☹ Official 2020 Las Vegas Raiders thread ☹ (1 Viewer)

[Hankmoody]

Always appreciate the debate and if in the end you want to think Carr needs to show you way more for you to believe, that's your absolute right.

And I will agree that he needs to get his timing right with Ruggs --  there was that 40 yard bomb he overthrew where if if he just hit his back shoulder correctly, that would have been a TD. And that was on Carr all the way, Ruggs had a clear step or two on the defender.

But that's one throw. I'm glad the Raiders are opening up downfield as I think it plays to the strength of their players -- receivers AND Carr. I don't think we had the horses to get open on streak downfield plays since 2018 (even Cooper didn't translate his combine speed into a consistent big play threat for us). 

To the bolded part, you asked for it, so here it is: 

https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/charts/list/pass/team/season/week/derek-carr/CAR358797/2020/2/pass

For passes over 10 yards, he completed 5 (including one for a TD - a throw that had the perfect touch and put in a place where only Jones could nab it. He had 4 incompletions. Just as I can't say he's perfect on long throws, I don't think you can say he doesn't get downfield when needed or that he can't complete them. 

Here's another: https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/charts/player/season/derek-carr/CAR358797/2019/all/qb-grid

Not only is Carr's rating good on plays over 10 yards, he is much better than average -- and particularly on either side of the field on throws that are 20+ yards. So he can and does complete them at a rate better than most.

You complain about just focusing on Waller, He spread the ball to 9 different receivers in Week 1, and  11 different receivers on Monday. Should he simply ignore Waller because the guy is a stellar player? If Waller gets wide open at the back of the end zone, should Carr target someone else instead of hit him for the 3rd TD of the night?

It's your right to be a doubter. You are right that Carr can and should continue to get better and tighten up his timing and instinct to go deep if a player is open. You are right he has some games where the bulk of his passes are 10 yards or less from LOS (Week 1 was one of those games).

But -- with all due respect, peace and love to a fellow Raider Faithful whose opinion on this board and in this thread I respect  -- coming out of a game like that, where Carr played as perfect as a game as you can, helping the team come back from what looked like sure defeat early to beating one of the best Ds in the NFL -- and you focusing criticism about his performance and ability and wanting him to show you more, makes me think you are being too myopically glass-half-empty. 

QB rating is one thing, and those charts are showing Carr in a very positive light, which I've concurred with - he's completing a ton and not turning the ball over.  That's great.   And you make a good point, if Waller's that open all day then absolutely he should hammer it to him.  I wasn't complaining he did that, just noting that completing a dozen freebies that the defense hands out isn't as impressive to me.  You know what is?  When the opposing team's coach feels like he needs to go for it on 4th and 2 from his own 45, or attempt a 54 yard FG, out of fear that if he kicks it to your QB with 1:20 left he'll pay for it.  I don't know that Carr generates that level of respect from opponents.  I know for sure if we're facing KCC, SEA, GBP, heck a dozen or so teams, that I wouldn't want to give them that chance regardless of how I feel about my defense.  I'm willing to keep an open mind, Carr's weapons have certainly been upgraded and he absolutely was that guy in 2016, so all he needs to do is do it now.

 

[DocHolliday]

QB rating is one thing, and those charts are showing Carr in a very positive light, which I've concurred with - he's completing a ton and not turning the ball over.  That's great.   And you make a good point, if Waller's that open all day then absolutely he should hammer it to him.  I wasn't complaining he did that, just noting that completing a dozen freebies that the defense hands out isn't as impressive to me.  You know what is?  When the opposing team's coach feels like he needs to go for it on 4th and 2 from his own 45, or attempt a 54 yard FG, out of fear that if he kicks it to your QB with 1:20 left he'll pay for it.  I don't know that Carr generates that level of respect from opponents.  I know for sure if we're facing KCC, SEA, GBP, heck a dozen or so teams, that I wouldn't want to give them that chance regardless of how I feel about my defense.  I'm willing to keep an open mind, Carr's weapons have certainly been upgraded and he absolutely was that guy in 2016, so all he needs to do is do it now.

Carr’s WR weapons are really just a bunch of potential right now.   Let’s see how Ruggs and Edwards are doing in about 6 weeks. 

