Raiders week 12 report card vs Ravens: Defensive line with an epic fail

It was the same old script for the Raiders in week 12, as they fell to the Baltimore Ravens 34-14. Things looked good early on for the Raiders as they opened the game with a 12 play, 81 yard touchdown drive, capped by a Doug Martin touchdown.

As in many games this season, the Raiders looked competitive through two or three quarters but failed to make the necessary adjustments. And as usual, the flood gates would open and the Ravens dominated the final quarter of the game.

Late in the fourth quarter, Derek Carr was sacked and was slow to get up. Although he did limp off the field and did finish the game the injury is something to monitor as the week progresses.

Let’s take a look at the Raiders week 12 report card.

Aerial Attack: D

It was an ugly day for the passing game. Derek Carr completed 16 of 34 passes for 194 yards and one touchdown. The 47 percent completion is the lowest of the season for Carr.

Carr missed on a couple potential big plays, two to Marcell Ateman.

Jordy Nelson returned to the lineup after missing last week’s game with an injury and was better off not even suiting up. Nelson caught one ball for negative two yards. Seth Roberts led the team in receiving with two catches for 54 yards.

After a decent debut, Marcell Ateman followed up last weeks game with a game high 11 targets. Ateman only came up with three grabs for 16 yards, and he did have a drop.

Two big gains were negated by offensive pass interference calls.

Ground Game: D

Going into the game, the Raiders knew yards would be hard to come by on the ground. The Ravens defense is ranked number one overall against the run (94.6 yds/gm).

As a team the Raiders gained 67 yards on 19 carries (3.5 yards per). Doug Martin continues to look good as Marshawn Lynch’s replacement. Martin led the Raiders with 51 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries (4.6 yards per). Martin is making a case for himself to stay with the Raiders beyond 2018.

Offensive Line: B

With the exception of the final two drives where Derek Carr was sacked three straight plays, including the strip sack that led to a Terrell Suggs 43 yard scoop and score. The offensive line was solid.

The Ravens have a stout defensive front and the Raiders protected Carr well throughout the majority of the game.

Brandon Parker was guilty of allowing all three of the sacks of Derek Carr.

Defensive Line: F

Bottling up an athletic freak like Lamar Jackson is not an easy task but it’s also hard to grade the defensive line better than a F when the are gashed for 242 yards on 43 carries. Gus Edwards led the way for the Ravens with 118 yards.

The Raiders badly miss Justin Ellis and Eddie Vanderdoes in the middle of the defense. Johnathan Hankins and Clinton McDonald are nothing but place holders until a better option is available.

Linebackers: D

Can’t place all the run defense problems on the line. It’s been well noted the linebackers are a major weakness on defense. Tahir Whitehead is a tackle machine (14 tackles) but most are five or six yards down field.

The defense allowed scoring drives of 13 plays, 75 yards and 17 plays, 71 yards.

Let’s face it, this defense is like swiss cheese.

Secondary: B

The secondary actually made some plays today, including two interceptions. Reggie Nelson and Marcus Gilchrist both came up with their second interceptions of the season.

Gareon Conley has shown some signs of life in recent weeks after being benched earlier in the season. Conley got his hands on two passes, one which led to the Gilchrist interception. A few weeks ago Conley’s name was being tossed around as a potential trade candidate but has shown why the Raiders selected him in the first round in 2017.

Rashaan Melvin was burnt by tight end Mark Andrews for a big 74 yard gain. Luckily the defense held the Ravens to a field goal on the drive. Melvin will not be re-signed by the Raiders in the offseason.

Special Teams: D

Johnny Townsend was busy punting six times for a total of 268 yards (44.7 avg). Only one punt was downed inside the 20 yard line.

The black eye for the special teams was allowing Cyrus Jones to return a punt 70 yards for a touchdown. Rich Bisaccia was brought in to make a difference with the special teams unit but that has not been the case.

Overall Grade: D