How would the Las Vegas Raiders offense fare without former head coach Jon Gruden? Judging from Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos, they fared very well.
The Raiders’ offensive plan of attack was a stroke of brilliance as they sliced and diced the Broncos’ defense. When the unit caught them cheating against the run, they hit them over the top. The running game made a resurgence, and things as a whole went well.
Quarterback: A+Â
Derek Carr played marvelously in his first action under play-caller Greg Olson. He started the game off by using his legs to generate offense and cause the defense stress. Carr executed seamlessly while throwing with anticipation while also throwing it deep. Best of all, he protected the football. Carr finished the game with 341 yards and two touchdowns on 18 completions; it was Boss Level.
Offensive Line: B
The offensive line has been under fire and justifiably so. In past games, they have been dreadful. A change in the dominant run blocking philosophy seemed to make quite a difference. Switching from zone dominant to more of a gap/power blocking scheme mixed with duos and a sprinkling of zone made a difference in the running game. Pass protection was solid and allowed Carr plenty of time to find receivers.
Revisiting Statement Victory By Raiders Under New Head Coach
Pass Catchers: A+
The Raiders made history against the Broncos. No team, dating back to 1991, had ever put up seven plays of 25+ yards in the passing game. The most the Raiders have had is four. Henry Ruggs III is leading the league in average yards per catch and is on pace to flirt with 1,300 yards. The pass catchers and Carr are the Raiders offensive key to success in 2021.
Running Backs: B
The Alabama boys, Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake, both scored rushing touchdowns and combined for 20 carries and 87 yards. Between the two of them, they are averaging nearly 5.5 yards per carry. When they are needed to produce tough yards, they are able, and both had explosive plays in the receiving game as well.
*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
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