Oakland Raiders Week 15 Review: 3 stars and 3 duds
Three Duds
Raiders Offensive Line
Among the obstacles the Raiders have dealt with all season has been the health of the offensive line. When at full strength, they are a force to be reckoned with, but on Sunday they were not at full strength and it clearly showed. Derek Carr was sacked four times, while Brandon Parker was clearly beat at times filling in for the injured Trent Brown.
Daniel Carlson
Had the refs ruled Derek Carr in bounds when he chose to slide late in the fourth quarter, perhaps we wouldn’t be talking about Daniel Carlson’s underwhelming performance. And yet back to back missed field goals from 50 and 45 yards out cannot be overlooked, especially after Carlson was given a second chance to redeem himself.
His missed field goal may not have been the reason for Oakland’s loss, but it was another blemish on an ugly loss.
Next. Raiders playoff hopes crushed in Week 15. dark
Jon Gruden
These past few weeks seem to be the same story played out over four quarters, and even the broadcast team acknowledged it. Jon Gruden has been excellent with his early game scripting, and it was the case once again when Tyrell Williams capped off the first drive of the game with the Raiders’ only touchdown. But from there on out?
An offense that was stagnant, only able to come away with a few Daniel Carlson field goals, and completely shut out in the second half. Gruden is the 100 million dollar coach, and that creativity with the offensive playcalling needs to be displayed.