Oakland Raiders: 5 keys to victory over New York Giants
By John Buhler
Have Derek Carr look to throw the ball down field.
The greatest indicator of success for the Raiders this season is this. If Derek Carr averages more than 8.0 yards per attempt, Oakland wins the ball game. In games where he has gone over that threshold, Oakland is 5-0. In games where Carr has started and he has been under 8.0, the Raiders are 0-5.
This is indicative of a few things for the Raiders’ offense. The first being that Carr is getting into rhythm with his receiving corps early and often in those games. He is at his best when he is able to throw the ball down field with confidence, knowing one of his many vertical threat receivers will come down with it. An above 8.0 yards per attempt also means that his receivers are getting open and catching the football.
The only issues with this particular game are that Carr might be without his two best wide receivers and the Giants’ secondary can force turnovers. We know that wide receiver Michael Crabtree will be suspended for this game for his fight with Aqib Talib last week. Wide receiver Amari Cooper is dealing with a concussion and an ankle injury heading into Week 13.
Landon Collins was a Defensive Player of the Year candidate last year for his elite ballhawking abilities. Though the Giants are a sub-.500 mess, these are may of the same players that went 11-5 last year. Offensive coordinator Todd Downing will need to get creative to open up better throwing lanes for Carr. Oakland can’t have Carr dink and dunk against New York if the Raiders want to win this ball game.