Silver And Black Pride - Welcome to Game Day: Raiders vs PackersCovering all things Las Vegas Raiders footballhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49501/sbp-fav.png2015-12-21T11:35:38-08:00http://www.silverandblackpride.com/rss/stream/103941832015-12-21T11:35:38-08:002015-12-21T11:35:38-08:00The Morning After: Raiders vs Packers
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p><span>It always hurts when the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Oakland Raiders</a> outplay their opponent but still lose. This game fits in that category, and the end result could have been very different if not for some egregious self inflicted mistakes. </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/12/20/10631660/six-key-miscues-cost-raiders-big-time-in-loss-to-the-packers">Our own Levi Damien put out a list of 6 key mistakes</a><span> that cost the Raiders, it's an accurate telling of the reasons why the Raiders lost despite playing well.</span></p>
<p><span>It was such a disappointing start to the game for <span>Derek Carr</span> to throw those two early interceptions, but it was exciting watching the Raiders still come back from the 14 point hole they put themselves in. It is easy to point at those interceptions as the main culprits in this loss, too easy in fact. </span></p>
<p><span>Those interceptions hurt, but they didn't kill. They were part of the accumulation of mistakes that did lead to the Raiders demise in this game, but the Raiders came back from those interceptions just fine. They even took the lead 20-17 after being down from those interceptions which is the final proof of them not being the end all for the team in this game.</span></p>
<p><span>No, the interceptions hurt but they did not kill. What killed them was Green Bay's 47 yard kick return after the Raiders took the lead, followed by a very quick touchdown for the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Packers</a> to retake control of the game. Talk about demoralizing, coming back like that only to so quickly have your accomplishment shattered to pieces.</span></p>
<p><span>One of the things I really enjoyed about this game was how well the defense played despite Khalil Mack's relatively pedestrian performance. Mack was often held illegally which the refs ignored, but his teammates came through for support when Khalil was ineffective. That is a great sign for the future that much of the Raiders defense is set up for success down the road.</span></p>
<p><span>Watching <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> press conference after the game proved how frustrated the Raiders defense made him. He was visibly agitated by the perception that it was not a very good game by the Packers and he repeated several times that they got the win. That really is about all Green Bay can say about this game, they got the win and that's all that mattered in the end.</span></p>
<p><span>When you look at the box score though, the Raiders defense played very well against a high powered Packers offense. They held Aaron Rodgers to just 204 yards passing and their leading rusher had only 51 yards with one run accounting for 25 of those yards. The defense played well enough for this team to win, and the offense wasn't terrible either.</span></p>
<p><span>Amari Cooper</span> had an outstanding game, having 6 catches for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/12/20/10631146/amari-cooper-becomes-raiders-first-1000-yard-receiver-in-a-decade">He surpassed the 1,000 yard mark</a> which made him the first Raiders rookie to do so and the first Raider to do so since <span>Randy Moss</span> in 2005. After the game you could tell that he didn't appreciate the success very much in his postgame interview but it really is a big deal. He was too humble, and probably too angry at the loss, to realize it at the time but hopefully he understands later that his season truly was a special accomplishment in Oakland.</p>
<p>Derek Carr rebounded very well after his 2 interceptions, he lead the Raiders down to take the lead back before the wheels fell off again. It will be very exciting to see what kind of jump he can make going into next year. His 276 yards and 2 touchdowns was a pretty good game. Take away those two early interceptions and he had a very good game, Sadly, we have not invented a time machine as of yet to fix those mistakes.</p>
<p><span>Those interceptions put the Raiders in a hole and then the team lost all momentum almost immediately after climbing out of said hole. The loss eliminated the Raiders from playoff competition and insured a 13th straight year of non-winning records. That translates to the dark ages still remaining, despite the light at the end of the tunnel being bright than ever.</span></p>
<p><span>However, the Raiders are in a great position moving forward from here. They have bona fide super stars in the making in several positions, they have a core ready to build onto, they have what will likely be the most cap space in the NFL to spend next season, and they have a coaching staff that is likely to be able to stay together for years to come. The recipe for success is there, and it's a tested recipe from the Packers, <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seahawks</a>, and <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chiefs</a> who all have used it to cook up their continued success.</span></p>
<p><span>This year goes down as another non-winning year by the numbers, but it really is a winning year when you take into account how far they have come. They lost many games that they were even with or leading going into the 4th quarter. Enough games like that in fact that we can legitimately say the Raiders could have, and maybe even should have, been a playoff team this year. This game against the Packers was another one to add to that list.</span></p>
