What a game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Las Vegas Raiders on New Year’s Day! In spite of the defeat, the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense dominated the league’s top defense. The Raiders amassed 500 total yards, 29 first downs, and 7.3 yards per play, according to ESPN. In my opinion, it is a win-win situation because the Raiders’ offense showed promise with a new starting quarterback, and their draft position improved. Let’s assign grades to the offensive position groups for the Raiders against the 49ers.
How did the new Raiders’ QB do?Â
Jarrett Stidham made a terrific debut. With 399 total yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, he had a successful night. According to Josh Dubow of the Associated Press, Stidham’s 399 total yards and three touchdowns mark the sixth occasion in franchise history for such a feat to occur. Not bad for a quarterback who had never started a Raiders game before this past week. Stidham needs to work on his erratic throwing and where he puts the ball, but it was a good start.
Grade: A
Running backsÂ
It was clear that the Raiders’ running offense would struggle when facing the top run defense in the league. Josh Jacobs received an adequate number of carries, but he was only able to accumulate 69 yards and one touchdown. But you can bet that each and every one of those yards was hard earned. Jacobs added an additional 26 yards in the air. In addition, Brandon Bolden made a contribution by gaining a season-high 32 rushing yards.Â
Grade: C+
Wide ReceiversÂ
Once more, it was the Davante Adams show. People claimed that Derek Carr was essential to this man’s success. Whoever the quarterback is, as long as you offer him targets, Adams will be successful. Adams repeatedly made difficult catches, serving as a reminder of who still rules the wide receiver position in the NFL. Adams had 153 yards on seven catches and two touchdowns. Together, Mack Hollins and Hunter Renfrow added 59 yards.
Grade: A-
Tight EndsÂ
The Josh McDaniels offense in this game, including Darren Waller and Foster Moreau, is exactly how we anticipated it would operate. Waller made crucial catches throughout the game and caught Stidham’s first touchdown. He had three receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown. On the other hand, Moreau caught three passes for a total of 55 yards. The most crucial thing for Moreau was that he didn’t make any foolish plays. This reminded me of the dynamic tandem McDaniels used to have in New England with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
Grade: B+
Offensive LineÂ
Despite having trouble in the run game, the Raiders offensive line did a decent job of keeping Stidham upright. The Raiders had to work hard for each and every one of their 135 rushing yards at 4.2 yards per carry. As a result of the Raiders offensive line’s inability to effectively push past the 49ers defensive line, their running backs had nowhere to run. According to ESPN, Stidham was hit nine times but didn’t take a sack. Additionally, the Raiders’ offensive line largely restrained the dangerous 49ers pass rush. However, Stidham’s use of his legs to prolong the plays also helped. The 49ers’ defensive line was able to pressure Stidham into throwing the game-clinching interception when it counted most.
Grade: C+
*Top Photo: Silas Walker/Getty Images