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

You know what is?  When the opposing team's coach feels like he needs to go for it on 4th and 2 from his own 45, or attempt a 54 yard FG, out of fear that if he kicks it to your QB with 1:20 left he'll pay for it.  I don't know that Carr generates that level of respect from opponents.  I know for sure if we're facing KCC, SEA, GBP, heck a dozen or so teams,

Appreciate the response, also keeping an open mind.

I don't see taking advantage of mismatches as freebies as opposed to seeing really good field management and awareness by both Gruden (who likely calls a play to get those mismatches formed -- we have a ton of shifts on the line pre-snap) and Carr (who does a ton of audibling at the line -- I think he's really adept at it, and we saw him flip sides for the play or reposition blocks/receivers to take advantage of Janoris Jenkins and others who were not having a great game).

As to the bolded, I'd love to know more. The types of QBs you are talking about that "instill fear" and are proven elite QBs that also have a history of engineering 4th Q comebacks.

That's not a lot of QBs. In my mind:

• Brady
  
• Brees
  
• Mahomes
  
• Rodgers
  
• Wilson
  

That's it. Roethlisberger and Ryan used to be feared in this way, I don't consider them to be those guys anymore. Lamar Jackson is dangerous and an elite QB, but not sure I think he has built a history of coming back from behind to win the game yet (as opposed to building huge leads and staying ahead).

You also called out Rodgers.

You know who has 3 more 4th QB comebacks in 9 less years than Rodgers has?

Let's continue to watch and see. It is a make or break year for Carr, and he is not immune to criticism or need to improve. But I love what I am seeing these past two games and I have every faith we'll see this stellar (and I do mean stellar) performance he has shown so far continue to be the case going forward as this team continues to gel this year.

 

[Hankmoody]

Appreciate the response, also keeping an open mind.

I don't see taking advantage of mismatches as freebies as opposed to seeing really good field management and awareness by both Gruden (who likely calls a play to get those mismatches formed -- we have a ton of shifts on the line pre-snap) and Carr (who does a ton of audibling at the line -- I think he's really adept at it, and we saw him flip sides for the play or reposition blocks/receivers to take advantage of Janoris Jenkins and others who were not having a great game).

As to the bolded, I'd love to know more. The types of QBs you are talking about that "instill fear" and are proven elite QBs that also have a history of engineering 4th Q comebacks.

That's not a lot of QBs. In my mind:

• Brady
  
• Brees
  
• Mahomes
  
• Rodgers
  
• Wilson
  

That's it. Roethlisberger and Ryan used to be feared in this way, I don't consider them to be those guys anymore. Lamar Jackson is dangerous and an elite QB, but not sure I think he has built a history of coming back from behind to win the game yet (as opposed to building huge leads and staying ahead).

You also called out Rodgers.

You know who has 3 more 4th QB comebacks in 9 less years than Rodgers has?

Let's continue to watch and see. It is a make or break year for Carr, and he is not immune to criticism or need to improve. But I love what I am seeing these past two games and I have every faith we'll see this stellar (and I do mean stellar) performance he has shown so far continue to be the case going forward as this team continues to gel this year.

I did love hearing but what does it really mean?  Kirk Cousins had as many his first 4 years as Carr did (and only played in 3 games as a rookie).  Marcus Mariotta has as many his last two seasons as Carr and he's now Carr's backup.  Fitzpatrick has 8 the last three years, Josh Allen 8 in two years.  I forget did they call Alex Smith Captain Comeback or something like that?  Andy Dalton's up there.  I think it means if you give a guy a lot of chances, he'll get some of them done.  I'd be far more interested in seeing a conversion %, or a stat that shows how often he put the game away in the 3rd quarter so that a 4th quarter comeback wasn't in play.  Maybe it's a really good stat for Carr but maybe it's not.  Like so many statistics it seems like selective data to me.

To finish your list, I definitely put Big Ben, Ryan, Stafford, Dak, and Watson on it.  I'll stipulate your point with Lamar and lack of history, but oh boy is he a guy I don't ever want to see on the field period in a 1 possession game and I'm just about ready to put Murray there as well after 18 games.  Wentz doesn't have the weapons and Josh Allen is a ####### with the ball so while you don't fear them, they also have the physical tools to make that list at some point.  So that's 10 for sure and a couple more potential, and that's probably where Carr belongs - in that category of "if he gets weapons look out".  He certainly hasn't had great weapons recently so let's hope that's it.

