The Oakland Raiders’ Week 9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers highlighted subtle trends that deserve consideration for the remainder of the season.
Through eight games, teams begin to reveal tendencies that could help or hurt their playoff chances. When dissecting the ups and down of an upstart .500 team, it’s difficult to map out the second half of the season.
As a young team looking to make the playoffs, Oakland must overcome glaring inadequacies, come to terms with reality over hype and ride the highs to survive the lows.
What can we dismiss as an aberration from the Raiders’ 38-35 loss to the ...
At midseason, the Oakland Raiders list as a .500 team, which resembles the team’s play against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although the Raiders offense didn’t put together a flawless performance, it kept hope alive for a victory. On the opposite side, the defense never found its way in any aspect of the game.
Head coach Jack Del Rio made a clear-cut statement about his thoughts on the outcome to local reporters:
It’s a very simple statement but true to the core, unless the defense loses contain on multiple fronts. The Raiders defense dropped to historically poor levels, surrendering an absurd amount of yardage ...
In a 60-minute rollercoaster ride with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Oakland Raiders displayed the two reasons doubt creeps into the minds of cynical fans and NFL analysts concerning this year’s team.
First and foremost, the Raiders defense allowed a franchise record in total yards, per Associated Press writer Josh Dubow, which deserves an independent discussion. Secondly, this young team blooming with potential turned the ball over at crucial moments to keep the Steelers on top in the second half.
The Raiders concluded this contest with five fumbles and lost three. Quarterback Derek Carr put together a gutsy performance but threw an ill-advised ...
Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray suffered a concussion against the Pittsburgh Steelers following a hit from Mike Mitchell, forcing a fumble. Murray is expected to play in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Continue for updates.
Latest on Murray's Playing Status
Sunday, Nov. 15
The Raiders announced on Friday that Murray is probable to play. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported prior to kickoff that Murray "is expected to play."
Latest on Murray's Practice Status
Friday, Nov. 13
The Raiders announced Murray was a full participant in practice after being limited on Thursday and failing to practice on Wednesday.
Murray Comments on Concussion
Thursday, Nov. 12
Murray said he feels good, but his status remains uncertain, ...
The Oakland Raiders' Week 9 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers features two high-powered passing offenses in a potential shootout on Heinz Field.
While the Raiders offense rolled over two opponents after their bye week, the Steelers offense looked anything but dynamic in Ben Roethlisberger’s return under center in Week 8.
Will Roethlisberger lay two eggs on his home turf in back-to-back weeks? The Raiders shouldn’t count on it, unless they’re causing the turnovers and miscues with an effective defensive game plan.
Pressure Up the Middle
The objective to generate a pass rush usually finds its way into every defensive scheme week to week. For ...
The old adage about building through the draft doesn’t apply to the crux of the Oakland Raiders’ resurgence this season.
Yes, fourth overall pick wide receiver Amari Cooper flashes as one the most captivating rookie talents in recent memory. Second-round pick defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. has played all of 151 snaps between linebacker and defensive end, per Pro Football Focus. Third-round pick tight end Clive Walford barely scratched the surface of his maximum potential in the first seven games.
General manager Reggie McKenzie deservedly took on a lot of criticism for his misses on previous free-agent signings. However, he’s righted a ...
The Oakland Raiders travel east to play the Pittsburgh Steelers in another contest with wild-card playoff implications.
This week’s matchup doesn’t exactly live up to the hype between these two franchises in the 1970s, but they’re evenly matched. Both clubs teeter on the edge of the playoff picture, hoping to gain an early advantage in the wild-card race.
Oakland’s crusade in turning doubters into believers continues against a well-coached Steelers team that yielded an even 2-2 record without their starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Pittsburgh will push through the season without their starting running back Le’Veon Bell, which potentially renders the offense one-dimensional against ...
It’s about that time to buy or sell Oakland Raiders’ player stocks based on Week 8 performances. This week’s report heavily features offensive talent, as the Raiders gashed the New York Jets' top-five defense.
In consecutive weeks, Oakland’s offense rag-dolled two solid pass defenses, compiling a combined 71 points and 615 passing yards over two games.
In Week 8, offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave’s well-oiled offensive machine kept rolling and ran over Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie in the process.
Based on the symbolic first throw at Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, the team has developed a strong sense of confidence in its vertical attack.
On Sunday, ...
The Oakland Raiders’ midseason award show takes place seven games into the season. Everyone, decked out in black and silver tuxedos, take your seats as we go through player achievements worth noting.
The Raiders have surprised some analysts and spectators as a competitive team with a potential to contend for a playoff spot. The front office made some risky acquisitions. The new coaching staff shuffled players around to exploit weekly matchups.
The players on the field continue to respond to tough challenges with the weight of re-energizing the franchise for seasons to come.
Who’s leading the charge on both sides of the ball? ...
In consecutive weeks, the Oakland Raiders jumped out to an early lead and maintained control throughout, leaving no room for doubt in their dominance. When viewed on film, neither game presents a flawless victory, but it’s clear Oakland took the field with the better group of football players.
The Raiders have emerged from their Week 6 bye week on a tear. Now, they’re the fourth-best team in the AFC after the undefeated New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos.
On Sunday, the fans in the Black Hole celebrated a victory and an above .500 football team at the midpoint of the ...