Oakland Raiders Preseason Week 3: Pregame Notes
By Justin Smith
PRESSURES
3rd Down Conversions / Discipline
As I mentioned in my recap of the Packer’s loss, the Raiders continued a disturbing trend of getting penalties on early downs. This has resulted in repeated 3rd and long situations, and ultimately stalled drives due to a failure to convert at an acceptable rate.
Middle of the pack at 17th in the NFL last season at 39.9%, the Raiders ache for those numbers this preseason. They are a dreadful 6 for 23 (26%) on third down and it’s largely due to a lack of discipline on early downs.
It’s been said enough, by Del Rio, Carr, and others – they must clean things up to be successful. No need to harp on the point, but successful teams do not convert less than 30% of their third downs. It just doesn’t happen. It’s only preseason, but it’s something that was trending downward toward the end of last season and the team must clean it up.
It starts tonight, and it starts with discipline pre-snap and keeping focused throughout.
Next: Hurries - Quick Points