Oakland Raiders: Jon Gruden shows he is a mastermind in the red zone

Derek Carrier goal line fade

While it’s not shown in the highlight below, the head coach uses a pre-snap shift to put his players a favorable match-up. Wide receiver Keon Hatcher starts the play at the top of the screen and tight end Derek Carrier is next to the left tackle. Hatcher then shifts to the right side of the formation and simultaneously, Carrier slides over to replace Hatcher, which gives leaves 5’11” Rudy Ford to guard 6’3” Carrier.

If Oakland doesn’t utilize the shift and Carrier just lines up at left wide receiver, the Cardinals would have time to get a bigger body on the tight end and have a better match-up.

However the shift forces the Cardinals to react, resulting in an advantage for the Silver and Black. Carrier then uses an inside stick move to create separation and his size advantage helps to keep the defender away from the ball. Adding a small wrinkle to a simple play is genius on Gruden’s end.

Again it’s only the preseason, so we should tread lightly, but players look more comfortable in Gruden’s offense and that helps open the playbook. If the coach can continue to open up the offense, the Raiders could be one of the most improved offenses in 2019.