Oakland Raiders: Takeaways from 16-9 loss to the Patriots
The Oakland Raiders now sit at 15 consecutive losses on the East Coast. After today’s loss to the Patriots, there are still things that need to be fixed in Oakland despite a better performance. However because of that, there were many bright spots. This game could have been a lot worse, but the defense was able to hold the Patriots to field goals on many drives. Derek Carr continues to draw praise around the league for his confidence and focus. Khalil Mack is growing as a player and stepping up to make plays on the field. This Raiders team is slowly starting to gel with each other, but there is still work to do.
Here are my takeaways from this game,
Derek Carr continues to grow
As a rookie, Carr has a lot of room to grow. Every game, he continues to do so. He completed 21 of 34 passes for 174 yards and one very unfortunate interception. He looks comfortable in the pocket, allowing his receivers time to get open and to look for the right throws. He is always looking ahead and focused on his receivers. Look for Carr to keep progressing throughout the season.
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Offensive line still needs improvement
The offensive line is one of the most polarizing parts of the team. While they did not allow a single sack on Carr, they also couldn’t block enough to give McFadden more yards to run. There were times when they could they let players get to Carr, but he avoided sacks. The worst part of the offensive line are the holding calls. Donald Penn has been a heavy holding offender and Gabe Jackson’s touchdown nullifying penalty cost the Raiders a chance to get back in the game.
Defense shows up in the red zone
Though there are still missed tackles all down the field, this Raider defense came alive in the red zone. They held the Patriots to field goals on the last three trips to the end zone. Justin Tuck got to Tom Brady on multiple occasions and Khalil Mack was everywhere. This defense is continuing to work together and even attack the offense. Maybe Woodson’s words got to them.
Greg Olson continues to make conservative calls
The Raiders were heavy on the run game, but didn’t get much out of it. Darren McFadden had 18 carries for 59 yards and any time Latavius Murray had the ball, he went nowhere. There were still short passes but they took chances down the field. OC Olsen needs to get more creative with the play calling. Really, what is there to lose?