Raiders week nine report card vs 49ers: Gonna have to repeat this semester

After the effort put forth by the Raiders on Thursday night football, there’s really nothing left to be said. This was a game the Raiders should have been more competitive in. The 49ers had one win this season and have injuries to several key players on defense, not to mention quarterback where Nick Mullen made his first career start.

The sad part about the loss was the effort the team played with throughout. It was obvious that some players quit on the team and were not putting forth the effort and focus needed to win.

On the sideline, Jon Gruden appeared visibly upset with defensive coordinator Paul Guenther. At one point the two appeared to exchange words.

Where do the Raiders go from here after a demoralizing, 34-3 loss on national television?

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

Aerial Attack: D

It was an ugly game for the offense, the unit managed to gain only 242 yards of total offense. Things were especially difficult through the air.

A week after arguably his best game of the year, Derek Carr followed that up with a stinker. He finished the game 16-21 for 171 yards and zero touchdowns. It wasn’t all Carr’s fault, he was under duress all night, being sacked seven times.

The offensive line dealt with injuries and were forced to piece together a make shift line. (more on them later) But Derek Carr did himself no favors. At times, Carr stepped up into where the pressure was rather than avoiding the pressure. Some of the sacks were on him.

Once again, Jalen Richard let the Raiders in receptions and yardage as he benefited from several check downs from Carr.

Ground Game: C

Doug Martin has filled in nicely since Marshawn Lynch was placed on the injured reserve. The problem on Thursday night for Martin was that playing from behind was not conducive to establishing the run.

On 11 carries, Martin gained 49 yards. DeAndre Washington picked up some garbage time production late in the game, 27 yards on five attempts.

As long as the offense plays from behind the run game will be a non-factor.

Offensive Line: F

It was a total and epic failure from the offensive line on Thursday night. The poor play of the offensive line this year is a head scratcher. The group has talent but it has not translated to success on the field.

Sure the injuries have played a role the past few weeks, and they certainly were an issue last night. On the Raiders first possession of the game, left tackle, Kolton Miller re-aggravated the injury to his MCL. Miller did return, but he would not finish the game.

Fellow rookie Brandon Parker, was benched during the game but due to injuries he was needed later. Parker was awful in the game. False starts, holding calls, Parker is continuing to struggle.

Derek Carr was sacked seven times, a total of 13 times in the last three games. It’s hard to keep making excuses for line coach Tom Cable, he needs to get this group playing better.

Defensive Line: F

Can you think of a worse defensive line group in the league? It’s startling the lack of talent along the defensive line, especially on the edges.

No pressure and no sacks once again. The seven sacks the 49ers picked up is equal to the Raiders season total. Not only can the defensive front not get pressure on the quarterback, they are terrible against the run.

The 49ers gained 143 yards on 32 carries, including a 52 yard touchdown by Raheem Mostert in the third quarter.

One other thing that is disappointing is that the rookies Arden Key, Maurice Hurst, and P.J. Hall have been rather non-existent. The trio was suppose to be building blocks on the defensive.

Linebackers: F

Let’s not even waste our time. The Raiders linebackers are terrible. It’s hard to believe Raider fans have to suffer through eight more weeks of Marquel Lee and Tahir Whitehead.

Hopefully, Jason Cabinda and Nicholas Morrow will continue to get more and more opportunities and maybe they will develop into serviceable players.

Secondary: F

Where should we begin? The Raiders secondary was shredded by Nick Mullen for 262 yards and three touchdown passes.

Reggie Nelson looked completely lost on the 49ers first score of the game, when he was fooled on play action and left Pierre Garcon wide open for the easiest 24 yard touchdown you will ever see.

Karl Joseph, Erik Harris, and Marcus Gilchrist were not any better. Their may not be a bigger need heading into the offseason than the safety position.

Special Teams: D-

Those of you watched the game on television, how many times did Joe Buck refer to a Johnny Townsend punt as ugly? The answer is three!

Townsend should have been been cut a long time ago, he has shown no signs of improvement. Add punter to the list of needs for the Raiders.

Daniel Carlson made one of his two field goal attempts. His made field goal came from 37 yards while the miss hit off the right upright from 45 yards.

Overall: F