The Oakland Raiders’ final stock report recognizes some unsung heroes who made safety Charles Woodson’s farewell a victorious drop-the-mic moment.
Two players who didn’t perform particularly well throughout the game but made critical plays deserve honorable mentions.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers targeted linebacker Malcolm Smith in pass coverage with success. However, Smith forced a fumble on Chargers tight end David Johnson, which led to defensive lineman Benson Mayowa’s 40-yard fumble return to San Diego’s 3-yard line.
Smith and Mayowa put the Raiders in position to earn a victory, but which players excelled throughout the entire contest in solid performances from start to finish?
Who ...
For the first time in Oakland Raiders history, the team could finish the NFL season with a 4,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver.
But some still yell, “Fire Bill Musgrave.”
Yeah, sure. Fire the offensive coordinator who is propelling the offense into new heights. Later on, we'll go through franchise record books that make this idea seem rather silly.
But for now, the fact is quarterback Derek Carr needs 207 passing yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in the season finale to complete the 1,000-1,000-4,000 trifecta.
What’s the point of highlighting these areas of uncharted territory?
Despite showing glimpses of brilliance, the Raiders offensive ...
The Oakland Raiders will have to finish the regular season without one of their best players after the NFL suspended Pro Bowl fullback Marcel Reece for four games, as ESPN's Field Yates reported Monday. According to Scott Bair of CSNCalifornia.com, the suspension is the result of Reece's violation of the league's performance-enhancing drug policy. The Raiders confirmed the news on their website.Since Oakland is mathematically out of the AFC playoff race, Reece's absence won't have a significant impact on the team in Week 17. Far more deleterious will be his absence in the first three weeks of next season.The 30-year-old is among ...
In the previous two victories, the Oakland Raiders have won in ugly fashion, thanks to a stifling defense, which signifies a much-needed balance for a winning formula.
Throughout the 2015-16 NFL season, the buzz surrounding the Raiders’ resurrection has highlighted the offense and rightfully so. However, an ascending team must find various ways of winning football games before becoming a true contender.
Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. has done more with less in the secondary and made adjustments in bold fashion—squeezing maximum production out of underachieving players and rookie talents.
Within the previous three outings, the Raiders field the No. 8 total defense ...
The 2015 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award may be the tightest race the league has seen in recent memory. With players like J.J. Watt, Aaron Donald, Tyrann Mathieu, Josh Norman and Luke Kuechly all playing at a high level this season, it's difficult to imagine just picking one player for the honor.
But at the end of the day, when the regular season is all said and done and the playoffs are well underway, one defensive player stands out above the rest.
And that player is Khalil Mack.
Currently, Mack leads the NFL with 15 sacks and is also the highest-graded edge defender ...
As the season winds down, it’s clear the Oakland Raiders need to revamp their secondary, but where does defensive back T.J. Carrie fit into the pass defense in 2016?
It’s not a simple answer, as Carrie can play both cornerback and safety. However, he’s excelled and struggled at both positions at different points of the season.
Then again, the coaching staff might have stretched him too far, constantly toggling the second-year pro between two positions.
The instability in his week-to-week assignments may explain his recent struggles in the secondary.
The added responsibilities hurt him most in Week 15, when he blew a coverage due ...
Although not pleasing to the eye, the Oakland Raiders relied on their defense to remain competitive and earn a victory over the San Diego Chargers.
The Raiders didn’t have the firepower to consistently drive down the field with explosive plays. Benson Mayowa’s 40-yard fumble recovery put the Raiders offense on the Chargers' three-yard line late in the fourth quarter:
Earlier in the season, the Raiders couldn’t win games with an inefficient passing offense. Now, they’ve earned two gritty victories within the last three outings. Oakland’s ability to win ugly provides another formula for success as the team progresses.
The Raiders’ flashy passing attack ...
It took an extra overtime period, but the Oakland Raiders pulled out a 23-20 victory in dramatic fashion over the San Diego Chargers on Thursday.
Emotions ran high for safety Charles Woodson’s farewell, but the energy on the field lacked through three-and-a-half quarters. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers found success in throwing short passes on rub routes. The Raiders offense looked out of sync.
After allowing 17 points in the first half, the Raiders defense held the Chargers to three points in the second half.
Defensive lineman Denico Autry sacked Rivers in the end zone for a safety. Defensive lineman Benson Mayowa recovered and returned ...
The future looks bright for the Raiders.
Notice I did not say the Oakland Raiders. Because for all we know, there won't be an Oakland Raiders at this point in a year.
But for the franchise—wherever it plays—Thursday's 23-20 overtime win against the San Diego Chargers was a harbinger of better things. A sign.
A sign the team's days as an AFC West punching bag are done.
Mind you, it certainly wasn't a sparkly Christmas Eve victory:
Actually, Nick, that would be Festivus.
This game was the encapsulation of all things Thursday Night Football. The Oakland offense went MIA for much of the second half. Then ...
The Oakland Raiders must channel the excitement for an emotional final home game into a sound game plan against the San Diego Chargers.
The Chargers won’t suit up and lie down for safety Charles Woodson's home-victory lap in hostile territory.
Chargers tight end Antonio Gates referenced the Black Hole as an exhilarating place to play for the visiting team as well, per CSNBayArea.com reporter Scott Bair:
San Diego has lost a number of key players due to injuries:
Nonetheless, the Raiders should prepare for a fight. The Chargers scored 30 points at Qualcomm Stadium in their final home game against the Miami Dolphins in Week ...