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2017 Oakland Raiders: Third quarter report card

By John Buhler

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 03: Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders calls a play against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 03: Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders calls a play against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 08: head coach Jack Del Rio of the Oakland Raiders looks on during warms up prior to their game against the Baltimore Ravens at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 08: head coach Jack Del Rio of the Oakland Raiders looks on during warms up prior to their game against the Baltimore Ravens at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Coaching

Alright, this is where it gets interesting. How much of the Raiders’ recent success has been to coaching and how much of it has to do with playing a soft part of their schedule? We will start with the positives and then give criticism in a bit.

The Raiders offense has played better of late and offensive coordinator Todd Downing has shown some ability to adjust on the fly. Overall, he has been a disappointment this season in his first year on the job. The passing game has been lackluster, but being able to run the ball with Marshawn Lynch has been a plus for the team the last few weeks.

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Firing Ken Norton Jr. had to happen. The defense wasn’t getting better and got lit up in a big spot versus the New England Patriots. John Pagano has stepped in and has had the Raiders hold the opponent under 20 points for consecutive games. The Raiders even forced an interception this quarter. Oakland’s run defense has been solid, the pass defense has improved somewhat and the pass rush is as good as it has been.

Special teams has not been special, but neither has been the head coaching. Jack Del Rio‘s decision to not account for the altitude before playing the Patriots in Mexico City with a week to prepare was embarrassing. So was the Michael Crabtree fight with Aqib Talib. However, going for it on fourth down a couple of times in the last two weeks was sound offensive strategy.

Next: Raiders: 5 matchups to watch vs. Chiefs in Week 14

Overall, the Raiders aren’t getting the most out of their talent due to suspect coaching. It holds this team back, but we did see in the last few weeks the coaching staff grow in their new roles to help this team get a few much-needed wins.

Grade: C

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