The easiest way to define the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense is inconsistency. According to ESPN, the Raiders racked up 328 offensive yards against the New England Patriots. The numbers are neither poor nor excellent, yet they were enough to secure the victory. Let’s give each offensive position group a grade based on how they did against the Patriots.
Grading The Raiders’ Offense By Position In Week 15
QuarterbackÂ
Derek Carr was Derek Carr. He made some excellent throws and some not-so-good ones. He had to deal with an injured offensive line as well as some missed catches from his receivers. Carr’s pick-six was definitely his lowest point of the game. But Carr did direct the Raiders on a drive that tied the score. He appeared calm and delivered a dime to Keelan Cole to tie the game; it was the highlight of his day. Carr had 231 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception for the night’s total.
Grade: C+
Running backs
It was the Josh Jacobs show as usual. Jacobs had a different kind of night than usual, though, as he finished with 93 yards on 4.2 carries. The Patriots’ defensive line was frequently tackling Jacobs in the backfield because of the injured offensive line. Jacobs fought and gained 17 more yards through the air. Ameer Abdullah added 14 yards through the air, and rookie Zamir White gained four yards on the ground.
Grade: C
Wide ReceiversÂ
Davante Adams had a slow night since he was completely bombarded by multiple defenders all night long. However, there’s no need to worry since Keelan Cole and Mack Hollins stepped up and made some crucial plays. The Raiders’ ability to move down the field on the drive that tied the game was largely due to Hollins. Cole only managed to catch two passes, but both were crucial to the outcome of the game. Cole finished the night as the Raiders’ top receiver with 50 yards, but his final reception was the one that tied the game. Hunter Renfrow also returned, recording a catch for a gain of 14 yards.
Grade: B
Tight Ends
The Raiders’ first touchdown drive reflected the impact of Darren Waller’s comeback. After burning a Patriots defensive back, Waller caught Carr’s 25-yard touchdown pass. He finished the night with three receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown. Waller also interfered with one of Carr’s attempted passes to Adams, resulting in an unofficial pass breakup. Foster Moreau gained 20 yards on two receptions. For the tight ends, it was a solid day.
Grade: B-
Offensive Line
The Raiders were playing without their starting right guard, Alex Bars. Starting left guard Dylan Parham exited the game early due to an injury and did not come back. The Raiders faced one of the best defensive lines in the game while being without both of their starting guards. And it was plain to see as the Patriots’ defensive tackles and edge defenders were wreaking havoc. Carr was under continual pressure, which disrupted the offensive rhythm. On that day, he was sacked three times. Due to a dearth of accessible holes, the Raiders’ running game was equally subpar. The Raiders offensive line received repeated penalties for things like illegal men downfield and false starts, which made matters worse. It was a tough day for the big guys up front, but they made plays when it was necessary.
Grade: D-
*Top Photo: AP Photo/John Locher
