first pick. Many people saw Alex Leatherwood as a developmental tackle taken too high. Many people, including me, thought the same thing about Kolton Miller but we were wrong. Either way, the tackles taken above Leatherwood are both banged up right now. Not a bad pick after all?

Otherwise, the team tried to replace Agoholor with John Brown. Brown asked for his releases after not being happy with his role. They also added veteran Willie Snead for some veteran presence and junk work. Zay Jones was brought back. It’s not the huge moves Raiders fans hoped for but they really believe in Hunter Renefrow, Bryan Edwards and Henry Ruggs III taking the next step. Cough, if you have three, you have no alpha. Either way, I think Snead is a versatile backup who fits the group. Jones and Carr get along well. The young guys hopefully take the next step developing as consistent starters.

Anyways, Denzelle Good is also back. He saved us in many OL crunches. Shoutout Khail Barnes! Andre James is also getting a lot of hype as Hudson’s replacement. Free-agent signee Nick Martin was supposed to push him in camp but I do not think that happened. There’s been a lot of talk about Andre James’ chemistry with Derek Carr this camp. Patrick Omameh and Richie Incognito are back. Incognito is already banged up and Omameh has never been more than depth. Omameh didn’t even make last roster cut. Hopefully, Jon Simpson can take the next step so we don’t rely on them.

Oh, Marcus Mariota also came back. The Raiders may trade him before the year ends or they put in a package just for him. They could use him like Baltimore used RGIII in spots or how the Saints used Hill in gadget formations.

The Draft

Once again, this draft could be defined by who the Raiders did not take. They kept the status quo at receiver and quarterback despite the blog-o-sphere hating it. They drafted more offensive linemen and defensive backs because their track record with developing those players is bad the past decade. Sorry Tanner Muse, another wasted third round pick. Muse should fit in Seattle though. Time will tell how we remember the 2021 class but the Raiders need Leatherwood to dominate instantly if they want to have a shot at the playoffs.

2021 Hope

Speaking of hope, the Raiders have some for the first time in a bit. Allegiant Stadium and the practice facility in Henderson are state-of-the-art. Hopefully, their A.C.s are too with that Vegas heat. LOL.

Right now, tickets in the blackhole are selling like at over $700 each. It’s a few hundred dollars just to get in the seats. Raiders Fans have been to games at Allegiant but imagine the playoffs? Hope we can all afford to make the trip. I’d hate to see the stadium gentrified with corporate betting sponsors and not Raiders fans. Well, I guess it’s better than shit on your feet from overflooded toilets when you’re peeing at halftime.

SoFi Stadium

Speaking of new stadiums, SoFI is everything good and bad that you heard. Yes, there’s traffic and it’s also the best football viewing experience I have ever felt. Corporate sponsorships are everywhere but that place was packed with Raiders fans when I went to watch us play the Rams. It’s definitely worth going to, especially when the Raiders play the Chargers on Monday night. Catch me in section 211.

AFC West

In Kansas City, the Raiders hold confidence as they nearly beat the Chiefs twice last year. However, that team should be just as good. Meanwhile, the rest of the Raiders’ AFC Rivals got better.

As for the rest of the AFC West, the Chargers do actually look good. I caught a few of their practices since I live in L.A. Justin Herbert might be the best quarterback in the AFC West, not named Pat Mahomes. The defense should also get healthy but to to be determined.

The Broncos added Teddy Bridgewater which should make them legit. Their defense also gets Von Miller back. Bridgewater with those weapons will be decent at the least.

Thus, the Raiders can’t just pencil in four division wins. They are going to win. If they don’t it should cost Jon Gruden his head. The coordinators and roster took the fall the past two years. It’s Gruden who should next if the Raiders can’t bring a playoff game to Vegas this year.

Those are high expectations but they come with having the most tenured quarterback and highest-paid coach in the division. If all you need was a defense, Bradley and the new additions should solve that… Right?

Something In the Water

You’ll notice I left Denzel Perryman and Gerald McCoy out of the acquisition segment. Why?

I wanted McCoy five years ago and Perryman two years ago if not when they came in the league. They always had the athleticism and chip on their shoulders to be Raiders.

Unfortunately, McCoy is off an injury. He joined the team late so he must have some juice left if they liked his workout? Or, they have no confidence in all the defensive line help they enlisted in free agency. It just felt weird.

Same for Perryman. They could’ve signed him this year or last. How did he not win a job in Carolina? The Raiders have invested in free agency and drafted the position in the past years. Usually, I go for adding veteran leadership and seeing what a player can bring.

Except for this time it feels like Vegas must not feel like they have enough if they traded for Perryman this late and flirted with K.J. Wright. They brought in Wright after final roster cuts. We will see what these guys have left when they have to chase LaMar and those AFC West Tight Ends.

I get Gus Bradley wants guys he knows, who also know his scheme. However, do you go back to your thing from two or three years ago if you got a better one five years younger? Hell Nah…

Guess we will find out in Week One

The Ravens come to Vegas and it will be a real test for the Raiders. Baltimore and the Raiders usually end in a dramatic fashion. This one shouldn’t be different. Lamar Jackson is a God and they added Sammy Watkins and Rashod Bateman to give him more weapons. Bateman got hurt but Hollywood Brown should be back. Good tests for the Raiders improved secondary and pass rush.