 

[Garrett]

With the game being Monday night and both being heavily used I would not be concerned yet, especially with Waller.  Jacobs got banged up so a little concern with him, but most likely just a rest day, especially since it's a short week.

With all the injury report analysis...I'm really happy to see Abram as a full go this week.  I know his play style has been a concern for some in the context of him playing a full season, but I can't fault him for a TV cart being in his path.

 

[Chadstroma]

With all the injury report analysis...I'm really happy to see Abram as a full go this week.  I know his play style has been a concern for some in the context of him playing a full season, but I can't fault him for a TV cart being in his path.

Javobs and Waller were not on the practice field though.... hopefully just resting them up.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

I did love hearing but what does it really mean?  Kirk Cousins had as many his first 4 years as Carr did (and only played in 3 games as a rookie).  Marcus Mariotta has as many his last two seasons as Carr and he's now Carr's backup.  Fitzpatrick has 8 the last three years, Josh Allen 8 in two years.  I forget did they call Alex Smith Captain Comeback or something like that?  Andy Dalton's up there.  I think it means if you give a guy a lot of chances, he'll get some of them done.  I'd be far more interested in seeing a conversion %, or a stat that shows how often he put the game away in the 3rd quarter so that a 4th quarter comeback wasn't in play.  Maybe it's a really good stat for Carr but maybe it's not.  Like so many statistics it seems like selective data to me.

To finish your list, I definitely put Big Ben, Ryan, Stafford, Dak, and Watson on it.  I'll stipulate your point with Lamar and lack of history, but oh boy is he a guy I don't ever want to see on the field period in a 1 possession game and I'm just about ready to put Murray there as well after 18 games.  Wentz doesn't have the weapons and Josh Allen is a ####### with the ball so while you don't fear them, they also have the physical tools to make that list at some point.  So that's 10 for sure and a couple more potential, and that's probably where Carr belongs - in that category of "if he gets weapons look out".  He certainly hasn't had great weapons recently so let's hope that's it.

OK, GB, there's "show me" and "keep showing me more" --  provided plenty of data to show that Carr doesn't deserve the continued skepticism and that he's  better than you are willing to give him credit for.

I personally have zero fear in Ryan and Ben these days, and I think we agree that Watson is a nightmare in general but that's different than your original focus of QBs who will win the game with 1 min on the clock. Dak I'd debate as well -- he's thrown tons of TDs in the 4th Q, but the is responsible for losing games in the 4th Q as much as he can elevate in one-score games. We're still not talking about dozens of QBs so clearly better than Carr.

It's a fact of life that some people aren't ever going to see your way, so be it. I'm at the "It doesn't matter, Josh" stage.

What matters most if if Carr and this team can keep this going.

Let's see.

Go Raiders.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

With all the injury report analysis...I'm really happy to see Abram as a full go this week.  I know his play style has been a concern for some in the context of him playing a full season, but I can't fault him for a TV cart being in his path.

I think this is a big reason we're facing an L this weekend. Guys have been stellar in backup but something has to give. Thought this would be won/lost in the trenches but not having Trent and Incognito is a big loss to continue to stand up.

We may look better as a team so far but it's early season and this is still an early East Coast game which has been an anathema for us historically.

Hoping they stay in this one and make it competitive. Belichick and Cam rub me all sorts of wrong ways, and as much as I'd love to see them both pout and smolder, we're getting the wrong team at the wrong time. Cheatin' BB will have this team prepped so they stay abreast of the Bills in a division where the two other teams are winless.

 

[Chadstroma]

Carr is 32nd in all time QB's for 4th Q comebacks. 

He is 9th out of all current active QB's. All of whom have at least 2 more season under their belt such as Wilson who has 2 more than him. 

He has done more with less in his career. He finally has some bona fide talent around him. He has a system he has been in for a bit now. The question for the Raiders isn't about the offense or Carr. It is about the defense. Can these young guys develop, step it up and stay healthy? 

 

[Hankmoody]

OK, GB, there's "show me" and "keep showing me more" --  provided plenty of data to show that Carr doesn't deserve the continued skepticism and that he's  better than you are willing to give him credit for.

