Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders: 3 things we learned

Jon Gruden can be stubborn with his game plan

The first drive for the Raiders in Jon Gruden’s return to the sidelines was perfectly scripted. Driving the length of the field against the Rams’ defense is very impressive. However, little did we know that touchdown would be the one and only for the entire game.

The Raiders offense fell completely on their faces in the second half after a well played first half. They had the lead going into halftime 13-10, but were shut out in the second half 0-23.

Derek Carr was at the root of the team’s lack luster performance with some horrible throws and decision making, but what about Gruden? Why didn’t he make any adjustments at halftime in preparation of the Rams counter attack? Did he really not expect Wade Phillips and his former pupil Sean McVay to not change up the plan?

Gruden’s play calling in the second half was similar to the first. I was baffled that he didn’t do anything different. The two most shocking was that he never dialed up any deep pass plays and hardly called play action.

When it comes to the deep passes, that’s definitely partly on Derek Carr for having the quick trigger finger. Gruden also neglected those plays in part because the Rams were taking away anything deep with their zones, but that’s when he should be calling some under routes for Amari Cooper or Jordy Nelson.

Both were nonexistent, in fact the entire receiving core was. This is where dialing up play action would’ve been helpful. Suck in the defense, get them going the wrong way and capitalize on it. Gruden credits the Rams for their adjustments, but what about his? Why didn’t he match them?

Once again, this is just one game, so hopefully there is more to this as to why he didn’t adapt. But if Gruden is going to let his ego get in the way because he’s in love with his game plan, then wins are going to be hard to find for this team. It’s going to be hard to find a win next week when they visit the Denver Broncos.