<p><span>Now the Raiders have two remaining games left, and one of those games is a nationally televised game on Christmas Eve. They still can go out with a bang and get some momentum for next year. It's not only a possibility for the Raiders to have a solid finish, it is something that we can ALMOST expect them to do. Almost, because well, PTSD is a real son of a bitch.</span></p>
<p><span>These last two games are not meaningless, they are an audition for next year along with a recruiting pledge. The Raiders have a ton of money to spend and there will be a bunch of really good free agents to spend that money on. These last two games are the final recruitment calls from this year's Raiders squad to show those impending free agents that this is where they want to go to become the champions they want to be.</span></p>
<p><span>It wont be about the Raiders being able to spend the most money either, though of course that is always a necessary evil with today's NFL. No, this is going to be a team to join because players want to be a part of something special. They already have proven that this team is on the verge of being special, but they have two more games to continue to show the world they are turning the corner before this almost great season comes to an end.</span></p>
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/12/21/10636424/the-morning-after-raiders-vs-packers-week-15Marcus Allen Krause2015-12-20T18:59:26-08:002015-12-20T18:59:26-08:006 key miscues cost Raiders big time Sunday
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<figcaption>Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>There was a time in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a> loss on Sunday that they had the lead. It came in the third quarter when Derek Carr threw his second touchdown pass to <span>Amari Cooper</span> from 26 yards out to put them up 20-17. That lead last a total of 62 seconds.</p>
<p>The rest of the game was a series of miscues that killed any chance the Raiders would be able to pull of the upset as they had last week in Denver. A few of those miscues stand above the rest.</p>
<h5>1. <span>Derek Carr's</span> first interception</h5>
<p>It was the Raiders' second possession of the game with still no score. <span>Clive Walford</span> went over the middle and Carr thought he saw the coverage he wanted and threw it up for him. It turned into one of the easier interceptions you'll see as <span>Micah Hyde</span> was there to catch the pass without much effort. Hyde then returned the interception to the one-yard-line and a few plays later punched it in on a <span>John Kuhn</span> run up the middle to take a 7-0 lead.</p>
<p>Derek Carr explained his thinking on the play and what happened.</p>
<p>"They were playing a two-man, so the guy's back was to me so I tried to sneak it in without the guy seeing and he turned his head around and caught it. He made a good play."</p>
<h5>2. Derek Carr's second interception</h5>
<p>The very next offensive play by the Raiders, Carr overthrew <span>Seth Roberts</span> and the ball landed in the waiting arms up <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Packers</a>' rookie <span>Damarious Randall</span> who returned the interception 43 yards for the touchdown. And just like that the Packers were up 14-0.</p>
<p>"It just got high on me. It did. I wish that if I had the play over, I'd love to bring it down obviously, but that's where I wanted to throw it. It was just high."</p>
<p>And Randall from his point of view:</p>
<p>"I just saw him throwing the ball, a little quick hitch. He ended up overthrowing it, and the ball ended up in my hands."</p>
<h5>3. Seth Roberts dropped touchdown</h5>
<p>Down 14-0, the Raiders got the ball back at their own 20-yard-line with 4:53 left in the first quarter and went on a drive. A Carr sneak up the middle for four yards on third and 2 gave the Raiders a first down at the Green Bay 11-yard-line. The next play, Seth Roberts broke free from left to right on a cross in the back of the end zone. Carr put the ball right on him and he dropped it. So, instead of cutting the Packers lead in half, the Raiders ended up settling for a short field goal to pull to down 14-3.</p>
<h5>4. 28-yard <span>TJ Carrie</span> pass interference</h5>
<p>After clawing back to down just one point at half time, the Raiders defense looked to hold them there to begin the third quarter. A <span>Shelby Harris</span> tackle for no gain on third and two at the Oakland 42 had the Packers with a decision to make. That's four down territory so they went for it on fourth and two. <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> moved around in the pocket hoping to see a receiver get open. He spotted <span>Randall Cobb</span> up the right sideline and aired it out, causing TJ Carrie to play catch up. Carrie hit Cobb before the ball arrived making for an easy pass interference penalty.</p>
<p>The yardage off the PI was 28 yards, putting them in first down at the 14-yard-line. They added a field goal thanks to the penalty to take a 17-13 lead.</p>
<h5>5. <span>James Jones</span> touchdown catch coverage lapse</h5>
<p>That 26-yard touchdown pass to Cooper to give the Raiders the lead came on the next drive. But a big return had the Packers drive starting at their own 47-yard-line. On the third play of that drive, James Jones went up the right sideline wide open for a 30-yard touchdown.</p>
