Oakland Raiders Film Room: Week 11 (Chargers)

Nov 16, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) has a pass broken up by Oakland Raider safety Brandian Ross (29) in the 1st quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Liu-USA TODAY Sports

Week 11 was somewhat bittersweet for Raider Nation. On one hand, the Oakland Raiders offense came out and laid an egg. Muffed snaps, sacks, and bonehead plays like too many men in the huddle gave the impression that Oakland’s offense forgot to take their Flintstone vitamins before they got on the bus for Sunday school. On the other hand, Oakland’s defense put boots to backsides and held the seventh ranked offense according to DVOA (going into Week 11) to just 13 points. A fan couldn’t have asked for more from the defense, which gave Oakland’s offense every opportunity to win the game.

Sunday’s performances continue an all too familiar narrative for Oakland this season. Some aspects of the team working at high levels, while others falter and keep the team from gaining that all elusive win. Still, these silver linings are absolutely something to get excited about. Thus, this week we’ll focus on the amazing defensive performance. For despite all the injuries plaguing this defense, it’s managed to put together some solid resistance against some of the best teams in the league over and over again. Against San Diego the performance was especially impressive on third downs.

Grab the clipboards, practice your backpedal & swim moves, and let’s get started.