Raiders week six report card vs Seahawks

There has been many bad losses for the Raiders in the past decade, today’s 27-3 loss to the Seahawks definitely is challenging for one of the worst.

There’s really no way to sugar coat it, the Raiders were a complete and utter disaster. The defense was bad, the offense was worse, and the special teams stunk.

With a 1-5 record, The Raiders will be on the much needed bye week, in week seven.

Let’s take a look at the Raiders week six report card.

Aerial Attack: F

Derek Carr finished the game 23-31 with 142 yards passing and zero touchdowns. In Carr’s defense he didn’t get much help from his supporting cast, especially his offensive line. Carr was under pressure virtually every play that took longer than a couple seconds to develop.

Amari Cooper and Seth Roberts both suffered concussions. Cooper took a helmet to helmet hit from Seahawks safety, Bradley McDougald. Surprisingly, the hit did not draw a flag.

Playing from behind the entire game, Jalen Richard was heavily involved in the offense as the best option in the passing game. Richard led the team in catches and yards with seven grabs for 48 yards.

It is worth noting that Derek Carr suffered what appeared to be a left shoulder or arm injury late in the game. That will be something to monitor throughout the bye week.

Ground Game: D

After a great start to the season Marshawn Lynch had his second mediocre game in a row (45 yards-13 attempts). With the offensive line losing bodies left and right the run game will continue to struggle until they are healthy.

Again, game flow forced Jon Gruden to abandon the run game and relay more on a pass happy offense.

One bright spot in the running game actually came from Derek Carr. Throughout his career, Carr has been reluctant to leave the pocket to pick up yards with his feet. Today Carr picked up several first downs when forced to scramble. He gained 31 yards on four attempts.

Offensive Line: F

The performance by the offensive line was absolutely atrocious. Jon Feliciano, who is replacing Kelechi Osemele at guard, suffered a rib injury and did not finish the game. Feliciano was replaced by Justin Murray.

Clearly, Kolton Miller is playing when he shouldn’t be. It was reported last week that Miller is playing through a grade two MCL sprain. Right tackle, Brandon Parker looked completely overmatched in his second career start.

On the day Carr was sacked six times and hit 10 times. Two of the sacks resulted in fumbles.

Defensive Line: F

Same story, different week. Outside of one Arden Key sack the defensive line continues to be one of the worst in the league at generating a pass rush. It was nice to see Key finally get his first career sack as he has seemingly been getting closer and closer each week.

The defensive line was pushed around by a more physical Seahawks offensive line. It was evident from the start that the Seahawks game plan was pound the ball with the likes of Chris Carson (14-59), Rashaad Penny (9-43), and Mike Davis (6-21).

Linebackers: D

Missed tackles, lack of athleticism in coverage, and a lack of talent in general is the issue for the Raiders at linebacker.

Tahir Whitehead and Marquel Lee are not the answers at linebacker for the Raiders. Lee has shown signs of improvement but due to lack of depth and talent at the position is being asked to due far to much.

On the Seahawks fist scoring drive, while in red-zone, Whitehead was called for a holding penalty that gave the Seahawks a fresh set of downs. Then, while in zone coverage, allowed Jaron Brown to find space for a touchdown.

Secondary: C

The secondary wasn’t very good either but they did manage to receive the teams highest grade.

Gareon Conley is Jon Gruden’s dog house, he did not see anytime at cornerback. Apparently, Gruden thinks coaches need to get a look at Leon Hall and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Daryl Worley intercepted a Russell Wilson pass in the red zone, but doesn’t make up for the multiple times he was beat for big gains.

Gruden said after the game that you can expect to see Nick Nelson at cornerback after the bye week.

Special Teams: F

Johnny Townsend’s struggles continued today as he averaged only 30 yards a punt. In comparison Seahawks rookie punter Michael Dickson averaged 43 yards a punt and pinned two kicks inside the 20.

Matt McCrane was one of two on field goal attempts. His miss came from 48 yards. McCrane has now missed four field goals in three games.

Overall Grade: F