Week 15 Notes and Observations: Oakland Raiders Clinch Playoffs in SD

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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 /

Starting to Peak? – Defense

1. Mack and Friends

Khalil Mack has carried the defense much of the year, but on Sunday, his partner-in-crime Bruce Irvin was the prime performer.

Mack, the obvious Pro Bowler, played 50 of 55 defensive snaps and was consistently game planned by the Chargers offense. He put up 4 tackles and a bevy of pressures, but did not secure a sack, ending his streak at 8 games in a row with a QB-conquering moment.

Irvin was the sidekick who played the role of star in this game. Irvin played 53 snaps, racked up 6 tackles, sacked Phillip Rivers twice, forced a fumble, and finished the game with a hit that caused a flutter ball that was easily picked by S Reggie Nelson.

The defensive interior was again led by hybrid defenders Denico Autry and rookie Jihad Ward, who played 42 and 31 snaps, respectively. Autry was the most disruptive interior force and secured the Raiders’ other sack on the day.

2. Secondary

The Raiders DB corps played well after one early breakdown led to a Chargers’ TD to Travis Benjamin. Despite Benjamin’s 47-yard TD early, the Raiders only yielded 206 passing yards on the day. They turned off the spigot.

Veteran FS Reggie Nelson, the Raiders’ 7th Pro Bowler, played all 55 snaps and had the game-ending pick — which seems to be his signature move. Fellow veteran Nate Allen again played well in backing up injured rookie Karl Joseph. Allen again played all 55 snaps and was sound, including racking up 6 total tackles.

At CB, Sean Smith and David Amerson also played all 55 snaps. Amerson had the hit of the day on Chargers’ WR Tyrell Williams, to drop the WR just short of the sticks and force a key 4th down. T.J. Carrie played 34 snaps from the slot.

While the Raiders have continued to excel vs. the run, get after the QB, and force turnovers, the final element they need to become great is reduce the big plays. They will be tested vs. an explosive Colts passing game on Saturday.

3. Inside Backers

Perry Riley Jr. and Malcolm Smith each played iron-man along with the starting DBs — all 55 snaps. They helped the defense gel after the big play. They each recorded 5 total tackles and tag teamed a HUGE fumble play, as Riley stripped Chargers’ RB Kenneth Farrow and Smith got on the ball. It was a game changing play.

Overall, the Raiders’ defense is looking less and less like a liability and more and more like a winning force. After a rough early go, the change has been critical and, if sustainable, can pay huge dividends in the playoffs.

Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders placekicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) kicks a 44-yard field goal out of the hold of Marquette King (7) with 2:42 left against the San Diego Chargers during a NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Winning Performance – Special Teams

1. Punt Game Returns to Form

Marquette King has been one of the stronger punters in the game this year, but was not chosen for the Pro Bowl game. He was selected as an alternate. On Sunday, he had another solid game. He averaged over 43 yards per punt, with a long of 64. It was a good rebound from a very poor Thursday night effort in KC.

2. Seabass Special

Sebastian Janikowski is the lone player who has remained on the roster from the last playoff appearance after the 2002 season. He has finally been rewarded with another trip to the tourney. On Sunday, he was on point, 4-for-4 on FGs, including the game winner, and knocked through his only PAT. Seabass looks ready for the playoff challenge after a crazy 13 year hiatus.

3. Coverage

The Raiders’ coverage was excellent on the day. The leader in coverage was again offseason special teams ace signing LB Daren Bates. He had a huge hit on the final kickoff of the game that set the stage for the final defensive stand.

Oakland Raiders Week 15 Conclusion

The 2016 Oakland Raiders have been a thrill ride all year and we are now officially blessed with a playoff game guarantee. The magic number for an AFC West title, 1st round bye, and guaranteed home playoff game is 2. The Raiders certainly have more to play for in the regular season.

At this point, the season has been a success, but also much more to come. At some point, we will all be crying together. Either tears of joy at a Super Bowl win, or tears of sadness at the magical season coming to a losing end in the playoffs. Either way, being back in the tourney means so much to long-suffering Raiders fans.

The Colts represent another tough opponent coming to Oakland. They are fighting for their playoff lives and feature star QB Andrew Luck and various dynamic skill players. The Raiders will need to keep their eye on the AFC West prize. This is the final home game of the regular season. Let’s earn another home game in the playoffs! Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum gets all the way live in the playoffs — it is a dream we need to be reality.

See you here next week for notes on what is hopefully another W for the AFC West leading Oakland Raiders.

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