Report Card: Oakland Raiders vs. Indianapolis Colts

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Dec 24, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle (84) is stopped by Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) during the second quarter at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense

Defensive Line

The defensive line had another solid performance, and appeared to be at full strength with the addition of Mario Edwards Jr. It was exciting to see Edwards on the field in situational pass rushes as well as situational run defense. Although Edwards did not show up on the stat sheet, he was on a short leash due to it being his first real in-game action in 4 months. Edwards was on the field for a total of 18 snaps.

Khalil Mack played like a man possessed. According to PFF, Mack registered 9 total pressures, and would have easily had a 3-sack game if Andrew Luck would have held onto the ball for a few milliseconds longer. Mack led all defensive lineman with 3 tackles and registered a PFF grade of 86.2, which led the entire team.

Although the defensive line did not register a sack, there was constant pressure from all facets and the run defense definitely tightened up in the 2nd half after it appeared Frank Gore was on his way to back-to-back 100 yard games.

Grade: B

Linebackers

The linebackers have slowly but surely improved over the last three to four weeks. Malcolm Smith led all Raiders defenders with 8 total tackles and also had a big forced fumble which was recovered in Colts territory, and made it easier on the offense to score.

Perry Riley Jr. also had himself a solid game in which he registered 5 tackles and also recorded a pass defensed. Per PFF, had Riley graded out as the 2nd highest linebacker with a grade of 73.0.

Bruce Irvin has turned himself into the perfect complementary bookend pass rusher, opposite Khalil Mack. Although Irvin only recorded a single tackle, he did the majority of his damage when rushing the passer. Irvin led the Raiders with 3 QB hits and was breathing down Andrew Luck’s neck for the majority of the game.

Grade: B

Defensive Backs

The defensive backs had a very solid 1st half. Both Nate Allen and Reggie Nelson recorded interceptions.

Nelson’s interception in particular came at a great time, in which it seemed like the Colts were primed to score and take a lead into the half, but Nelson did his best Charles Woodson impression and picked one off in the end zone, which would eventually lead to a Raiders touchdown.

The 2nd half is where it got somewhat ugly. The Colts were down 33-7 with about 8 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter, so you would expect them to be pass heavy. Andrew Luck led his offense on 2 more scoring drives and the Raiders secondary just did not know how to contain receiver T.Y. Hilton. Hilton finished with 4 receptions for 105 yards receiving.

Although Hilton did not kick a field goal and finish with 8 catches for 160 yards like Nick and Ryan predicted on the podcast, Hilton still had a quality day and it seems like the Just Blog Baby podcast curse did just not work this time. Sorry guys.

Grade: C+

Special Teams

The special teams did not have an overbearing great day by any stretch of the means. Although, Andre Holmes seems to be consistent name that is brought up every week when it comes to good special teams play. Holmes was able to down a punt inside the 5-yard line which set up the Raiders defense very nicely.

The one gripe that special teams seems to have had on Saturday was Sebastian Janikowski. After a week of praising Seabass after his stellar performance in San Diego, Janikowski would miss his first two extra points of the season against the Colts.

Although one of the extra points appeared to have been tipped, these are free points that need to be taken advantage of. If the Raiders hope to make a deep playoff run, they cannot let their kicker be the death of them.

Grade: B-

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