Oakland Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers: 3 bold predictions

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 07: Clelin Ferrell #96 of the Oakland Raiders sacks Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 07: Clelin Ferrell #96 of the Oakland Raiders sacks Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders delivers a pass against the defense of the Los Angeles Chargers in the game at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders delivers a pass against the defense of the Los Angeles Chargers in the game at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Two-plus touchdowns in the second half

Over the past month of football, the Oakland Raiders’ performance has become like a movie we’ve all seen over and over again. Jon Gruden helms an excellent opening drive and early game script, only to falter late down the stretch, especially once the second half kicks off. Many are quick to pinpoint Derek Carr for the offense’s struggles but don’t forget the individual calling the plays.

The Raiders’ offense is by no means complete but they aren’t completely devoid of talent. Josh Jacobs (though he’s out this Sunday) is a force in the backfield, Darren Waller is a star tight end and Hunter Renfrow should be back in the fold to do damage in the slot. Simply put, the coach with the $100 million contract needs to display his creativity with his playcalling.

There should be no excuses for being shutout in the second half (the Raiders have just one touchdown in the second half in their last five outings). Against the Chargers, that has to change, whether by playcalling or by Carr being even more aggressive. The Raiders end their second-half dry spell and find the endzone at least twice after halftime.