Regretfully, we want to inform you that the world will, in fact, be ending soon. That is the only possible explanation for the Raiders’ defense coming up with five turnovers in Week 10 against the Denver Broncos. Quarterback Blaine Gabbert really struggled. Excuse us, sorry that was Drew Lock. They are the same person so I hope you understand the confusion.
Raiders Week 10 victory in one sentence
“Drew Lock sucks.”
It’s not very articulate but Lock made the Silver and Black defense look great after struggling for a good portion of the season. The four interceptions stand out, obviously. The manner at which they occurred was even worse. An overthrow, a red-zone pick, a dropping defensive lineman, and an underthrow. He hit the quartet of bad interceptions.
Name the Game
“Guenther’s Gem”
These little Motley Reviews haven’t always been kind to defensive Coordinator Paul Guenther. He deserves some credit for this one. If your defense is generating five turnovers in a game, you must be doing something right. So, cheers to ‘Paulie’ for turning in a masterpiece Sunday.
Stat of the game
Josh Jacobs and Devontae Booker- Two rushing touchdowns each.
Let’s talk about the running game for a bit. Four rushing touchdowns in a game is absolutely absurd, especially in the year 2020. Jacobs is just a bully, he was much more physical than the Broncos defense all game long. Then in the fourth 1uarter, head coach Jon Gruden got former Bronco Devontae Booker two touchdowns just to throw salt in the wound.
CarrFax
The Raiders won by 25. Quarterback Derek Carr is at the point in his career where his judgement is going to come off wins and losses, so, Week 10 was a good outcome for him. His statline was very pedestrian. However, the running game took over in the second half and there were some big drops in this game (Henry Ruggs, Nelson Agoholor, and Darren Waller each with major drops). It doesn’t matter as long as the Raiders win.
Good news for the Raiders
The Raiders won their first blowout game of the year. Consistent playoff teams blowout bad teams. This was the first win of the year that felt super repeatable. The Raiders didn’t need a game winning drive from Carr or a big goal line stop from their young cornerbacks. This is a great sign for team that is still young and missing a few major pieces to injury.
Here is the bad news
The AFC is brutal, there will be a 10-win AFC team that doesn’t make the playoffs. The expanded postseason format helps. However, the Raiders, the Colts/Titans runner-up, the Ravens, the Browns, and the Dolphins are all duking it out for three wildcard spots. It would be very on-brand for the Silver and Black to go 10-6 but still miss the playoffs.
Random thoughts about the Raiders
- Defensive end Carl Nassib had more interceptions than tackles.
- Anytime wide receiver Hunter Renfrow breaks a good punt return off you can bet the mortgage it’s coming back on penalty.
- Linebacker Cory Littleton might not be a starter when he returns from the reserve/COVID list.
- Nick Kwiatkoski is the best inside linebacker the Raiders have had in at least 10 years.
- Wide receiver Henry Ruggs has to start making plays on these deep shots, and soon.
- More snaps for wide receiver Bryan Edwards please.
- ‘DC4’ is moving better in the pocket now than at any point in his career.
- Kicker Daniel Carlson, or Legatron as the cool kids call him, is on his way to a long Raider career
Related:Â Raiders Running Backs Pulverized Broncos’ Run Defense
Apology of the Week
Dear Dark Horse MVP Drew Lock bettors,
You might as well have taken that money out and burned it in the front yard. How are Herbert’s odds looking for next year?
With pity,
Your Friend Holden.
One Prediction for Next Week
*checks schedule* ahhhh, the Chiefs coming off their bye week. The classic Raiders-Chiefs rivalry tradition, they get a bye before we play them. The Silver and Black have their full attention now. The game goes into overtime. Kansas City wins in a barn burner.
Same time next week? Go Raiders.
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Top Photo: Jeff Bottar/Associated Press
