Oakland Raiders: Week 3 Grades

Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack (52) forces a fumble by Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) in a NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Browns 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Shannon Bray 

Quarterback: A

Derek Carr completed 62.5% of his passes, for 314 yards and 2 TD’s. No interceptions. He missed a couple of open guys, but overall another stellar performance. More building blocks for the young QB.

Running Back: A

We had all been waiting for Latavius Murray to get his first 100 yard game and as expected, it came against the Browns. He averaged a whopping 5.3 yards per carry. The Raiders finally gave him bell cow-like carries with 26 and he didn’t disappoint. The Raiders are undefeated when he has 15 or more carries, so expect more from Murray in the offense as the season goes on.

Offensive Line: B

When you get a 100-yard rusher, a 300-yard passer and no sacks, lets be honest, that’s an A’s days work. But in the fourth quarter they got some costly holding penalties on early downs that helped fuel some three and outs. Yes, you can probably call holding on every play in the NFL, but I’m nit-picking and that is the only reason I didn’t give them an A. The big uglies did a great job against the Browns other than those penalties, which I am confident that OL coach Mike Tice will clean up in the Film Room this week.

Wide Receiver: B

Amari Cooper had his first major mistake as a pro. A fourth quarter fumble that helped keep the game close. He seems to carry the ball a little loose when he’s running and I was surprised he didn’t get a couple knocked out from behind this game, like he did in the preseason. I look for the rookie to be more aware in the coming weeks. Cooper did get another 100 yard game, against another all pro cornerback. Crabtree didn’t have another big game, but Holmes and Seth Roberts both had a TD grab, showing how deep and dependable this group is.

Defensive Line: B

Khalil Mack finally showed up in the stat sheet with 2 sacks and the Browns had less than 40 yards rushing. But this front four still couldn’t get enough pressure on the QB. The Raiders had to send linebackers to generate pressure, which left the secondary vulnerable and was one of the reasons why McCown threw for 341 yards. Big Dan Williams and Justin Tuck need to start pushing the middle or they may give up a 300-yard passer every week.

Linebackers: B

The linebackers accounted for three sacks against the Browns and had a hand in holding them to a low rushing total. Although I think Neiron Ball was lined up as a DE for his sack. Their tackling was the best it’s been all year. I’m only going to give them half the blame for another tight end torching us. I am not sure how many snaps Ray Ray had offhand, but he did play a bootleg correctly and recorded a sack. All in all, this group is improving.

Secondary: C

They only get a passing grade because we won the game and as the Browns were driving for the tie, Chuck Woodson had the INT to ice it. Otherwise, if not for poor QB throws, they left guys wide open for TD’s. Not to mention another TE had 100+ yards and a touchdown. This group is so bad, the Raiders suited up a waiver wire pickup from earlier in the week. I know these guys are young, but they are expected to execute the scheme and play with some football savvy. This might be the only group not improving when it’s the group that needs to show it the most.

Offensive Coordinator: A

Without the offense, this game would not have been won. Musgrave finally leaned on Murray and even got Marcel a grab that went for 50 yards. That was a nice creative play, with him lined up as a tight end. This offense is doing a good job of moving the ball and getting everyone involved. I think Musgrave is taking advantage of this opportunity and this personnel.

Defensive Coordinator: C

They called a good first half, only giving up three points. Then in the second half, the struggles with the tight end showed up again and they gave up 17 points. I like Ken Norton Jr. and am glad Del Rio is there to mentor him. Without Del Rio, I’m not sure how these games would have ended up.

Next: JBB Week 3 Grades: Rory Anderson