Tag: vikings

Three Points?! And How To Not Get Swept by the Chargers

The Vegas Raiders couldn’t score a single touchdown off a Bye Week. They faced a Vikings team down their starting quarterback, running back and elite receiver. Therefore, the shutout should not be a surprised.

Two sacks from Maxx Crosby and the sack from rookie Tyree Wilson were welcomed celebrations. The Raiders also forced nine punts.

Yet, Vegas threw an interception with a chance to take the lead in the fourth quarter. That was on top of two lost fumbles and four sacks. The offense looked uninspired despite many folks celebrating Antonio Pierce’s early success as a head coach.

Now, they face a Los Angeles Chargers team that is equally underwhelming. The Chargers are off a loss where they only scored once. They also lost their starting quarterback for the season, on top of injuries throughout the roster all year.

Their defense is filled with high profile names but they’ve yet to put together a great collective performance for four quarters. Khalil Mack destroyed the Raiders offensive line the first time around. Now, he’s among the sack leaders and looking to do it again.

Vegas will be down Josh Jacobs. Davante Adams is battling illness. They were going back and forth on starting Aiden O’Connell again. This could be another long offensive bout.

Still, Zamir White looked good as the lead back in camp when Jacobs held out. White finally gets his chance to make a start and be the lead back. He’s yet to really get more than five carries so it’s hard to really judge what he can do at the NFL level.

Ultimately, the Raiders can’t come out flat again in another home game. That won’t fly versus a divisional opponent also playing for roster spots and coaching jobs.

Fans should expect a sloppy game with both teams on short rest and lacking competent quarterback play. Both teams offer defenses that can give up yards.

Offensive line play will be huge. Vegas is towards the bottom in sacks, versus L.A. is the second best at sacking the quarterback. Despite that, the Chargers have one of the worst pass defenses. They don’t really control the clock with the run game and they’re liable to give up big plays.

Vegas on the other hand, has had more interceptions and given up less passing yards. Vegas has given up more rushing yards, while the Chargers have been more stout against the run. One could say Los Angeles has more outright talent and athleticism.

Either way, both defenses are liable to make plays and give up plays. That means special teams will also be an important area for both teams. It may come down to field goal kickers bailing out stalled out offenses and punters trying to put the other in bad positions to help the defense. Vegas should win this aspect of the game but they need to execute and limit mistakes.

Moreover, whatever elite receiver can make the most of whatever opportunities they get from their mediocre quarterback will make the difference. Chargers receiver Keenan Allen can eat up the Raiders. Vegas receiver Davante Adams can cook the Bolts. Problem is, Allen will catch the ball from Easton Stick. Adams will work with O’Connell who hasn’t looked great the last few games. Both receivers need to make a big play to give their team a chance.

Similarly, both defenses need to create a turnover. Whatever offense can capitalize on a fumble or interception could make a huge difference for the team.

Otherwise, the Raiders formula shouldn’t change much for the Raiders. The run game and offensive line must be established. They got to spread the ball around and find ways to convert a big shot. Vegas needs to stop the run, minimize big plays and create a turnover on defense. If they can do that, they can come away with a home win.

At this point, they’re really just playing for their job and Antonio Pierce’s job. Pierce knows how big this rivalry game his. He knows they can’t lose another game at home. Therefore, his team can’t have many mistakes and they can’t come out flat. They can’t afford any penalties like the last time they faced the Chargers, either.

Bye Week Blues After the Chiefs and How to Spoil Justin Jefferson’s Return

There’s a lot of talk about Antonio Pierce assuming the permanent head coach position. Pierce has the team coming out strong but he needs to do more after halftime before he really earns that job. Vegas hasn’t exactly beat a team they weren’t supposed to since he took the reins.

At 5-7, the Raiders exit their Bye Week at last in the AFC West. They also trail the Bills, Bengals, Browns, Steelers, Texans, Colts and Broncos for the three AFC Wild Card slots. Sunday versus the Vikings is a must win to keep any of those playoff hopes alive.

The Vegas Raiders came out hot versus the Chiefs in Week 12. Their 14-point lead early in the second quarter didn’t help them as they were outscored 31-3 after that.

Afterwards, player like Amik Robertson expressed their frustration. Robertson said he thought the were better than the Chiefs but they did not execute. Vegas gave up ten points in the final quarter and didn’t score anything.

Veteran corner Marcus Peters was cut. He was benched before halftime. It looked like the decision to let him go was made at halftime. There are plenty of memes about his tackling and effort. However, you can’t make him the scapegoat. He was tuned in with them team and helped them play with swagger. The secondary did not play better when he sat. We will see how they do without the veteran this week.

Josh Jacobs came out strong with a 63-yard touchdown versus Kansas City. Jacobs had one of his best games of the season with 110 rushing yards on 20 carries. Vegas’ offensive line looked better. The line didn’t dominate in the run but they did just enough to get a body on a body. They also only allowed one sack to the Chiefs.

