This past game left us wondering many questions about the Las Vegas Raiders and many of them are worrisome. Why is cornerback Nevin Lawson covering tight end Rob Gronkowski in the red zone? How is it possible that every time quarterback Tom Brady threw an incompletion there was a penalty? How can the Raiders register zero sacks on 45 pass attempts. Last but not least, Josh Jacobs had nowhere to run… how did that happen?
One Sentence That Summarizes Sunday’s Game
“Tom Brady was more comfortable in the pocket than he is in a pair of Uggs.”
The Raiders defense did little to make the Buccaneers quarterback sweat on Sunday. Outside of an early hit from defensive tackle Maurice Hurst, the Raiders didn’t land another pop on Brady. The signing of defensive end David Irving will hopefully spark the pass rush in the coming weeks. However, the fact that we can’t get a sack after spending quality draft picks and free-agent money on the defensive line is concerning and frustrating. Perhaps, a trade for someone like Carlos Dunlap or Ryan Kerrigan could be in order.
Name the Game
“The Brady Beating”
Brady beat the Raiders as if they stole something. He went for 369 yards and four touchdowns while making it look easy. It was almost borderline disrespectful to waste his time with the Silver and Black’s little JV defense. Many can’t stand Brady but he demonstrated today why his name won’t be forgotten any time soon.
Raiders Stat of the Game
Josh Jacobs: 1.7 yards per carry
The Bucs defensive line dominated in the run game. Of course, the Raiders offensive line spent the week in quarantine and was without right tackle Trent Brown. Then, we aren’t sure why guard Gabe Jackson was ejected. However, no one cares and it doesn’t matter. The Raiders had a shot to beat the ‘Bucs’ but the inability to run the ball was a big reason why they didn’t.
CarrFax
Quarterback Derek Carr is having a career year. He was very solid against the Buccaneers, going for 284 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Also, he recorded an 87.4 passer rating while ESPN gave him an 83.4 QBR. All solid numbers and looked the part today under a good amount of duress. He took his deep shots and moved around well. The interception wasn’t a horrible one. The ball hit Agholor’s hands, although the slow-motion replay and pictures show the defender hit him early. If Carr keeps playing like this, Raider Nation won’t complain.
Related: Raiders Don’t Have Answers For Bucs Offense In 45-20 Loss
The good news about the Raiders heading into Week 8
The schedule is easing up. The Brown’s 5-2 record doesn’t reflect how good (or not) they are and this Week 8 matchup is a must-win.
Also, Johnathan Abram should be back, pending more negative COVID-19 tests and Trent Brown could be back after testing negative this week.
And now the bad news
There is no hope for this defense, none.
Random Thoughts about the Raiders and last Week’s game
- Wide receiver Nelson Agholor was the Raiders’ best free-agent signing this offseason and it’s not close.
- Lamarcus Joyner and Nevin Lawson are on the wrong end of a lot of highlights.
- Devin White had three sacks today, he was taken one pick after Clelin Ferrell.
- Speaking of Ferrell, he’s contributing in the run game.
- I don’t recommend drafting a run defending defensive end number fourth overall.
- Three targets isn’t enough for a wide receiver you drafted in the first round.
- Head coach Jon Gruden has to quit coaching like the team has a competent defense.
- Fourth and 1, down by seven with 12:43 to go, Gruden settled for the field goal.
- The game was never a one-possession game again.
- This game was closer than the score, the Raiders can play with the best.
Apology of the Week
Dear Carl Nassib,
I’m sorry you had to miss today’s game…..oh, you played? I didn’t notice. Congrats on the contract, your agent must be a magician.
Please do something,
Holden
One Prediction for Next Week
Full back Alec Ingold scores a touchdown, it seems inevitable.
Go Raiders.
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Top Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images