Raiders can’t overcome turnovers and the pass rush, fall to Bengals 30-16

Three Stars

1. Bengals defense

The start to the game could not have been worse for the Raiders and the Bengals defense was the catalyst for Oakland’s struggles. Cincinnati’s defense forced two fumbles recovered at the expense of Derek Carr and Jalen Richard, and they were huge momentum killers for the Raiders offensive attack and in the end, were too great to overcome. Geno Atkins had three sacks in the second half, with Carr being brought down five times on the day in the end.

2. Joe Mixon

Without Andy Dalton under center and without AJ Green on the outside, it’s been up to Joe Mixon to be the leader for the offense and he surely answered the call on Sunday against Oakland. In the first half alone Mixon rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown, including a 47 yard run in which he carved up the Raiders defense. Mixon helped put the game away in the fourth quarter, and ended the day with 27 carries for 129 yards and two touchdowns.

3. Daniel Carlson

The Oakland Raiders finally have stability at the kicker position with Daniel Carlson, and his performance on Sunday should be commended it what could have been an eveng bigger loss to the Bengals. Instead, Carlson was on point all day as he connected on three field goals, one from 50 yards out, to keep the game within reach.