<p>On the play, <span>David Amerson</span> was clearly playing zone and stopped to defend against the short pass. But no one picked up Jones deep which was why he was so wide open.</p>
<p>"It really wasn't a miscommunication." Amerson said of the play. "It was about personnel. The guys got confused - we had guys moving from nickel to safety to corner and everything. It wa a guy in the wrong spot. He forgot he was supposed to be at safety and we didn't have a half-field play. It didn't help that they were going hurry-up, so guys really weren't on the same page. That's all it takes for one play."</p>
<p>The closest defensive back to take Jones once Amerson released him was Charles Woodson. He was late getting over, but it didn't appear to be his assignment either. Most likely it was TJ Carrie who Amerson thought was going to take the deep man, but Carrie also stopped to protect the short route. Any way you look at it, it was a serious lapse by the Raiders defense that cost them dearly.</p>
<h5>6. <span>Marquette King</span> dud punt</h5>
<p>Midway through the fourth quarter with the Packers up 27-20, the Raiders offense was stopped at their own 14-yard-line and forced to punt. King's punt had no lift on it and therefore no hang time. It traveled just 37 yards and landed quickly enough to allow a 10-yard return to the Raiders 41-yard-line. A 5-yard penalty for <span>Lorenzo Alexander</span> being illegally downfield gave the Packers the ball already in field goal range at the 36-yard-line. Their possession would stop at the 15-yard line and the field goal made it a two-score game with 4:25 remaining. The 30-20 score turned out to be the final.</p>
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https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/12/20/10631660/six-key-miscues-cost-raiders-big-time-in-loss-to-the-packersLevi Damien2015-12-20T16:41:10-08:002015-12-20T16:41:10-08:00Raiders playoff hopes officially end w/ 30-20 loss
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<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="paragraph0">It was a first quarter to forget for <span>Derek Carr</span> and the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a> offense. It saw Carr throw for two interceptions, with one returned to the 1-yard-line and the other returned for a touchdown. The result was a 14-0 <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Packers</a> lead despite Green Bay picking up just 23 yards.</p>
<p>Both interceptions were on ugly passes from Carr. Micah Hyde picked the first and returned it to the one. Packers fullback <span>John Kuhn</span> punched it in for the touchdown four plays later. It was rookie <span>Damarious Randall</span> who took a pass that sailed high over <span>Seth Roberts</span> head and returned it for the defensive touchdown.</p>
<p>With the start of the second quarter, things picked up for the Raiders. While the defense held the Packers offense scoreless in the quarter, the Raiders offense drove for three scores on two field goals and a touchdown to pull within one point at the half.</p>
<p>The touchdown pass in the second quarter went to <span>Amari Cooper</span> who got behind the defense in the end zone for the score from 26 yards out.</p>
<p>Also getting going in that second quarter was the running game, with the Raiders second drive for a field goal featuring three nice runs from <span>Latavius Murray</span> for 10, 22, and 5 yards to give him 64 yards on 15 carries (4.3 yards per carry).</p>
<p>With the second half start, the Packers got back on track with a drive to the Raiders 6-yard-line thanks in large part to a 29-yard pass interference penalty on <span>TJ Carrie</span>.</p>
<p>With the field goal, the Packers extended the lead to 17-13, but the Raiders answered right back with a touchdown drive. Again, the touchdown pass went to <span>Amari Cooper</span>. It started with a big 41-yard connection to Cooper up the right sideline and finished with a 26-yard touchdown reception to give the Raiders their first lead of the day at 20-17.</p>
<p>Suddenly it was a back and forth game as the Packers drove right down the field in :62 seconds to re-take the lead at 24-20. The quickness of the drive was thanks in part to a 47-yard return to start the Packers with great field position near midfield. And on the second play of the drive, Raiders cornerback <span>David Amerson</span> thought he had help over the top and allowed <span>James Jones</span> to go wide open up the right sideline for the score and a 24-10 Packers lead heading into the 4th quarter.</p>
<p>At the end of the third quarter the Packers started a drive that lasted well into the fourth. It went 92 yards in 19 plays and took 8:11 off the clock. The Packers converted three third downs on the drive. They drove all the way to the one-yard-line after a <span>DJ Hayden</span> pass interference call at the goal line. But the Raiders defense put up a goal line stand and the Packers would settle for a field goal to take a 27-20 lead.</p>
<p>Taking over with just under ten minutes left in the game, and they could do nothing with it. Carr was sacked on third and 8 and the <span>Marquette King</span> punt had no lift and was returned to the Oakland 36-yard-line for a net 22 yards on the punt.</p>
<p>In one play, the Packers were in first and goal on a 25-yard run by James Starks. What briefly looked like it could be a touchdown pass to James Jones saw a late flag for offensive pass interference (no reason it should have been late). The penalty moved the Packers back to the 15-yard-line and they would end up settling for a field goal. Even still, the field goal made it a two-score game at 30-20 with 4:25 left in the game.</p>
