Tough Loss Points to Bright Future For Oakland Raiders

Oct 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Branden Oliver (43) works his way to the Oakland Raiders one-yard line during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Bottom Line

As we have known and I’ve been writing it would all along, the Raiders throwing the deep ball has solved all their problems on offense. Carr has shown he is willing and able to do it and it has opened up the running game and short pass. The offense is now rolling and in the NFL, 28 points is enough to win most games but the defense is once again the problem for the team.

Mack is doing his thing but to help him out, the Raiders should start with Sio Moore at the other outside linebacker instead of having him inside. Moore is actually a great pass rusher and Woodley’s best days appear to be way behind him at this point. Inside linebacker Miles Burris needs to go too because all he is doing now is showing why he should be taken out of the starting lineup.

Pro Football Focus had him rated as the worst starting outside linebacker in the NFL as a rookie and now, the worst inside linebacker! The Chargers took the lead late in the game by running the ball right through the middle of the Raiders defense. All this while former Raider Rolando McClain, the man he replaced, is the 3rd-rated inside linebacker in the NFL and he’s a free agent after the season.

With Burris playing so poorly, it would be nice to see what Jamarr Chaney can do as he has had his moments in the NFL. The pass defense looks like it’s going to be sured up soon because Carrie is improving and Hayden will be heathy soon. All the Raiders need now on defense is for Justin Tuck and Antonio Smith to get a pass rush going inside.

If not, we’ll see what the Raiders do this offseason.

But you can see with Sparano using the talent he has, the Raiders aren’t too far off and have a bright future!

Just win baby!