Oakland Raiders 2019 Week 16 review: 3 studs, 3 duds

Oakland Raiders 2019 Week 16 review: 3 studs and 3 duds

By Kenny King | Dec 23, 2019

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 22: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates the touchdown of DeAndre Washington #33, to take a 21-7 lead over the Los Angeles Chargers, during the third quarter at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 22, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 22: Free safety Curtis Riley #35 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after colliding with teammate cornerback Trayvon Mullen #27 during the second half against Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 22, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Dud: Curtis Riley

With an injury plagued defensive backfield, the Raiders have been forced to put together a makeshift DB unit over the past few weeks. Throughout the game, they Raiders inserted the inauspicious Curtis Riley into the rotation to provide depth as well as to help other players who were battling nagging injuries.

Unfortunately, Riley’s presence caused more havoc for the Raiders defensive unit than it did for the Chargers offense. While rookie cornerback Trayvon Mullen was tackling Chargers receiver Andre Patton, Riley took out Mullen inadvertently with friendly fire causing to be taken off the field in a stretcher.

Luckily early reports on Mullen are that he is doing well, and according to coach Jon Gruden he is expected to play this weekend against the Broncos. The Raiders need more consistent heads up play so that the defense isn’t further hindered by lack of depth.

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