<p>Again, the Raiders offense could do nothing with it. Carr was sacked on third down to bring up 4th and 14 from the Oakland 16-yard-line. Carr rolled right and threw incomplete intended for Michael Crabtree for a turnover on downs.</p>
<p>A David Amerson interception of Rodgers at the goal line would give the Raiders the ball back, but with the Raiders drive starting at the one-yard-line with 2:36 left in the game, down two scores, it was all academic.</p>
<p>The Raiders drop to 6-8 on the season. The loss coupled with the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jets</a> win on Saturday night and the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chiefs</a> win Sunday, the Raiders are officially out of playoff contention. Meanwhile the Packers had their ticket to the playoffs punched early in the game when the Giants lost to the Panthers.</p>
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https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/12/20/10631182/oakland-raiders-vs-green-bay-packers-final-score-raiders-playoff-hopes-officially-end-30-20-lossLevi Damien2015-12-20T14:44:55-08:002015-12-20T14:44:55-08:00Raiders vs Packers 2nd half open thread
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> started with the ball today in a cold, damp day in Oakland. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> had a ton of energy on display as they caused two straight 3 and out's with their defense, including a sack on one of the 3rd downs by Khalil Mack. Unfortunately, the Raiders offense couldn't get into scoring range the first time they got the ball, and then the 2nd drive ended with a <span>Derek Carr</span> interception.</p>
<p><span>Micah Hyde</span> returned the interception down to the Raiders 1 yard line but an unsportsmanlike personal foul pushed the Packers back to the Raiders 16. The penalty didn't matter though, the Packers got a first down and then surprised the Raiders defense with their fullback <span>John Kuhn</span> who ran over a would be tackler for the touchdown to make the score 7-0 Green Bay.</p>
<p>Things got worse quickly, the next Raiders drive ended even worse than their first possession. This time it was another interception but they didn't get stop on the return this time. It looked to be another misunderstanding between Carr and <span>Seth Roberts</span> as the ball went past Roberts and right into Packers rookie cornerback Demarious Randall's hands where he easily returned it for a touchdown to take a 14-0 lead.</p>
<p>Thankfully Oakland's next drive was not a disaster. It started with a long pass interference penalty where the GB corner had to hold <span>Amari Cooper's</span> arm to prevent an even bigger play. Then they followed that with another target to <span>Amari Cooper</span> who caught the ball and got the Raiders into the Packers red zone. Seth Roberts dropped an easy, wide open touchdown after that though and the Raiders ended up having to settle for the 23 yard field goal which made the score 14-3.</p>
<p>Oakland's defense was up to the challenge again on the Packers next drive when they failed to get a first down outside of one that they got via Raiders penalty. When the offense for Oakland came back on the field they were again in a rhythm thanks to strong running from <span>Latavius Murray</span> and a couple of nice <span>Michael Crabtree</span> catches. Unfortunately again they faltered inside the red zone and settled for the field goal to make the score 14-6.</p>
<p>The two teams traded punts back and forth before the next time either team did anything on offense. The team to break that trend was Green Bay, despite starting at their own 2 yard line thanks to a beautiful 60 yard punt from <span>Marquette King</span>. A couple of Raiders penalties let the Packers out of the hole they started out in though. They got all the way into long field goal territory before <span>Charles Woodson</span> and <span>Benson Mayowa</span> teamed up to force a fumble from RB James Starks which the Raiders recovered.</p>
<p>The Raiders then started their drive with just over 1 minute left in the half from their own 21. Their first play on the drive was a 29 yard screen play to <span>Marcel Reece</span>, followed by another 1st down play to TE Mychal Rivera, which was then followed by a 17 yard quarterback scramble from Derek Carr. Then they capped off the great drive with a 19 yard touchdown to Amari Cooper with just 20 seconds left in the half.</p>
<p>The touchdown made the score 14-13 Green Bay, and the Packers tried to move the ball yet before the half but the clock ran out before they could accomplish anything. The Raiders played outstanding defense throughout the first half and their offense regrouped after two early turnovers put them in a 14 point deficit. Oakland will get the ball first to start out the second half.</p>
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/12/20/10630746/raiders-vs-packers-1st-half-summary-raiders-shrug-off-early-turnoversMarcus Allen Krause2015-12-20T13:00:17-08:002015-12-20T13:00:17-08:00Raiders vs Packers game time open thread
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<figcaption>Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It's a drizzly cold day in Oakland. Which is like a tank top and shorts day for Green Bay, but not for California. This is about as close to a frozen tundra as you will find in these parts. It's a good day for football.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> are coming off a big win against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> last week. It kept the Raiders playoff hopes alive, but without a win today, those hopes would officially die.</p>