Baltimore also features veterans across the offensive and defensive line. Our revamped units will have a real tough matchup. The Ravens’ biggest test includes figuring out their own pass rush on the edge.

Oh yeah, Marcus Peters also comes to town. Although it’s not his town, you know he always has extra gear for the team he grew up loving. Let’s see if he can pick off Derek Carr and take one to Vegas’ end zone for Oakland. I’d hate and love to see that for the town. (Tear I wrote this before he got hurt! Prayers for Peters for real.)

The Ravens also had several injuries in their running back room. Their top-two runners both went down with injuries. They signed former Raiders runner Latavius Murray after dude refused to take a paycut in New Orleans. Murray has been solid since leaving the Raiders for shared roles in Minnesota and New Orleans. It looks like the Tay Train will make a stop in Vegas only a few weeks after the Raiders thought about signing him.

As long as the Silver and Black come out flying around and running the ball, they should be able to win Week One. Many bettors are calling Vegas a lot but Raiders fans know better than to get excited about that. The opening game usually comes down to heart, excitement and execution as many teams are far from finished products.

Either way, it could be a nice statement win to show the AFC that the Raiders can take down playoff contenders. All eyes will be on Gruden and the Raiders Monday Night as they start their quest to finally make the playoffs under their legendary coach.

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A win and more draft busting

Last week the Oakland Raiders beat the Arizona Cardinals in a close game. Nothing to boast about considering the Cardinals started a rookie QB who the Raiders basically traded to Arizona for nothing. Still, Oakland’s defense made enough plays to win the game.

Of course, that cost the Raiders in the race for the No. 1 pick. The Cardinals are in the driver seat for the top pick with that loss.

Derek Carr doubled down on the team’s success by saying he wants to continue winning games. Carr said he wants people to be mad at him for ruining the team’s chances at a top pick.

See this wouldn’t be a big deal if the Raiders hadn’t traded two of their best draft pieces. Amari Cooper and Khalil Mack were both trade for first round picks. However, the homegrown talent now has their current team’s in the playoff race. Mack has the Bears looking like a Super Bowl caliber defense. Dallas is back in the playoff picture since acquiring Cooper. That means Oakland’s added draft capital is going to come in the middle to back end of the draft. It’s hard to find impact players that late especially when you consider both Mack and Cooper were top five picks.

Nonetheless, Carr needs to just play good. Forget the wins and losses, Carr just needs to elevate his game and prove us wrong that way. We’ve seen what Carr can do with no talent around him. He’s not that kind of player.

Sure, it’s not all his fault he’ll beat his brothers record for the most losses in their first five seasons. However, he doesn’t not deserve blame either.

The point is, Carr needs great players around him. That’s what the Raiders did in 2016. Unfortunately, I don’t know if they’ll be able to get that talent around him again before his confidence gets ruined on another losing team. The draft is crap shoot and the Raiders would need to hit instantly on all three picks to look like a contender next year. They’ve abandoned too much draft capital over the past few years so they lack talent in many places on the roster.

If Carr really wants to prove people wrong, he better elevate his game. DC is my boi and he would be great on another team with talent. He has the great leadership and talent to thrive somewhere he isn’t the focal point. Carr lacks that ball placement, pocket poise and decision making you want in an elite QB.

That means, Carr must use these next six games to show he’s an elite player and convince Jon Gruden he doesn’t need to draft a QB. Otherwise, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Raiders cash in their very good player for the chance at a great one in the draft.

The key to stopping Lamar Jackson

In other news, it’s looking more like Lamar Jackson will make his second start this week versus the Raiders. Jackson had the most rushing yards for a QB since Colin Kaepeenick. Jackson also showed some throwing ability which shouldn’t be a surprise given his history as a Heisman Trophy winner.

This is probably going to be a real challenge for the Raiders who have already lacked pass rush and discipline across the defensive line. Expect Baltimore to do a lot of misdirection to keep the Raiders defense on their toes. Containing a dual threat player like Jackson means applying pressure but also being discipline when plays breakdown. Players like Arden Key have got to step up.

Key has the length and acceleration to be a real disruptive player. However, he’s gotta work on his awareness. That will be tested this week as the Ravens rely on spread option and play action concepts meant to take advantage of Key’s aggression.

If Key can stay in his lane and react well, he should get some opportunities to make plays versus another rookie. Either Way, the Raiders have their hands full with Jackson in front of his home crowd. He can use one play to ignite his whole team which makes him a true phenom.

Other things to watch versus the Ravens

Seems like the Raiders have played the Ravens every year the past few seasons. Last year’s matchup ended in a narrow win for Baltimore but the Raiders won the previous two season’s close contests. This game should also be close. The Ravens looked like a contender than lost a bunch before Jackson emerged as a new hope.

Now, they’ll play an Oakland team off a nice win and looking like they finally have a bit of an identity. We can’t forget Michael Crabtree playing against his old team. However, most of the team and coaches he new left with the changing of the guard.

Regardless, the Raiders secondary looked improve last week. The Ravens receivers have been hot and cold. That will be a key matchup of inconsistent players.