The Raiders really got the ball to their playmakers. Davante Adams had 5 catches for 73 yards. Jakobi Meyers registered 79 receiving yards for one touchdown. Hunter Renfrow added 4 catches for 38 receiving yards. They just didn’t always execute when they needed it most.

Maxx Crosby wasn’t supposed to play. However, he came up with a sack. The team didn’t look the same when he wasn’t on the field.

Turnovers have been huge for the Raiders this year, but the group failed to create one versus the Chiefs. The inconsistent pass rush deserves some blame for that.

Vegas’ pass rush must be at its best this week versus Minnesota. Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson is back from IR. Jefferson has been practicing with the team for a couple of weeks since Minnesota is also off a Bye Week. The Silver and Black secondary will need all the help they can get from their pass rush, no matter how rusty Jefferson comes out.

Not to mention, Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs is a dual-threat. He’s cooled off since starting hot after Minnesota traded for him from Arizona. Dobbs still has 400 rushing, including 29 first downs. He’s also thrown for 2,400 passing yards, 13 sacks and 10 interceptions. The Raiders will need to stay discipline versus the Vikings as they look to contain Dobbs and Jefferson.

The Raiders need to stick to their script. Vegas needs to control the clock by establishing the run with Jacobs early and often. They need to keep spreading the ball around. Hopefully, an extra week of preparation gets rookie QB Aiden O’Connell more in sync with his veteran receivers. O’Connell has missed a few game changing shots over the past few starts. Vegas is going to need one of those, particularly if they Jefferson tears them up.

Defensively, the Raiders have to count on Crosby getting home. They also need someone else to get home. This should force Dobbs into making a mistake. The Raiders secondary also needs to come up with a turnover to keep this game in reach.

Moreover, the Raiders need to contain TJ Hockenson in the middle of the field. Hockenson is a big and physical target who can give the Raiders problem in the short and intermediate game.

Minnesota should also look to establish the run with Alexander Mattison. Vegas needs to tackle well this week.

On defense, the Raiders must fear Danielle Hunter off the edge. He is among the league’s elite pass rushers with 13.5 sacks this season. MOtherwise, this Vikings front seven has faced injuries with edge Marcus Davenport and linebacker Jordan Hicks on IR currently.

The Raiders offense faces a winnable matchup. Nonetheless, Minnesota has enough playmakers to keep them in the game. innesota’s defense features Harrison Smith, who is still among the league’s best hybrid safeties. Rookie Ivan Pace plays all over the field. Byron Murphy has three interceptions this season.

Overall, it’s a home game and the Raiders desperately need a win. Pierce must have his team come out with urgency but he also needs to be able to adjust no matter what happens. This could be an easy win, a last team standing defensive match, a sloppy close out or an offensive shootout. Either way, the Raiders need to just win, baby.

Look for the Raiders to run the ball and take some selective shots in the pass game on offense. They must rush the passer, tackle well and create a turnover or two on defense. If they can do that, they should squeeze out a home victory. A win here will keep Pierce in the long-term coaching conversation too.

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!

 

Bill Musgrave as Offensive Coordinator can’t be worse than previous OCs

Well atleast his name is not Greg.

Today, it was reported that the Oakland Raiders would hire Bill Musgrave as their offensive coordinator.

Some fans were underwhelmed by the hire considering they wanted Marc Trestman as the play caller. Trestman would have been a great candidate due to his work with quarterbacks like Rich Gannon, Josh McCown and others in the CFL.

But come on, do we really want a retread from the 02 season where we were dominated by the Buccaneers?

Either way, Musgrave would be a solid hire for the Raiders. His offenses have never been elite but they have finished in the top half of the league each year. He even did so with a 2013 quarterback disaster of Christian Ponder/ Josh Freeman/ Matt Cassell.

Plus, Musgrave helped Foles transform from a young quarterback into a borderline star. Imagine what he could do with Derek Carr?

Combine that with the fact that his team has finished within the top of rushing attempts and the Raiders have themselves someone who can help the offensive unit build into a bully.

It should be good to see Murray combining with another free agent or drafted running back to carry the load of the offense. Especially if the Raiders can build a dominate defense.

Either way, can he be any worst than the poor innovation and underwhelming play-calling of Greg Olsen and Greg Knapp over the past few seasons?

Musgrave spent a season under Chip Kelly and maybe some of those fast, spread elements can transfer to the Raiders. Further, it gives Jeremy Maclin a familiar face when he explores his options in Free Agency.

Also noted, Musgrave understand Del Rio’s philosophies having worked under him in Jacksonville, and he understands the bay area having been here in 1997. Hence, the Raiders could have done worse than hiring Musgrave.