<p>To get a win, the Raiders must stop a revitalized <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> running attack and <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> making his homecoming to the Bay Area. No small task. They must also get <span>Amari Cooper</span> going after he went without a catch on eight targets last week and get a solid performance from <span>Latavius Murray</span>.</p>
<p>They will be trying to do this with a new right side of the line that has rookie <span>Jon Feliciano</span> making his first start at right guard and former right guard <span>J'Marcus Webb</span> moving outside to start at right tackle in place of the injured <span>Austin Howard</span>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/12/20/10630538/oakland-raiders-vs-green-bay-packers-inactives-neiko-thorpe-wont-play">See all the inactives here.</a></p>
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https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/12/20/10630686/oakland-raiders-vs-green-bay-packers-week-15-game-timeLevi Damien2015-12-20T11:54:33-08:002015-12-20T11:54:33-08:00Inactives: Hayden gets nod, Thorpe sits
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<figcaption>Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a> and <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Packers</a> are preparing to face off in Oakland today. Among those who won't take the field for the Raiders will be <span>Neiko Thorpe</span> who had been getting the nod ahead of <span>DJ Hayden</span> at the nickel corner spot. He goes from that to being inactive.</p>
<p>Oakland Raiders</p>
<p>S <span>Nate Allen</span><br>RB Roy Helu, Jr.<br>CB Neiko Thorpe<br>OL <span>Matt McCants</span><br>WR <span>Rod Streater</span><br>TE <span>Gabe Holmes</span><br>DT <span>Leon Orr</span></p>
<p><span>Jon Feliciano</span> will start at right guard with <span>J'Marcus Webb</span> moving over from his right guard spot to take over for <span>Austin Howard</span> who was placed in injured reserve this week. <span>Taylor Mays</span> will start at safety in place of Nate Allen who is out with a knee injury.</p>
<p>Green Bay Packers</p>
<p>QB <span>Brett Hundley</span><br>CB <span>Sam Shields</span><br>RB <span>John Crockett</span><br>LB <span>Andy Mulumba</span><br>G <span>Josh Walker</span><br>TE <span>Kennard Backman</span><br>WR <span>Ty Montgomery</span></p>
<p>At cornerback, first round pick <span>Damarious Randall</span> will get the start in place of Sam Shields.</p>
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https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/12/20/10630538/oakland-raiders-vs-green-bay-packers-inactives-neiko-thorpe-wont-playLevi Damien2015-12-19T12:00:02-08:002015-12-19T12:00:02-08:00Raiders vs Packers preview: Keys, match-ups, more
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>This Sunday's match up features an <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Oakland Raiders</a> team whose playoff dreams are on life support (with the plug in hand ready to be pulled, unfortunately) and a <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> team that is in a dog fight for the NFC North title with the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a>. The 6-7 Raiders are not dead yet though and this is a big game for them either way against the 8-4 Packers that have dominated them in their most recent games.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/12/18/10623392/oakland-raiders-vs-green-bay-packers-week-15-game-time-tv-schedule-online-streaming"> </a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/12/18/10623392/oakland-raiders-vs-green-bay-packers-week-15-game-time-tv-schedule-online-streaming">Check here for where and when to watch!</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/12/18/10623392/oakland-raiders-vs-green-bay-packers-week-15-game-time-tv-schedule-online-streaming"> </a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/12/18/10623392/oakland-raiders-vs-green-bay-packers-week-15-game-time-tv-schedule-online-streaming"></a><a href="http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/12/18/10623392/oakland-raiders-vs-green-bay-packers-week-15-game-time-tv-schedule-online-streaming" target="_blank"> </a></p>
<h4><span>Another Trend to End</span></h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">You have to go all the way back to 1987 for the last time the Raiders beat the Green Bay Packers, although at least that was a 20-0 victory for the then Los Angeles Raiders over the Packers. In the 6 times they have played since that victory in '87 it has been all Packers with just one game being close and even that was in 1998.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The last three games were utter catastrophes for the Raiders; they lost 46-16, 38-7, and 41-7. Those are not just losses, they are complete beat downs. There also was a preseason game tossed in there from last year that actually featured <span>Derek Carr</span> and Khalil Mack being on the team, that one was closer than the last three regular season games but was still a 31-21 loss.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The trend here is easy to spot, it's been the Packers absolutely killing the Raiders. Jack Del Rio and these new Oakland Raiders better have an ace up their sleeve to end this recent streak of ineptitude. If they can steal a victory Sunday it will mark yet another losing streak that this 2015 Raiders team will have ended.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The Bloodlust of <span>Charles Woodson</span> and <span>James Jones</span>
