Oakland Raiders: Five Positives from loss to the Vikings

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Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) avoids Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack (52) who is blocked by tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) but eventually gets sacked in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Vikings win 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

1. The Defensive Front

The Raiders defensive front seven played exceptionally all night long, no matter who was in the game. The Raiders pass rush generated six sacks and six QB hits, including a sack by starting NT Pat Sims against the Vikings first unit, and two sacks of the elusive Teddy Bridgewater (this could have been three or four sacks against a less mobile quarterback). The Vikings rushed for 3.7 yards a carry, an average that falls to 3.3 when you take away the 17 yard run by Jarius Wright. Minnesota converted only two 3rd downs by running the ball, while failing to convert on the ground six times. The Vikings did have some success with draw plays and of course Adrian Peterson did not see the field, but eight tackles for loss is eight tackles for loss and it is undeniable that the Raiders got into the backfield and disrupted plays. Projected starters Khalil Mack, Sio Moore and Pat Sims combined for four tackles for loss, two sacks and two quarterback hits. Later in the game, backups and role players like Jack Crawford, Torell Troup, Kaelin Barnett and Ryan Robinson got in the backfield and made plays. Rookies Shelby Harris and Justin “Jelly” Ellis disrupted plays.

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Most importantly the defensive line unit as a whole played with energy and motor and defensive coordinator Jason Tarver called some excellent plays to create penetration and pressure. This group saw a number of other positive plays wiped away by penalties in the secondary, meaning that they could have put up even more impressive stats. The Raider front seven – defensive line and linebackers – looks like it could be one of the deepest, most talented, and most productive groups on the roster going forward in 2014.

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