Grading the Raiders on big win in Baltimore
By Vic Tafur October 3, 2016
Offense
POLITE APPLAUSE The Raiders took the third quarter off; maybe they were resting for a big finish. Michael Crabtree would not be denied in the red zone, and Derek Carr didn’t turn the ball over and has now outplayed Drew Brees, Marcus Mariota and Joe Flacco this season. The running game never got going.
Defense
POLITE APPLAUSE Oakland forced three fumbles, recovering one of them, and sacked Flacco twice. This was the best the pass rush has looked this season, and the Raiders made a stop to win the game for the second week in a row. They were lucky the Ravens didn’t run the ball more, but it’s good to be lucky, too.
Special teams
POLITE APPLAUSE Marquette King pinned the Ravens repeatedly in the first half and then danced, paying homage to Ray Lewis and Cam Newton. Sebastian Janikowski did not dance, nor did he attempt a field goal. Jalen Richard’s 47-yard return set up a TD, and then the Raiders gave up a 60-yarder to set up a field goal. That’s a win.
Coaching
WILD APPLAUSE Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave broke out the no-huddle early and then steered the big finish. Coach Jack Del Rio and defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. fixed the communication issues on the field, and the team is liking it’s new two deep-safeties look. Main thing, players believe in their coaches and vice versa.
Overall
WILD APPLAUSE When the game was over, scout Raleigh McKenzie leaned over to brother and general manager Reggie. “It ain’t pretty … but it’s a beauty,” he said. The Raiders blew a two-score, fourth-quarter lead with some Usain Bolt haste, but Carr was there, ready to lead another game-winning drive. And the Raiders are 3-1.
— Vic Tafur
