Oakland Raiders: Week 2 Grades

Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) prepares to throw a pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 37-33. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

It is safe to say the Oakland Raiders win over the Baltimore Ravens has brought optimism back to the Raider Nation that appeared to be gone for good after a blowout loss to start the season against the Cincinnati Bengals. A game-winning drive from Derek Carr turning the Raiders season from a disappointing start to one that has the team headed into a positive direction leading into a stretch of winnable games before AFC West play begins.

On Sunday a Raiders team that looked like one of the worst in the league played like many expected them to before the season, Derek Carr looking more comfortable in the pocket while new wideouts Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree both had 100 yard days. Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr.’s defense having struggles stopping Joe Flacco, but ultimately forcing enough field goals and turnovers to hold onto a win.

With that being said despite some minor negatives and expected mistakes, this Raiders performance is clearly one that will provide far more positivity than negativity. After all, the team just won a game that they weren’t expected or supposed to win against a Ravens team that is a playoff contender. A polar opposite of the season opener leaving plenty of good things to talk about regarding the Raiders performance in comparison to last week’s doom and gloom after the blowout.

That optimism is reflected in the Just Blog Baby staff’s grades for the Week 2 upset over the Ravens. Following are the takeaways and grades from the JBB staff after a massive win to go 1-1 on the season:

Next: JBB Week 2 Grades: Nick Hjeltness