Oakland Raiders Game Plan: Week 4 (Chicago Bears)

Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass under pressure by Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Randy Starks (94) and linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) in a NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium.The Raiders defeated the Browns 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The deep ball

Yes , every team that has a good running game should throw the ball deep down the field off play action. Not only does it keep the defense from cheating up to stop the run but it’s another way to take your opponent’s heart out. The big plays the Raiders made in Cleveland kept the Dawg Pound quiet until later in the game when they started making them.

But the main reason the Raiders should go deep is because the Bears defense gives that deep ball to opposing offenses. Their defense is among the league leaders in pass plays given up at 20-plus yards. When a team is susceptible to anything, I don’t care what it is, you have to ruthlessly attack that area.

You have no choice but to go with 7-step drops when a team is at the bottom of the league in sacks. They didn’t all come last week after making an adjustment so quarterback Derek Carr will have all day to throw. This game can be a big-time confidence booster for Carr and receiver Amari Cooper to take going forward.

Next: The 3-4