I personally have zero fear in Ryan and Ben these days, and I think we agree that Watson is a nightmare in general but that's different than your original focus of QBs who will win the game with 1 min on the clock. Dak I'd debate as well -- he's thrown tons of TDs in the 4th Q, but the is responsible for losing games in the 4th Q as much as he can elevate in one-score games. We're still not talking about dozens of QBs so clearly better than Carr.

It's a fact of life that some people aren't ever going to see your way, so be it. I'm at the "It doesn't matter, Josh" stage.

What matters most if if Carr and this team can keep this going.

Let's see.

Go Raiders.

Heh I don't mean you, or stats, or data.  I mean Carr is the one that needs to show me.  Go do it.  On the field.  When it counts.  That's all.  I've seen him do it, I saw him do it a lot in 2016.  I recall a conversation I had with my buddy after the disappointment of the injury and early playoff exit where he said that despite that it had to be an exciting time to be a Raiders' fan.  My response was "well at least we know we have a franchise QB (this was on the heels of that epic KC game) and not many teams can say that" but there's been a whole lot of bad since then.  I wanna believe, I really do, because that's nothing but good for my team.  I just need to see it now.  It's not a bad start, he's just not in the HMHOF yet. 

Absolutely go Raiders.

 

[Sarlakticacid]

With all the injury report analysis...I'm really happy to see Abram as a full go this week.  I know his play style has been a concern for some in the context of him playing a full season, but I can't fault him for a TV cart being in his path.

The cart is out 4-6 weeks...

 

[ICON211]

Ruggs out this week.  I'd love to see Edwards be more involved.

 

[SDJohnny]

Ruggs out this week.  I'd love to see Edwards be more involved.

This really stinks, but if sitting him out a week gets him over the hump it'll be worth it. How amazing was it to see the threat of his pure speed get that PI penalty last week. That's the kind of thing that usually happens to us. 

I'd like to see them give Edwards some chances downfield. With his large frame he could box out smaller DB's. 

 

[Sarlakticacid]

Ruggs out is a shame, loved seeing him and edwards laying important blocks throughout the game last week.

Has anyone seen a 40 time for Edwards?  

 

[Chadstroma]

Ruggs out this week.  I'd love to see Edwards be more involved.

Odd... I thought he practiced. 

Jacobs and Waller did not. Brown as well. I think Good was listed as limited.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

David Andrews, the Pats center and offensive captain, placed on IR. That could help us penetrate up the middle, and hopefully Guenther and Marinelli have some schemes dialed up to confuse Froholdt/Ferentz.

Will be interesting and not likely fun to see how we may be impacted with Ruggs out. Edwards is speedy, but doesn't command the attention Ruggs does.

Loved this article about how "bad" Carr is.

https://www.raidersbeat.com/analyst-says-derek-carr-doesnt-know-what-hes-doing-so-lets-look-at-5-stats-of-the-raiders-quarterback-dumbo/

On Friday, a media pundit by the name of Sam Monson talked about Derek Carr’s first two games of the year and described him as a quarterback that doesn’t know what he’s doing.

Monson and a pal cracked jokes and painted Carr as a buffoon, so, with our newfound football knowledge, let’s get into the statistical detail of what a quarterback nitwit looks like in the NFL.

This is going to make perfect sense.

Top 5 Quarterback Completion Percentage

A quarterback who doesn’t know what he is doing should complete 73.5% of his passes, as Carr is doing this year. When receivers consistently catch passes from the quarterback, it reflects poorly on the quarterback. Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson lead the league in completion percentage this year, but they are having excellent seasons despite their ability to get the ball to their receivers.

Second Best Quarterback on Third Down in the NFL

On third downs this year, Carr’s stat line reads 15-18 (83.3% completion), 163 yards, 9.1 YPA, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Due to those figures, the Raiders have the second-best third-down conversation percentage in the NFL (57.1) and lead the league in total third-down conversions (tied with the Rams at 16).

This is a problem.

With third downs converted at this rate, the Raiders offense has fewer opportunities to get to fourth down where they are 2-2 this year. It’s just simple math. Furthermore, the Raiders have an excellent punter in A.J. Cole who deserves opportunities that, as of now, he isn’t getting. Punters matter too and it feels like Carr is squandering the best years of Cole’s career.