</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This is one of those games that both of these players surely marked on their schedules. James Jones was shocked when the Raiders decided to cut him after he led the team in receiving last year, his one and only year away from the Packers. He started out the year on fire showing the world that he still was a force but has been very quiet as of late. You can be certain however that he will be motivated to make some noise against his former team though.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Charles Woodson was in the same boat after the Packers decided not to re-sign him a couple of years back thinking that he was too old for the position. They were wrong, and the Raiders have been ecstatic with the play of the ageless wonder ever since. Woodson is the type of super competitive champion that will hold slights against those who have wronged him, and no team wronged him more than the Packers when they decided he wasn't in their plans anymore.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The Emergence of TE Richard Rogers</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Oakland has started to defend the tight ends better than the plague that they were in the earlier part of the season but they still haven't been great. The Packers have a talented tight end of their own who is starting to emerge as a key to their offense. You can bet that Green Bay will be looking to utilize him to attack the suddenly stout Raiders defense.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The NFL world got to really know the name Richard Rogers most recently because he is the player that caught the Hail Mary in the Packers thrilling victory against the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a> a couple of weeks ago. <span>Taylor Mays</span> is going to have his hands full in this one because he is going to be the defender most likely to end up with coverage on Rogers. Mays loves to play physical and he will need every ounce of that attitude in this one, along with some help now and again too.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Stop the run</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It is December football, and for the Packers that means running the football. The Raiders have been great against the run all year except for games against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a> and the Vikings. This will be a test along those lines though because Green Bay has a newly reinvigorated battering ram in <span>Eddie Lacy</span> and a criminally under-rated change of pace back in <span>James Starks</span>.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">To beat Green Bay you have to make them one dimensional, and they do have a tendency to forget all about the run game if they are not getting yards from it. The easy thought is to stop <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> and their passing attack, but it's when the running game is firing on all cylinders that the Packers are truly the most dangerous.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Going Deep</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Both of these teams love the deep ball and have quarterbacks that can connect on them consistently. According to Football Outsiders Green Bay is ranked 19<sup>th</sup> against the long ball, while the Raiders are on the other end of the spectrum as the 5<sup>th</sup> ranked defense on deep passes. With that in mind, Oakland absolutely needs to test the Green Bay defense deep consistently with their deficiency in that area a major issue.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Though the Raiders have been good against the deep ball they will have to be ever vigilant in this game as well, especially if they give up any free plays by jumping off-sides. There is no quarterback in the league that is better at capitalizing on free plays than Aaron Rodgers who almost always looks for the big play in that situation. Oakland needs to play their most disciplined football of the season for that very reason.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Blitzkrieg Bop!</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The blitz is going to be key in this game, both rushing Aaron Rodgers with it and defending against it. Green Bay loves to send their linebackers after the QB with <span>Clay Matthews</span> and <span>Julius Peppers</span> both being known for their QB thumping skills. The Raiders will absolutely need to keep an extra man back for blocking for much of this game to give Derek Carr time to find his receivers, and they also need to pay extra attention to the secondary blitz that the Packers also love to use from time to time.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The Raiders will need to use the blitz themselves to hit Aaron Rodgers consistently as well. The Packers are not going to leave Mack one on one, Rodgers is too smart of a QB to not call extra protection for that. For that reason the Raiders best bet will be to send extra pass rushers to overload Mack's side of the field, force the Packers to use that extra blocker on the overload and free up Khalil to do what he does best. Also, hitting Aaron Rodgers is the only surefire way to get into his head.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span>Amari Cooper</span> VS Damarious Randall</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This is the "keyest" of key match ups. These two rookies will likely be facing off against each other for much of the game with <span>Sam Shields</span> sidelined with injury. Many people might not recognize Damarious Randall's name but he has been outstanding for the Packers for much of the season. He is a ball hawk type that has shown lock down abilities already, but <span>Amari Cooper</span> will be Randall's biggest test of the season.