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Category: Oakland Raiders
In an imperfect game filled with drama, the Oakland Raiders logged a 15-12 victory over the Denver Broncos in their biggest win of the season to this point.  The Raiders offense started off like a deer in headlights, producing a net minus-12 yards in the first half, per Associated Press writer Josh Dubow. Inaccurate throws, unimaginative play-calling and a ferocious Broncos’ pass rush contributed to Oakland’s offensive futility in the first 30 minutes. Fortunately for Oakland, Denver settled for four field goals to keep the glass half-full for Raiders fans. Defensive lineman Khalil Mack walked off the field as a human at halftime ...
The Oakland Raiders must win battles in the trenches and prioritize ball security to earn a victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 14. The effort starts with pressuring Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler behind a poor pass-protecting offensive line. Defensive lineman Khalil Mack could become a huge factor in limiting Denver’s passing attack.  Aside from Mack, fellow defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr., Denico Autry and linebacker Malcolm Smith should find success rushing the pocket with speed and power.   Defending Denver’s Conservative Offense As illustrated in the table above, the Broncos scaled the playbook back to keep Osweiler comfortable in the pocket. In three of four ...
The Oakland Raiders’ fleeting playoff hopes will lead to an extensive in-season evaluation on talent. The Raiders have several rookies and undeveloped players who could play vital roles on the field in 2016. This season, some players will earn extended snaps due to injuries. Two veteran starters have disappointed over the course of the season; both should yield snaps to rookies.  Two offensive skill players have impressed in minimal roles and deserve more opportunities in action.  Head coach Jack Del Rio has shown flexibility with the depth chart, increasing reps in response to solid play. Now it’s time to find hidden roster gems or ...
The Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos prepare for their second matchup of the season with both teams heading in opposite directions. The Raiders failed to meet head coach Jack Del Rio’s expectations, but he ensured the team would continue to press forward in the final four games, per CSNBayArea.com reporter Scott Bair. The Broncos ride a three-game win streak with new starting quarterback Brock Osweiler at the helm. The fourth-year quarterback hasn’t lit up the boxscore behind a makeshift offensive line, but he’s provided enough production to enable the ground attack. The Broncos rushing offense ranks third in the last three outings, averaging ...
The Oakland Raiders’ Week 14 stock report highlights turnovers, missed opportunities and defense as flash points for good and ugly performances on Sunday. The Raiders executed an effective plan on both sides of the ball for most of the contest but came up short in crunch time. Sunday’s outcome leaves a palpable sting for a young roster but also brings some positives to light. An entire unit deserves recognition, which speaks to improved coaching adjustments. On the other hand, a pair of reliable players flinched in critical moments, aiding the Kansas City Chiefs in gaining momentum en route to victory. Whose stock took a ...
Oakland Raiders fullback Jamize Olawale will be staying in the black and silver for a little while longer, as the team announced on Tuesday the two parties have agreed to a three-year contract extension.  Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the extension is worth $6 million, with a $760k signing bonus and $1.14 million roster bonus in 2016. The Raiders shows Olawale signing his new deal:            Olawale was playing with a one-year, $660,000 deal that would have made him a restricted free agent at season's end, per Spotrac.com.  Described as an "ascending player" by ESPN's Adam Schefter, Olawale is receiving ...
The Oakland Raiders have four games to learn some valuable lessons and make strides as a developing roster. The Silver and Black dropped four of its last five contests against solid competition, falling victim to critical errors of any upstart NFL team. With three of the last four games against plus .500 clubs, it’s important to continue the learning process in preparation for the future.  Head coach Jack Del Rio should allow the team to play loose, considering the drop-off in pressure for a postseason push. It’s time to experiment and allow ample playing time for potential playmakers. Rookies and new starters should ...
The Oakland Raiders’ Week 13 loss leaves a bitter taste for Raider Nation and some intriguing storylines heading into the last four weeks of the season. The most significant narrative focuses on playoff implications. At 5-7, Oakland now stands on the bottom rung as far as AFC wild-card contention. Although, not mathematically eliminated, it’ll take colossal collapses for multiple teams to revive postseason hopes in Oakland.  Crazier things have happened, but the Raiders face stiff competition in the final quarter of the season. Three of the last four opponents boast a .500-plus record.  In regards to Sunday, a few patterns took shape and ...
Oakland Raiders safety Charles Woodson told local reporters that Sunday’s game against division-rival Kansas City Chiefs carried a playoff aura. Woodson’s description explains exactly why he took the loss like a kick in the gut. According to San Francisco Chronicle writer Vic Tafur, the 18-year veteran defined his most recent defeat as one of the toughest to accept.  The Raiders stood one quarter of smart, instinctive and productive football away from knocking the Chiefs out of a playoff spot and keeping their own hopes alive. As a team, Oakland did enough in the first three quarters to beat Kansas City soundly. The run defense held the ...
The Oakland Raiders' 34-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs boils down to a fourth-quarter meltdown that allowed the opposition to score 20 unanswered points en route to victory.  The Raiders concluded a solid first half on a strong note, scoring a touchdown before intermission. Oakland held the momentum. The defense stifled the Chiefs' two-man backfield and forced turnovers to create extra opportunities for the offense. Kicker Sebastian Janikowski’s failed point-after attempt in the third quarter occurred as the first mishap of many to come for the Raiders in the second half.  Quarterback Derek Carr threw three interceptions in the fourth quarter. Kansas ...