What is the Oakland Raiders identity?
By Rich Winter
Well, at 3-5 the 2017 season is virtually in the toilet for the Oakland Raiders. For all of the hype surrounding the Raiders coming into this season, all of that is gone as the sputtering Raiders are riding the basement of what looks to be an average AFC West.
So, what’s the problem?
Oooooohhhh, where to start on this one.
Oct. 29, 2017 – 34-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills – Other than a crisply orchestrated first-drive of the game, the Oakland Raiders did not look ready to play. Yes, it was raining, but it was raining everywhere on the east coast, and not everyone fumbled, stumbled and bumbled their way like the Oakland Raiders did Sunday. From head coach Jack Del Rio down to the equipment managers, Oakland wasn’t ready. The team wasn’t ready for the slippery balls and they weren’t ready for the cold temperatures. Does anyone practice for that anymore?
Marshawn Lynch is being used incorrectly: In the season opening win over Tennessee, offensive coordinator, Todd Downing used Marshawn Lynch as a finisher. He carried sparingly in the first-half, then, as the Raiders assumed the lead, Lynch carried the rock, killed the clock and buried the Titans with 18 carries for 76 yards.
And then, after blowing out the Jets, Downing tried to establish Lynch early in the next four games and it didn’t work. Six carries for 18 yards in a 27-10 uninspired loss to the Redskins.
Week 4: L vs. the Broncos: Lynch 9-12
Week 5: L vs. Ravens: 12-43, 1 TD
Week 6: L vs. Chargers: 13-63
Week 7 W vs. Chiefs (Lynch a non factor….Carr with 417 yards and 3 TD’s was electric)
Since when has a 31-year old Marshawn Lynch been any kind of a feature back? He’s a finisher, a cold-weather guy and Downing and the Raiders attempts to resurrect him into something he never was.
Oakland came into the season with a 4th-year QB, on the precipice of NFL elite. Weapons galore including a pass-catching tight-end and and suddenly they want to be a run-first team who dinks and dunks in the passing game.
Go DEEP, Al Davis must be rolling over in his grave.
The Ice is Wearing thin for Ken Norton Jr.
Defensive ranks:
Sacks: 22nd
Rushing: 25th
Pasing: 26th
Total defense: 27th
What exactly is the identity of this defense?
LeSean McCoy ripped the Raiders for 151 yards and a TD and for most of the game there seemed to be absolutely no resistance up front. There weren’t gains of one and two yards there were chunks and chunks of yardage being ripped off by the Bills.
Defensive backs still getting beat. So-so wide receivers having big games against Oakland.
Wher
e are the adjustments where are the changes in schemes and blitz packages?
Ken Norton’s defense has been nothing short of mediocre during his tenure as the Oakland defensive coordinator.
So what is the identity of this team?
Soft, unprepared, out-of-sync and headed for a high draft pick.
