We were aware going into the game that the formidable Denver Broncos defense would pose a challenge for the Las Vegas Raiders offense. However, considering how the Raiders have been playing, you’ll take this offense’s performance any week. Looking back on Sunday, they tallied over 400 total yards and 22 points over the much-heralded Broncos’ defense. Let’s evaluate each positional group’s performance and assign them a grade based on it.
Grading The Las Vegas Raiders Offense: Positional Grades For Week 11
QuarterbackÂ
Derek Carr accepted the challenge and played well despite being without his starting left tackle and two of his top weapons. Carr had 307 yards and two touchdown throws by the time the game was over. He stepped up in the pocket and made throws as necessary. Carr played a clean game generally, despite a few slip-ups. Carr led the Raiders down the field in the fourth quarter to equalize the score and force overtime. Then, in overtime, he found Davante Adams for a touchdown pass to seal the victory.
Grade: B+
It’s over. Carr to Adams. Broncos lose, 22-16.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 21, 2022
Offensive LineÂ
Because of Kolton Miller’s unexpected injury, the Raiders were without their top offensive lineman. According to Tashan Reed of The Athletic, the offensive line lineup that included Jermaine Eluemunor, Dylan Parham, Andre James, Alex Bars, and Thayer Munford was the 12th different one the Raiders have used this season. Even with Miller out, the offensive line looked solid. The rushing game averaged 4.5 yards per carry and saw only one sack of Carr. So, considering Miller’s absence and the defense they faced, the team had a respectable night.
Grade: B-
Running Backs
Josh Jacobs was the only running back to receive a carry in this game. Jacobs gained 109 rushing yards for the night, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Although it wasn’t as spectacular as his previous performance against the Broncos, it was nonetheless effective. Given that the Broncos have one of the best run defenses in the league, all you could ask of Jacobs was to run hard and move the chains regularly. Additionally, during the Raiders’ two-minute drill in the fourth quarter, Jacobs had a crucial 43-yard reception. He was effective in both the running and receiving games, finishing the game with more than 150 total yards.
Grade: B
Wide Receivers
It was the Davante Adams show, and all the Broncos could do was watch. Adams caught seven passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns. He consistently beat every coverage the Broncos attempted to throw at him. Adams also grabbed the winning touchdown in overtime that came on a walk-off. Jacobs and Mack Hollins contributed for the Raiders with more than 50 receiving yards each. You made the trade for Adams specifically for these types of games because having a game-changing wide receiver is essential for success and offensive game planning.
Grade: A+
*Top Photo: Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun