Oakland Raiders: 5 keys to upset of Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16

Derek Carr can’t dink and dunk.

It’s pretty simple, but we’re going to convey this thought in a different way. Maybe Derek Carr doesn’t want to let it rip or air it out or whatever in the passing game? Instead, let’s just not resolve into a dink-and-dunk offense. 4.5 yards per attempt in the passing game is a certain way to lose to the Eagles.

Though dinking-and-dunking sustains longer offensive drives for the Silver and Black, Oakland is at its best offensively when it can make the big aerial strike. Big plays down the field gives this team more confidence than anything. Of course, it only ends up hurting the defense, forcing it to be on the field longer, but a confident Raiders offense is the best thing the team could have going for it.

Then again, Philadelphia has one of the best secondaries in football. Malcolm Jenkins is Pro Bowl bound. Jalen Mills has had a great year for the Eagles. Even Ronald Darby has been able to pick up on things quickly in his first year with the Eagles defense. Regardless, Carr shouldn’t be afraid of any of the great players on this Eagles defense.

The closer Carr’s yards per attempt reach 8.0, the better. He can throw some picks, but if he’s completing less than 50 percent of his passes for 4.5 yards per attempt, Oakland has no chance at the upset, barring a monumental collapse by the entire Eagles team. Carr has to take this Raiders offense over the top on Monday night.