PFF Recap: Grading the Oakland Raiders in Week 7
By Austin Gayle
Offensive Line Paves the Way for Carr’s Success
The Raiders’ offensive line, nicknamed “Carr Insurance” by Raiders.com, again exceeded expectations against Jacksonville, preventing the Jaguars’ defense from logging even one sack on quarterback Derek Carr.
Four of the five Raiders’ offensive linemen finished with top five grades against Jacksonville, per PFF.com.
Due in large part to the protection, Carr earned a 77.1 overall grade from PFF.com, completing 23 of 37 passes for 200 yards and a touchdown.
Though Carr’s performance was on pace with some of his previous stat lines, he repeatedly made good decisions with the football, ultimately orchestrating seven scoring drives.
The Raiders’ offensive line carried the momentum to the ground game, as the Raiders’ slew of backs turned 34 carries into 144 yards (4.2 yards per carry) and two touchdowns.
Relentless in their efforts to bully the Jaguars’ front seven, the Raiders’ offensive line easily won the battle at the line of scrimmage, effectively wearing down Jacksonville’s defense because of their unmatched physicality.
Jaguars defensive end Jared Odrick was one of many Jacksonville defenders that fell victim to the Raiders’ offensive line during the echo of the whistle.
Consistency in the trenches has directly led to the Raiders’ success this season, and unfortunately for defenders like Odrick, it’s showing no signs of stopping.