Raiders Week 14 report card: Defense gashed for 552 yards

Aerial Attack: C+

This grade would have been higher had the offense not gotten skunked in the second half. After a solid first two quarters from the passing attack, Derek Carr and Co. were a non-factor in the final 30 minutes.

Carr’s final numbers look efficient. That tends to happen when you are checking it down to running backs and tight ends. He finished the game 25 of 34 passing with 259 yards and two touchdowns. The quarterback was heavily criticized by fans for throwing the ball away on four and goal from the 1-yard line.

Rico Gafford caught his first career pass and scored his first touchdown on a 49-yard bomb. Other than that, the wide receivers were again held in check. The majority of the production came from tight ends and running backs.

Darren Waller led the attack with six catches for 73 yards and DeAndre Washington followed with six catches for 43 yards.

Ground Game: C+

Considering they were without lead back Josh Jacobs, the running game was at least serviceable. DeAndre Washington got the bulk of the work with 14 carries for 53 yards and a first quarter touchdown.

Jalen Richard chipped in with 28 yards on seven totes. Neither Washington nor Richard can be relied on to carry a large load. They did what they could.

Offensive Line: B

I actually thought the line played well when you factor in that Trent Brown didn’t play and Brandon Parker got the start at right tackle. The Titans have a formidable front seven highlighted by Jeffery Simmons, Jurrell Casey, Harold Landry, and Rashaan Evans.

Carr had time to stand and deliver. On at least one of the Titans three sacks, it was more of a case of Carr stepping up into the pass rush. All in all, the line was not the cause of the offensive struggles.

Defensive Line: F

There are so many needs along the defense it’s hard to pinpoint where to even begin. With the exception of Maxx Crosby and Johnathan Hankins and maybe Maurice Hurst it’s hard to find anyone else that has been a consistent force throughout the season.

Dion Jordan’s tipped pass that fell into Hurst’s arms can only help the grade so much. Can you think of another big play from a defensive lineman throughout the remainder of the game?

Linebacker: F

Do I really need to explain this to you? See Raiders report card weeks 1-13 for more information.

It’s the same story week after week. Poor play from the linebackers, missed tackles, inability to cover tight ends and backs. Tahir Whitehead was victimized trying to cover Jonnu Smith for a touchdown.

Please draft a linebacker!

Secondary: F

Congratulations to the secondary for taking the cake for worst level of the defense on Sunday. I know Ryan Tannehill has been playing well, but 224 yards passing in the first half and 391 for the game? Come on.

Daryl Worley was burnt like toast by rookie A.J. Brown for a 91-yard touchdown.Not only was the coverage bad, he then missed a tackle on the play. It was a rough day at the office for Worley.

Tannehill averaged 14.5 yards per completion yesterday. Wow.

Special Teams: B+

Special teams units were solid. Jalen Richard took over return duties and brought a little spark to the return teams. He seemed to be more decisive than Trevor Davis and was able to get the offense better starting field position by churning out some hard-earned yards after contract.

A.J. Cole had a good day, punting five times with four of them downed at the 9-, 6-, 11-, and 16-yard lines (one touchback). His long was 55 yards.

Overall Grade: D-