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Amari on the other hand has hit a bit of a rookie wall on the season with some lackluster play as of late. Getting a chance to attack a fellow rookie instead of a veteran corner is just what the doctor ordered for Cooper, this is exactly the type of match up that will have him salivating. Expect the Packers to keep some safety help over the top to help out their rookie, but there are going to be one on one opportunities that the Raiders will need to make sure to take advantage of.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Raiders Secondary vs Aaron Rodgers</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This is a very scary opposition for the Raiders secondary, Aaron Rodgers is not to be fussed with. The young secondary players of the Raiders must pay attention to their players at all times because they will be asked to cover for longer periods of time than they are used to.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Rodgers is a master at escaping pressure and making big plays from outside the pocket when plays have broken down. Their receivers have made a living under these circumstances and know how to get open in the scramble drill, <span>David Amerson</span> and T.J. Carrie especially will have to be up to the challenge when the plays break down.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Luckily, the Raiders have Charles Woodson who knows the Packers better than anybody after his many years playing for them. He knows very well what happens when plays break down, and he will be looking to be aggressive when it inevitably happens. You just know he is dying to have a big game against the team that decided he was too old to re-sign.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">David Amerson vs <span>Randall Cobb</span>
</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">David Amerson has been playing really well for the Raiders, but he hasn't faced a receiver like Randall Cobb yet. Cobb is a shifty, quick receiver who will be lined up all over the field. It will be interesting to see if Amerson shadows him all day even when Cobb lines up in the slot, this is definitely what I would do to avoid any times where Cobb will get to face off against <span>Neiko Thorpe</span> or D.J. Hayden anyway.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Ken Norton Jr. comes from Seattle where they do not move their outside corners inside ever though. If he is going to follow that same line of thinking then Randall Cobb is going to be very difficult to cover. Amerson is the one player on the Raiders with the lateral quickness needed to defend the quick slants that Cobb makes a living off of, if Cobb gets other match ups while in the slot it could lead to a huge game for him.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Khalil Mack vs <span>Bryan Bulaga</span>, +1</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">After <span>Khalil Mack's</span> obliteration of the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a> who tried to block him one on one there is no question the Packers will be keeping extra help in against him. Bryan Bulaga is a former first round pick who has had good games when healthy, but it is guaranteed that the Packers will be chipping and double teaming Mack all day anyway.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Will it be enough to end the tear that Khalil Mack has been on in the past several games? I would have to doubt it, Mack has found a new level of play of late and I don't think the Packers will be able to stop him for the entire game. It will take some creative scheming from Ken Norton Jr. to free Mack up some but even facing help it would be silly to bet against Khalil Mack right now.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span>Bill Musgrave vs Dom Capers</span></h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">These two coaches know each other extremely well from battling each other when Bill Musgrave was with Green Bay's divisional rival Minnesota Vikings. That means that it will take some extra creativity from both sides to combat what they know the other coach is planning on throwing at them.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Hopefully for the Raiders that means a more aggressive Bill Musgrave, because the short screen passes and quick throws are a staple of what Musgrave did with the Vikings and will be very much expected by Dom Capers. That hopefully will open up the deep ball more often though because Capers will have made sure that the Packers watch for the short, quick developing plays more so than the deep ball.</p>
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/12/19/10626702/raiders-vs-packers-preview-what-to-watch-for-keys-match-ups-storyMarcus Allen Krause2015-12-19T10:17:28-08:002015-12-19T10:17:28-08:00Five Good Questions w/ Acme Packing Company
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<figcaption>Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>This week I spoke with Evan "Tex" Western from SB Nation Packers blog Acme Packing Company to get the skinny on the Raiders next opponent.</p> <p><b>1. After beginning the season 6-0, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> lost three-straight games. Was there something awry or simply a matter of tough match-ups?</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Packers' offense has shown signs of major struggles since the midway point of that winning streak, and they were compounded by playing a couple of excellent defenses on the road in Denver and Carolina. The major issue with the offense is the receivers' inability to get separation (which I'll get to in a moment), but over the last six quarters the running game has been able to find success and open things up for <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> and company.</p>
<p>For the Packers' defense to be significantly outplaying the offense, as they have over the past month-plus, is an unusual sight for Green Bay fans, but at least one unit is playing up to, if not exceeding expectations. We don't see much changing by the end of the season - this is a team that will need to rely on the run and on its defense if it's going to make a deep run in the playoffs.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>2. Explain what's going on with the Packers receiving corps for me. Cobb looks like he's taken a step back after signing a big contract, <span>James Jones</span> is having arguably his best season in his return to Green Bay at age 31, and <span>Davante Adams</span> doesn't seem to be having the kind of season most expected. What's going on there?</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Opposing defenses have figured out that the Packers' receivers aren't particularly fast and have struggled to get separation from coverage. As such, they have resorted to playing man-to-man coverage against the receivers, and that has limited the passing game in a big way.</p>
<p>The other issue is recurring injuries that are limiting Cobb and Adams. Cobb sprained the AC joint in his shoulder in the third preseason game, and admitted recently that the injury is still not 100%. Likewise, Adams missed some time with ankle issues early in the season and continues to struggle with explosiveness and speed. Meanwhile, Jones is productive, but not explosive at this stage of his career, which makes him a decent complementary piece rather than a #1 receiver.</p>
<p>Mike McCarthy will need to develop routes and plays in order to get his players open through the scheme rather than on their own abilities, and the receivers must pick up yards after the catch if they are to be productive.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>3. In recent seasons, the Packers offensive line has caught a lot of flak. Is that fair criticism? Have they improved this season? Who is the weakest link?</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>After several years of struggles, especially at the tackle position, the 2014 offensive line was as good a unit as the Packers have seen since the 2003 unit, behind which <span>Ahman Green</span> ran for nearly 1,900 yards. Combined, the week one starters missed just one game a year ago, and the continuity was critical to its success in both pass and run blocking.</p>
<p>This year, injuries to every member of the line have limited the unit's effectiveness, but the same five starters remain and the group should be mostly intact on Sunday. If there is a weak link, it is probably left tackle <span>David Bakhtiari</span>, who struggles with power pass rushers and is known to be prone to holding penalties.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>4. <span>Eddie Lacy</span> had a rough first half of the season, but has played better of late. What was going on with him and is he back to his old self again?</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Nobody really understands what happened with Lacy early on, aside from an ankle injury that limited his agility and mobility. However, after being benched a few weeks back and then sitting against Detroit for missing curfew, he ran with purpose against Dallas on his way to his best game of the year. Lacy talked this week about the conversation he had with Mike McCarthy opening his eyes and "waking him up", and he looked like a different player last Sunday.</p>
<p>Also, Mike McCarthy's retaking of the playcalling may be helping Lacy, as Tom Clements seemed too willing to give up on the run when it was struggling.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>5. In most every stastical category, the Packers are middle of the road, which means they are fairly balanced. Is that misleading? What area is more of a strength? What area is more of a weakness?</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Without question, the defense has been the strength of this team over the last several games due to the offensive struggles I mentioned earlier. Green Bay has given up an average of just 15.6 points over the past five games, and haven't given up more than 23 in any single game in that span. And aside from two bad plays against Dallas that totaled 95 yards alone, the run defense has been exceptional over that span as well.</p>
<p>If the Packers do win the game on Sunday, I expect that it will be because the defense holds Oakland under 20 points, picks up a handful of sacks, and keeps <span>Latavius Murray</span> under 75 yards on the ground..</p>
</blockquote>
<p>To see my answers to his questions, <a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2015/12/19/10626818/packers-raiders-q-a-khalil-mack-and-david-carr-form-young-foundation-oakland">click here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2015/12/19/10626818/packers-raiders-q-a-khalil-mack-and-david-carr-form-young-foundation-oakland"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/LeviDamien" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" data-size="large">Follow @LeviDamien</a></p>
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/12/19/10626670/five-good-questions-green-bay-packers-winning-despite-passing-game-deficiencies-oakland-raidersLevi Damien