Zero interceptions through two games

Not once have the Raiders turned the ball over through the air this year. If Carr doesn’t throw interceptions, the Raiders defense has a more difficult time getting on the field. Ordinarily, that would be a good thing, but in this case it’s a bad thing and it’s all because Carr doesn’t know what he’s doing.

115.0 Quarterback Rating

Among quarterbacks who have thrown at least 50 passes this year, Carr has the fifth-best quarterback rating in the NFL. The four quarterbacks ahead of Carr on that list are 8-0, which is purely coincidence.

Quarterback ratings are an outdated stat as Pro Football Focus proved last week when they gave Drew Brees a better overall game grade than Carr. Brees missed several easy throws on Monday night and his interception to Nicholas Morrow before the half was one of the worst you will see all year.

But playing quarterback is all about being inclusive and anyone who isn’t willing to acknowledge Brees’ ability to raise the level of the Raider defense is guilty of football bigotry. Quarterback grades should be determined by what a quarterback is able to do for both teams, not just their own.

No. 4 Scoring Offense in the NFL

Only the undefeated Ravens, undefeated Seahawks, and undefeated Packers have scored more points per games than the undefeated Raiders through two games, but that has nothing to do with quarterback play. An offense should not be judged by wins or points scored. Offenses should be judged by hot takes from dudes who have never played football.

Why?

Because absolute football knowledge corrupts absolutely.

Stats have a tendency to be biased. Wisecracking media pundits in a manicured vestibule are more relatable to the common folk and are therefore more trustworthy.

It’s a shame it took us until the year 2020 to figure this out.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

And here's this sweet memory going into this weekend:

https://deadspin.com/history-lesson-the-time-matt-millen-punched-the-patrio-5901978

 

[Chadstroma]

I never heard of Sam Monson but I did see that clip today of how Carr is like the Prince in "Coming to America" where he is watching basketball and clearly has no idea what is going on but tries to act like he does. 

What a hack. 

 

[Biabreakable]

I never heard of Sam Monson but I did see that clip today of how Carr is like the Prince in "Coming to America" where he is watching basketball and clearly has no idea what is going on but tries to act like he does. 

What a hack. 

You mean the guy who works for poofter.com that Collinsworth keeps talking about?

 

[Chadstroma]

The only good thing about all the injuries we have is that none seem to be season ending (except I am worried about Brown's mysterious injury lingering. I heard he didn't even travel with the team this week.) 

I am hopeful Waller and Jacobs just needed some extra rest this week. 

Brown and Incognito are out. Young and Good are questionable. If they can go then we are likely looking at Good at LG and Young at RT. If not then Simpson at G and Parker at T are going to step in. Simpson did well but I would be worried about Parker. He struggled last year when called upon. I am not over confident about Young though either since his career hasn't been awesome but on the other hand he was getting good marks in camp so there is that. 

So the big question versus the first two games is without Ruggs to loosen things up with D's having to account for his stretching the field.... can we keep the offense going? 

The Pat's losing their C should help us get some pressure on but so far Newton has been hurting teams with his legs so getting more pressure on him may end up meaning he gets flushed out of the pocket a lot and ends up hurting us more. I will take that over him having tons of time to pick us apart though. 

Littleton needs to step the hell up. I was so excited about us landing him but he has so far been a horrible bust. 

 

[Charlie Harper]

I'll be pleasantly surprised if we keep this game competitive. I don't know where the Pats stand talent wise but they have the GOAT coach. 

The offense is going to be anemic without Ruggs. It'll pretty much be the same offense as last year and we all know how terrible that was. 

In order to win, our defense will have to win it for us. Hopefully our run D can hold up, because I think our defensive athleticism will match up well in the passing game. 

 

[joey]

I'll be pleasantly surprised if we keep this game competitive. I don't know where the Pats stand talent wise but they have the GOAT coach. 

The offense is going to be anemic without Ruggs. It'll pretty much be the same offense as last year and we all know how terrible that was. . 

Nice anti-jinx. Smart move. 

 

[DocHolliday]

Littleton needs to step the hell up. I was so excited about us landing him but he has so far been a horrible bust. 

Surprising and disappointing.   The D needs help

 

[FreshiZ]

Going back to the scene of the crime.

Getting pumped up but Cam is a problem...

 

[davidwb]

Both Jacobs and Waller are active.

 

[Bruno2]

Both Jacobs and Waller are active.

