Oakland Raiders Film Room: Week 2 (HOU)

Offense

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

When Head Coach Dennis Allen said he wanted to let QB Derek Carr use his legs a little more nobody expected this – especially not Houston’s defense. Early in the second quarter, Oakland came out in 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs) against Houston’s nickel defense (2 DT, 4 LB, 5 DBs) and ran a textbook read-option. After motioning RB Darren McFadden to the right side of the formation they are set to execute the zone run to the left side. As Carr rides McFadden through the mesh point (area/time period when a handoff would take place) he watches Texans weakside OLB Brooks Reed (on the right side of the screen) who is intentionally unblocked. Reed crashes down to tackle McFadden on the run, and Carr makes the correct read and keeps the ball for a 30+ yard run. Note the great run blocking downfield by WR Denarius Moore.