The Oakland Raiders’ growth phase requires some reflection to make minor tweaks and adjustments—just like any other evolutionary process.
The Raiders coaching staff should address all three phases of the game with three types of changes in mind: schematic, philosophical and personnel.
Here’s a rundown of each concept with an attachment to the corresponding unit.
Philosophical: Don’t Protect Leads, Extend Them
Oakland’s pass defense ranks 31st in the league and allows an average 310 yards per game. In translation, it’s tough to rely on the defense for a stop unless safety Charles Woodson pounces on an interception near the far sideline.
The odds aren’t in favor ...
The Oakland Athletics aren't in the playoffs after three consecutive prior appearances, but they aren't wavering in their support of front office executives Billy Beane and David Forst.
The team announced Monday that Beane was promoted from general manager to executive vice president of baseball operations, while Forst will move up to take over the GM post.
Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle weighed in on what the news means:
Only four clubs had a lower payroll than Oakland in 2015, per Spotrac, which has always been the case during Beane's lengthy tenure facilitating the Athletics' personnel decisions. Also serving as minority owner of the ...
The Oakland Raiders travel back to Alameda knowing they lost a game within their grasp. The results usually trump the finer details that cause the outcome, but the takeaways weigh heavily on the Raiders' season outlook.
Oakland almost pulled off an unexpected pair of road victories after upsetting the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. It’s difficult to see the progress after a loss, but there’s a silver lining within a black cloud of defeat.
However, a couple of alarming deficiencies have resurfaced that partially cost the Raiders a victory in Week 4.
Coaching staffs and front offices often show unrelenting faith in the ...
The Oakland Raiders should prepare to score 28 points or more to offset poor pass coverage and provide a legitimate chance at victory. That’s not an exaggeration in a pass-happy league with a bold emphasis on scoring.
In today’s league, the term "defenseless receiver" exists, which didn’t apply decades ago. Wideouts have more leeway in running free downfield. Teams should cash in on rule changes that encourage more scoring on offense.
Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave must adopt an aggressive style of play-calling to strive for more touchdowns instead of field goals.
Oakland’s Week 4 matchup against the Chicago Bears illustrates a prime example of ...
It’s the same old Oakland Raiders, right? Wrong. The old Raiders would have had their doors blown off by this 0-3 Chicago Bears team. The Raiders are improved, but they have one glaring weakness that prevented them from sealing this victory.
The Raiders were one play away from extending their win streak. The defense lined up on 4th-and-5 on Chicago’s 25-yard line with one minute and 30 seconds left but failed to make a stop. The Bears had two timeouts remaining, and a turnover on downs could have been the curtain call.
Instead, the Raiders allowed the Bears to march down the ...
There’s no doubt Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler’s status changes the complexion of the Oakland Raiders’ Week 4 matchup, but it doesn’t change the game plan on the defensive side of the ball.
Cutler made a statement that suggests the possibility of sitting out or the potential of a hamstring injury affecting his play mentally on the field, as reported by Chicago Sun-Times writer Patrick Finley:
If you do come back on a hamstring earlier than you want to, it’s definitely going to be in the back of your mind because there’s that slight pull. It’s an instinctual game out there. You’re ...
Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio jokingly said he needed to remove the opposing tight ends' cloaking device to provide better coverage. In actuality, the serious answer should focus on communication between his players.
Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. gave props to the tight ends who’ve gashed the Raiders week after week, but it’s more of a problem for the Raiders than any other team in the league. Norton’s defense surrenders nearly 100 yards per game to tight ends:
These statistics pose an alarming threat to a team that will attempt to defend tight ends Antonio Gates, Travis Kelce and Owen ...