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Stock Watch: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers

By Maliik Obee

Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) reacts during a NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) reacts during a NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Stock Down

As always, there is a downside to every game.

Here are three players whose stock is trending down following their performance in Sunday’s game.

September 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders offensive tackle Austin Howard (77) during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland Coliseum. The Falcons defeated the Raiders 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
September 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders offensive tackle Austin Howard (77) during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland Coliseum. The Falcons defeated the Raiders 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Austin Howard

You are only as strong as your weakest link, and for the Raiders offensive line, that’s tackle Austin Howard.

Oakland allowed 10 pressures on quarterback Derek Carr, five at the hands of Howard. The Chargers only sack of the game came at the hands of Howard as well.

For the Raiders Super Bowl hopes to come into fruition, they will have to surpass the AFC’s best pass rushes. With Howard on the line, they are at a supreme disadvantage.

Amari Cooper

Second-year receiver Amari Cooper has achieved another 1000 yard season, breaking records and showing extreme potential. But as of late, Cooper has struggled to connect with quarterback Derek Carr.

Last week it was his errant route running that resulted in a missed game-winning opportunity in Kansas City. This week, he was nearly invisible, with just one catch for 28 yards. Cooper’s sporadic play against the hobbled Chargers secondary may be a red flag, considering the importance of Oakland’s next two games.

Sean Smith

It goes without saying that Sean Smith is a reliable corner; as long as a receiver is tall and slow. Chargers receiver Travis Benjamin burned Smith for a touchdown, a testament to Smith’s inability to keep up with speedy wideouts.

Considering Oakland’s upcoming matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, Smith will be matched up with another speedy guy in T.Y. Hilton. The two have a history, dating back to Hilton’s torching of Smith when he was a Miami Dolphin.

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