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Oakland Raiders 2017 Preseason Week Two: Defense Fails Versus Rams

Raiders RB Marshawn Lynch
Raiders RB Marshawn Lynch

For the first time since breaking his leg, Derek Carr took the field. More importantly, the Raiders offense seemed to fire on all cylinders. Although, they lost to the Los Angeles Rams, the offense did not skip a beat. With Carr firing on all cylinders, the Raiders appeared confident and relieved that their leader settled in.


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MVP: Derek Carr remains the easiest choice. While that one interception tainted a near-perfect night, Carr looked sharp. While completing seven of nine passes for 100 yards, Carr displayed the evolving accuracy fans are accustomed to. Perhaps the most telling stats of a new approach are the 11.1 yards per attempt. As a result, Carr’s vertical looks increase. Unlike traditional deep balls, Carr’s awareness and execution of the passing tree exceeds the simple go route.

Least Valuable: Where is the defense? Once again, Ken Norton continues to overwhelm with uninventive schemes and rah-rah antics. Yet, he does not bear sole blame in any of this. Without a doubt, the entire eleven on defense need some blame. When the offense seems to score at will, all you must do is not give up chunk yardage. However, the Rams moved down the field with relative ease. More importantly, the secondary could not get out of its own way. Jared Goff enters his second year and looked like a season veterans.

Three Lessons Learned

  1. Carr’s backup remains undecided. As we headed into last night, the thought of EJ Manuel leading the competition sat well. On the other hand, Connor Cook’s upside gives him a leg up. While the Raiders wanted to start and see a definitive leader, this game was the inverse of the Cardinals game. Whereas Cook struggled in the desert, Manuel faltered at home. Hopefully, neither will get a nod to play.

 

  1. While Marshawn Lynch’s two carries did not electrify the stat sheet, they served a purpose. After a long layoff, Lynch needed to shake off the rust, and return to the field. If an average those five yards per carry in limited snaps, the running game could alter the playoffs.

 

  1. The race for the fifth receiver spot heats up. While that may not thrill many, those lesser known receivers play pivotal roles. Last week, Johnny Holton grabbed a 17 yard strike from Connor Cook.

 

Up Next: The Raiders travel to Texas to face the Dallas Cowboys. For the purpose of grading the pass rush, this game serves as a stern test. Outside of the Raiders, the Cowboys employ the best offensive in the NFL. Under those consequences the Raiders need to apply pressure.

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