Storyline: I was ready to bail on the Raiders’ season after the 2nd quarter in Week 1. But what a win v. the Ravens! The Raiders still have issues, but hope exists.
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“We’re just getting started. The head coach and the quarterback’s records are tied to each other … 4th quarter comeback win, one of many.” Oakland Raiders Coach Jack Del Rio, post-game speech, as he hands the game ball to Derek Carr following the Raiders’ 37-33 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
But the game wasn’t pretty. The Raiders defense was atrocious, giving up just under 500 yards of offense. The team racked up 16 penalties. Oakland blew two 10-point leads.
But with all the negatives I’m choosing to concentrate on the “W.” As Del Rio said: in the NFL it’s often about the coaches and quarterbacks.
On Jack Del Rio: I’ll start with the head coach. All eyes were on Del Rio after last week’s Opening Day face-plant against the Bengals. The preseason was brimming with optimism, in large part due to the calming presence and authority of the Raiders’ new head coach.
In Week 2, everyone wanted to know how the Raiders would respond to adversity so quickly into Del Rio’s tenure. In their first gut-check of the 2015 season, Del Rio’s team responded with Grit and a “W.” Del Rio knew “the want” was there, but his team needed to relax and go play. His motto: Move forward with positive energy and go on to the next game. It’s a good motto, too. The NFL is all about what comes next. Forget the loss or win. Just move forward and get better.
All football coaches have clichés. The key is getting team buy-in; and it seems as though his Raider team is buying into Del Rio’s message. These young Raiders need a leader to follow, and Del Rio’s calm helped him push the right buttons in Week 2. Let’s see how it evolves.
On Derek Carr: Welcome to the NFL, Derek Carr! The Ravens game was not Carr’s first win, but it was the first time he put the team on his back for the entire game. It’s a progression I’ve been waiting to see. Sure, Carr looked good as a Rookie in 2014, but it was critical for me to see a leap in Year 2.
Courtesy: withthefirstpick.com
Carr threw the ball 46 times including some lasers downfield. He took brutal shots in the pocket, but stood his ground and delivered strikes. He overcame a late pick and bounced back to lead a game-winning drive in two minutes.
This was franchise QB Carr.
After a shaky preseason, and a shortened and non-descript Week 1 performance, I needed to see this type of performance from him. After several national articles questioning Carr’s potential doubt was creeping into my mind. This game proves that potential for greatness lies within Derek Carr. He needs to work on bringing it consistently, week after week.
On the Play Calling: It was great to finally see a full game of OC Bill Musgrave’s play calling. The offense was heavy on the Shotgun with a lot of quick, horizontal passes, occasional shots downfield, and RB draws. Musgrave also threw in occasional power sets. I liked the versatility and multiple looks. That approach should keep defenses guessing each week.
On the Defense: The defense was downright putrid. The numbers are glaring: 493 yards allowed, 29 first downs, 7 yards per play, and no sacks (for the second straight game). How can former NFL LBs Reggie McKenzie, Jack Del Rio, and Ken Norton Jr. stomach giving up 33 points per game? Hopefully, this defensive-oriented core can find a solution.
On Woodson: On the bright side, future Hall of Famer Charles Woodson is simply a warrior. CWood suffered a dislocated shoulder last week but he’s now back on the field, subbing at FS for Nate Allen … at age 39! The man is awesome!
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On 4th and 1: At a critical juncture in the first half, the Ravens decided to go for it on 4th- and 1. They were on their own side of the field, down 17-10. It was a gutsy move and the Raiders could have upped their lead with a stop. Instead, the Raiders scrambled with substitutions and didn’t seem ready when RB Justin Forsett scampered towards the sideline and picked up the 1st Down. It would have been a good time for a defense TO, Ken Norton Jr.!
On the Heat: The announcers said it was 95 to 100 degrees on the field with the Raiders playing in their home blacks. It feels like a furnace whenever the temperature gets above 80 degrees at O.co. I can’t imagine what the players felt like Sunday. It looked like both defenses withered at the end, possibly because of that heat.
On the Receivers: Kudos to Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree on their breakout games as Raiders. They give Carr the targets he didn’t have last year. They’re the best WR Oakland duo since Tim Brown and Jerry Rice were winning AFC West titles.
On Penalties: A total of 26 penalties were called, including 16 on Oakland. Does the NFL think we enjoy all these flags? The nitpicking in the defensive back field is the worst. I understand the league wants more scoring, but have you watched a NFL game lately? I think the scoring is fine. Please give the defense a chance. Enough with all the illegal contact, holding, and interference penalties! DBs have to play the game, too.
Overall: What a difference a week makes! I was ready to bail on the season after the 2nd quarter in Week 1. This team still has issues, but hope still exists. If the team can bring a 2-2 record into a home match-up with Denver, they just might make some noise this year.
Player of the Game
Courtesy:Thekissarmytribute.com
That’s an easy call to make this week: QB Derek Carr is the choice. Carr looked everything like a franchise QB should: accurate, tough, and emotional. This is the young leader the Raiders need if they are going to escape a losing atmosphere.
Nothing fixes losing in the NFL more than a solid QB.
Now, take it from here, Derek!
