Oakland Raiders Week 7 Primer: Home trip to San Diego
October 11, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) hands off to running back Latavius Murray (28) against the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Attack, Attack, Attack
This game for the Raiders is very simple. Attack and never let up. Last week the Raiders tried to slow play the Broncos and at the end of the day, it contributed to a losing performance even if the loss is not entirely on the gameplan itself.
Whether some like it or not, the Raiders are built to throw the ball, at least for this season, and by doing so, they can lighten the box and create running lanes. The Chargers have an abysmal run defense which may make it tempting to run the ball early. That is however exactly what the Chargers want. When they load up the box and throw off the early runs it will force the Raiders into third and longs.
Defensively the Chargers are slow up the middle. Their middle linebackers are not quality coverage guys, and the safeties can be exploited. Weddle is a quality player, but the duo of Rivera and more notably Walford can give the Charger defense some tremendous coverage issues. What makes the Charger defense effective is cornerback Jason Verrett. He can shut down a receiver, but on the opposite side of the field is Brandon Flowers who has been shredded in multiple weeks.
The Raiders should attack the Chargers early with multiple down field tight end-centric routes. During the Broncos game, the Raiders rookie tight end Clive Walford got open running a deep corner route. This type of route, along with routes to exploit the seams especially along the hashmarks, can open up the Charger defense. From there with the downfield threat established, the Raiders can turn towards the running game while keeping balance with short passing plays.
Last week the Raiders ran a personal favorite play of mine. The dual short crossing route combination. In this circumstance, the Raiders were blitzed heavy and Carr went to a hot route which was not picked up by Roberts, and it in turn lead to a pick six, but this concept can be used to great effect. This combination can be used as a sort of rub route or pick that can free up Cooper from Verrett for big yards after the catch.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Raiders need to attack on every play. Rivers will try to get the ball out quickly and the Charger receivers are talented, but this offensive line is hot garbage to use a technical term. The Raiders need to rush five or more on every play and force Rivers to make pin point throws. He has a long track record of throwing interceptions while under pressure.
Next: Week 7 Primer: Roster Moves