Raiders Week 16 Report Card: All-around solid performance keeps playoff hopes alive

Aerial Attack: A-

Derek Carr and his receivers have taken their fair share of lumps over the past four weeks, hitting rock bottom last week when Carr was booed off the field in Oakland.

He responded in a big way with one of his best efforts of the season. Carr led the way for the offense with 291 yards passing, completing 86.6 percent of his passes with one passing touchdown and one rushing.

Hunter Renfrow had a career day with 7 catches for 107 yards, highlighted by an opening drive 56-yard touchdown. Renfrow was the go to man all day, he was targeted nine times.

Tyrell Williams and Darren Waller chipped in with 4 catches a piece.

Ground Game: B-

It’s definitely a struggle without Josh Jacobs, but DeAndre Washington’s impact was bigger than what’s shown in the box score. He grinded his way to 85 hard-earned yards, running with a lot of power and physicality for a smaller guy.

His role in the opening drive of the second half was instrumental, touching the ball seven times for 32 yards, including the touchdown from five yards out.

With Josh Jacobs’ Week 17 status still up in the air, Washington could be in a featured role again next week.

Offensive Line: D

You knew with Pro Bowlers Trent Brown and Richie Incognito out, things would be a struggle, and that is exactly what happened. Although Denzelle Good played well in relief of Incognito, Brandon Parker struggled mightily.

In fact, things got so bad for Parker that he was replaced by David Sharpe, who brought some stability to the position. Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa, one of the best edge combos in the league, combined for 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss.

Gabe Jackson also didn’t play well. He’s had a down year and could be a name to keep an eye on as a cap casualty in the offseason.

Defensive Line: A

This group hasn’t seen an ‘A’ too many times this year, but against the Chargers they earned it. They completely shutdown Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler to 26 yards on 13 carries, and the edge players played well against both the run and pass.

Josh Mauro had 1.5 tackles for loss, Maxx Crosby had one, and Clelin Ferrell, who continues to get better, had a sack and 2 tackles for loss.

Linebackers: B+

Will Compton has suddenly become a difference maker for the defense. Since being installed into the starting lineup, Compton has solidified things at the second level. He was all over the field making a team high 12 tackles (.5 TFL).

The trio of Compton, Whitehead, and Morrow has held their own the last two weeks.

Secondary: A-

Another group that has been battered all season, the secondary deserves props for the job they did.

Daryl Worley started at safety due to injuries, so Nevin Lawson was on the outside with Trayvon Mullen. Speaking of Lawson, he played his finest game of the year, with 4 pass breakups. There is major concern surrounding the health of Mullen going forward after he sustained two vicious hits to the head and neck area, the second of which resulted in him being carted off on a stretcher.

The secondary can not deal with many more injuries considering that the group has already been completely decimated by injury. Keisean Nixon was the next man up after Mullen and Lamarcus Joyner went down.

The talented duo of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams combined for just 8 catches and 122 yards.

Special Teams: A-

Hunter Renfrow returned a three punts for 33 yards, adding a little juice to the return game. Daniel Carlson converted a big 48-yard field goal in the second half, his only attempt of the game.

And it must be noted AJ Cole unleashed an absolute bomb off his right foot, flipping the field in the second quarter with a 74-yard punt. Three of his five punts were inside the 20.

Overall: A-