I'd still expect to see a lot of Richard and Booker today, Jacobs isn't 100%.

 

[kaso]

Well.  That sucked.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Well, we didn't think we had a great shot of winning, but despite a lot of mistakes and penalties and missed chances, we still had a shot late to bring it back from two scores down.

Injuries, terrible D and tackling, inability to stop the run and screen pass was our downfall.

We are REALLY missing Kwiatkoski in the middle. Littleton isn't truly cutting it as a tackler and benefits from what Kaptain K opens up.

We need one damned year where all our receivers are healthy and improving.

 

[joey]

Speaking of bad tackling, Abram seems more interested in flying like a missions into a ball carrier and doesn’t bother to wrap up or tackle at all. He was a major liability today imo. 

 

[Sarlakticacid]

Speaking of bad tackling, Abram seems more interested in flying like a missions into a ball carrier and doesn’t bother to wrap up or tackle at all. He was a major liability today imo. 

He has been every game, he makes plays and wow plays but he has to learn to pick his spots

 

[SDJohnny]

There's got to be a way to teach these WR's to protect their legs when they are getting tackled. It's every week with this garbage. Team missed Trent Brown today.  A lot of pressure came from that side. Have to beat the Bills next week, because it's the Chiefs at Arrowhead after that. 

 

[DocHolliday]

There's got to be a way to teach these WR's to protect their legs when they are getting tackled. It's every week with this garbage. Team missed Trent Brown today.  A lot of pressure came from that side. Have to beat the Bills next week, because it's the Chiefs at Arrowhead after that. 

It’s going to be the Waller and Renfrow show again this year.   If Ruggs and Edwards can’t stay healthy, they Rent going to develop for next season.   The Raiders struggle at WR every year it seems.   

 

[Chadstroma]

It’s going to be the Waller and Renfrow show again this year.   If Ruggs and Edwards can’t stay healthy, they Rent going to develop for next season.   The Raiders struggle at WR every year it seems.   

That's not true. 

We were solid when we had Brown Rice.

 

[DocHolliday]

That's not true. 

We were solid when we had Brown Rice.

I hope you are trying to be funny.   We could bring up Biletnikoff up if time doesn’t matter.   Time does matter though.   The Raiders have had crummy WR Corps for way too long.   The LB Corp has been weak for just as long.  

 

[SDJohnny]

We were solid when we had Brown Rice.

Feels Just like yesterday

 

[Chadstroma]

I hope you are trying to be funny.   We could bring up Biletnikoff up if time doesn’t matter.   Time does matter though.   The Raiders have had crummy WR Corps for way too long.   The LB Corp has been weak for just as long.  

I thought it was funny. 

 

[FreshiZ]

Defense came out fired up and playing great and then Belicheck stepped in. They ripped us apart and had it all planned coming into the game.

We did a good job of containing Cam and forcing him to beat us with his arm but they went for option C and just give it to their RB's.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Defense came out fired up and playing great and then Belicheck stepped in. They ripped us apart and had it all planned coming into the game.

We did a good job of containing Cam and forcing him to beat us with his arm but they went for option C and just give it to their RB's.

I didn't see it that way. It's not as if Belichik saw what we were doing and shifted strategy to account for it or take advantage of something new he spotted in-game.

We could not stop their backs. They were able to get into the second level and we were consistently out of position or just plain whiffed on getting a first hit in and wrapping them up. We were not able to penetrate the initial the blocks that were set up on screen passes.

Yes, Belichik is good. But it doesn't take a genius to see what's working and keep at it.  Our level of defensive play was not enough to stop some fairly straight-forward attacks.

ETA: Hankmoody with the perfect thread title update again - perfectly encapsulates it.

 

[LawFitz]

Haven't had a legit run-stopping NT since I can't even remember. Or a legit run-stopping MLB (who wasn't a constant suspension threat). Or a legit DC. Gruyock improved every other aspect of the organization, but these three holes loom large in 2020.

 

[DocHolliday]

I thought it was funny. 

It’s depressing.   Same old Raiders is tiresome.    The season isn’t over but it’s not looking promising.    Next two games are going to be ugly.   Sounds like Ruggs and Edwards are going to miss games which puts their development behind and their contribution later in the season more unlikely.   

