Fansided
Fansided

NFL Week Nine Preview: Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders

By Eric Robinson

Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) congratulate each other after they scored a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Oakland Raiders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) congratulate each other after they scored a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Oakland Raiders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Oct 23, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio walks off the field after a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Oakland Raiders won 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio walks off the field after a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Oakland Raiders won 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Oakland Raiders Summary 

These Raiders seem different.

Head coach Jack Del Rio has taught this young team how to win and carry themselves with plenty of confidence. The captain of the ship is third-year quarterback Derek Carr, who is fifth in the NFL in passing yards with 2,321 yards and tied for third in touchdown passes with 17. Carr has been able to steer the Raiders lethal offense thanks in part to an offensive line that has arguably been a top five unit in all of the NFL. The line has given up the least amount of sacks in the NFL this season (9) and is a large, physically imposing offensive line. Carr has a pair of receivers in Amari Cooper (52/787/2) and Michael Crabtree (47/569/6) that can stake a claim as the best WR duo in the league.

September 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders safety Karl Joseph (42) during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
September 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders safety Karl Joseph (42) during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

While the offense is posting impressive numbers, the defense has been giving up a ton of yards and points as well. The unit is 31st in total defense and 22nd in scoring defense but to their defense (no pun intended) they have been playing a little better the past couple of weeks. Linebacker Khalil Mack has started to make plays consistently with four sacks in the last three games after having just one in the first five games of the season. Rookie strong safety Karl Joseph is second on the team in tackles with 31 to go along with one interception and five pass deflections. His play in the secondary has really stood out on a defense that has struggled for the most part.

One positive for the unit as well is that they are sixth in the league in takeaways with 13. Cornerbacks Sean Smith and David Amerson along with free safety Reggie Nelson each have two interceptions.

Home/NFL News