He eventually settled down as the season progressed, but faltered in a few spots against top-tier wideouts. In the first two games, wide receivers torched Smith for more than 100 yards. Early and often, the coaching staff left Smith open to criticism with a lack of or late help over the top in slant routes. The Raiders decided to extend cornerback David Amerson’s contract and acquire Sean Smith to cover the perimeter. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports Oakland also made opponents realize its offense is capable of winning games with the ground attack.Oakland, CA, USA Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) catches the ball before the start of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Oakland Alameda Coliseum. The Raiders didn’t have a 1,000-yard rusher, but their running back trio ranked No. Unfortunately, Carr’s injury didn’t allow us to see if Washington’s breakout game marked the starting point for a string of productive performances. In Week 16, he gashed the Indianapolis Colts run defense for 99 yards and back-to-back 22-yard rushing touchdowns. The coaching staff rendered him inactive for two games, and he barely touched the football in the other two. Though, he hit a lull period between Weeks 11 and 14. His long touchdown run aided a miraculous comeback capped by a gutsy two-point conversion call in the New Orleans Saints’ building.įifth-round pick DeAndre Washington jumped off to an early start and contributed to changing the pace at running back. Undrafted rookie Jalen Richard, burst onto the scene in Week 1 with a 75-yard run for a score. Running back Latavius Murray became a battering ram due to his quality interior linemen sealing running lanes between the tackles.Īfter signing Osemele, McKenzie acquired two rookie ball-carriers who literally hit the ground running. He handled the move without a single public complaint or gripe about the difficulties in switching from side to side. Gabe Jackson deserves kudos for shifting over to right guard after playing two seasons on the left side. His primary and secondary roles fully justify his five-year, $58.5 million deal, per. The former Baltimore Raven also played left tackle in emergency situations. His presence elevated the Raiders’ ground attack and provided versatility along the offensive line. Osemele should rank as one of the best 2016 offseason pickups. If the Raiders pass-catchers address their slippery fingers during the offseason, new offensive coordinator Todd Downing will have the keys to a top-three passing offense. Oakland left ample air yards on the field in the previous season, per Pro Football Focus’ Mike Renner: Both Cooper and Michael Crabtree logged catch percentages above 60 percent in 2016-an upgrade from percentages below 60 last year.ĭespite how good the Raiders offense performed going through the air, drops continued to plague the receiving unit. Wideout Amari Cooper addressed his drop issues over the previous offseason and led the team in receiving yards in consecutive seasons. As mentioned, he’s surgical with the game on the line.Ĭarr didn’t accomplish his late-game heroics without help. He improved his completion percentage to 63 percent. He’s cut his interceptions in about half from 13 to six. However, if you’ve watched the games, it’s clear his decision-making skills have improved. However, we must also acknowledge the team’s ability to play 60 minutes and deliver in critical situations.īased on box score numbers, Carr’s second and third years look similar. Some view the stat as a negative since the Raiders fell behind so often. He continuously provided a late-game safety net for this squad. Furthermore, we saw how the offense and defense performed without the third-year signal-caller on the field.Ĭarr doesn’t just provide the intangibles. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sportsīefore Carr’s season-ending leg injury, he earned mentions as the NFL MVP with the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan. How did this team win 12 games? Where are the strengths and weaknesses on this roster?Oakland, CA, USA Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) gestures before the snap against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at the Oakland Coliseum. As for the coaching staff, changes have already been made, but we’ll take a look at how the coordinators, assistants and head coach handled the 2016 season.
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