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Same old Raiders is tiresome.    The season isn’t over but it’s not looking promising.    Next two games are going to be ugly.   Sounds like Ruggs and Edwards are going to miss games which puts their development behind and their contribution later in the season more unlikely.   

This is like riding a roller coaster for me.

Yes, seeing some of the age old problems this team has had -- having the right defensive approach and shoring up run D, missing open field tackles, leaving gaping holes that allows a runner to be 10+ down field before a hand is even put on them, and then seeing that hand put on them be a weak attempt at a tackle as the runner goes another 10 -- yes, it's depressing.

Yes, the season isn't over, but it's not looking promising? Really? We've lost one game. We have more time playing this year where we've looked solid than not. In fact, not just solid, we looked like a great team at times, better than we've looked for a long, long time. So let's have some perspective.

Yes, that perspective includes the next two games being tough. And may result in us being 2-3. Did we think anything else coming into this season that the first 5 games were going to be a rough ride, and that a 2-3 start was not just possible, it may even be probable? Well, sure. But do we have the guys to help us pull out a win? Yes, if healthy.

Yes, we're likely still going to have players miss time. I hope we get Kwiatkowski back as the D seems to highly benefit from his presence. Sucks to have Ruggs and Edwards dinged, because we need them, and they need the reps, but I don't think missing a game or two is going to upset the apple cart of their development.

And yes, with them out, and potentially Brown and Incognito? Yes, we are inarguably worse. Next man up has to ball out -- the football season is always a war of attrition.

It's one game. The sky is not falling yet.

 

[Hankmoody]

Haven't had a legit run-stopping NT since I can't even remember. Or a legit run-stopping MLB (who wasn't a constant suspension threat). Or a legit DC. Gruyock improved every other aspect of the organization, but these three holes loom large in 2020.

Can't solve all the issues at once.   Only so many draft picks and we aren't yet a FA destination.  If they keep hitting on what they get I'm happy with that.  What we need to do now is be able to scheme/coach around the deficiencies.  That's why BB is GOAT - he gets far more out of his talent than anyone else does.  Not expecting that level of course, but a DC that's creative and figures out a way to not let crap talent crap the ball down your throat would be super.

 

[DocHolliday]

This is like riding a roller coaster for me.

Yes, seeing some of the age old problems this team has had -- having the right defensive approach and shoring up run D, missing open field tackles, leaving gaping holes that allows a runner to be 10+ down field before a hand is even put on them, and then seeing that hand put on them be a weak attempt at a tackle as the runner goes another 10 -- yes, it's depressing.

Yes, the season isn't over, but it's not looking promising? Really? We've lost one game. We have more time playing this year where we've looked solid than not. In fact, not just solid, we looked like a great team at times, better than we've looked for a long, long time. So let's have some perspective.

Yes, that perspective includes the next two games being tough. And may result in us being 2-3. Did we think anything else coming into this season that the first 5 games were going to be a rough ride, and that a 2-3 start was not just possible, it may even be probable? Well, sure. But do we have the guys to help us pull out a win? Yes, if healthy.

Yes, we're likely still going to have players miss time. I hope we get Kwiatkowski back as the D seems to highly benefit from his presence. Sucks to have Ruggs and Edwards dinged, because we need them, and they need the reps, but I don't think missing a game or two is going to upset the apple cart of their development.

And yes, with them out, and potentially Brown and Incognito? Yes, we are inarguably worse. Next man up has to ball out -- the football season is always a war of attrition.

It's one game. The sky is not falling yet.

Watching the Chiefs last night really shines light on how far the Raiders must go.   LV doesn’t have the talent or coaching to compete close to the level of the Chiefs.    Talk about a loaded offense.   Best young QB.   Top 3 TE.  Top 3 WR with a few good WRs thrown in.   Very promising young rookie RB.   Baltimore isn’t a great balanced team and cannot play catch up on O but their D is pretty sound.  They had no answer for the Chiefs.  That was a one sided game last night.  The Raiders better get healthy fast and get their act together on D or it’s going to be a blow out.  

 

[Chadstroma]

It’s depressing.   Same old Raiders is tiresome.    The season isn’t over but it’s not looking promising.    Next two games are going to be ugly.   Sounds like Ruggs and Edwards are going to miss games which puts their development behind and their contribution later in the season more unlikely.   

NE is not a horrible team. Our two best offensive players were not 100%. Many key players did not play: Ruggs, Brown, Incognito and Kwiat. Of course, I was hopeful but I did not think we would come out with the win. 

The injuries are disheartening for sure. It is being reported Arnette reinjured his thumb and may miss time. But on the other hand the positive on all these injuries is that they are all missing a couple of weeks type and not out for the season like a lot of players around the league have gone down with.  

I didn't see the NE game. I think we all knew that winning the division was a bridge too far this season. KC is just a juggernaut that we are not ready for. I think we will have some growing pains as the season goes on as we are still a very young team. The more concerning thing to me is that the vets we brought in to make a difference on D do not seem to be making that difference yet. Where the hell is Littleton and Collins? 

 

[Chadstroma]

Can't solve all the issues at once.   Only so many draft picks and we aren't yet a FA destination.  If they keep hitting on what they get I'm happy with that.  What we need to do now is be able to scheme/coach around the deficiencies.  That's why BB is GOAT - he gets far more out of his talent than anyone else does.  Not expecting that level of course, but a DC that's creative and figures out a way to not let crap talent crap the ball down your throat would be super.

I just want to know why the hell Littleton and Collins are not producing like expectations would have of them. Maybe they stepped up in the NE more (I did see Littleton had 4 tackles)? But the first two games they had no presence. That isn't totally true. Littleton was being burned on coverage which is what he is suppose to excel in. This is the most concerning thing to me. 

 

[DocHolliday]

I just want to know why the hell Littleton and Collins are not producing like expectations would have of them. Maybe they stepped up in the NE more (I did see Littleton had 4 tackles)? But the first two games they had no presence. That isn't totally true. Littleton was being burned on coverage which is what he is suppose to excel in. This is the most concerning thing to me. 

Maybe they aren’t comfortable in the scheme and need some time to know the system.  They may be spending too much time thinking and not just playing/reacting.  

 

[GroveDiesel]

Man, great on the Raiders for supporting a teammate’s charity, but this just seems like really poor judgement. Hopefully nobody turns out to be positive afterwards. As a Bills fan, this Sunday’s game just got a whole lot more concerning and it has nothing to do with on field stuff.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Watching the Chiefs last night really shines light on how far the Raiders must go.   LV doesn’t have the talent or coaching to compete close to the level of the Chiefs.    Talk about a loaded offense.   Best young QB.   Top 3 TE.  Top 3 WR with a few good WRs thrown in.   Very promising young rookie RB.   Baltimore isn’t a great balanced team and cannot play catch up on O but their D is pretty sound.  They had no answer for the Chiefs.  That was a one sided game last night.  The Raiders better get healthy fast and get their act together on D or it’s going to be a blow out.  

100%. BAL D is fairly stout -- every D can have up and down games but they were going all out to keep in the game.

KC simply carved them up -- it looked WAY too easy for Mahomes and his receivers to throw a bomb and get past the defender and underneath. And Clyde-Helaire looks like the complete back. So frustrating to see that team look almost better than last year. Begrudging respect but endless hate.

I don't think any team looks like KC did last night. Strange to see them luck out of the Chargers game -- any given Sunday still.

 

[LawFitz]

Interesting article framing Carr's 2020 in a light that is perhaps not going to be easy to accept, but may explain why some continue to question his ability to ever breakout into a top 5-10 QB...

https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2020/9/30/21495543/derek-carr-stats-raiders-advanced-throws

The number of quarterbacks to throw 0-1 interceptions through three weeks is 12. That’s basically one-third of the NFL ... [and] isn’t really impressive unless the offense and the passing attack is successful in certain situations, like third down and the red zone and the team is scoring a lot of points.

QBs who have 0-1 INTs and 6 or fewer TD: Carr, Brees, Ryan Tannehill, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Jimmy Garoppolo

QBs who have 0-1 INTs and 7+ TD: Russell Wilson, Josh Allen, Ben Roethlisberger, Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers

Which set of quarterbacks would you rather belong to?

 

[Chadstroma]

Interesting article framing Carr's 2020 in a light that is perhaps not going to be easy to accept, but may explain why some continue to question his ability to ever breakout into a top 5-10 QB...

https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2020/9/30/21495543/derek-carr-stats-raiders-advanced-throws

Rasberry