Last week the Oakland Raiders put up 35 points and still needed a gutsy two-point conversion and a missed 61-yard field goal to walk away from New Orleans with the win. This Week they’ll take on the 0-1 Atlanta Falcons who are fresh off a 31-24 loss to their division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Like they did in New Orleans, against the Falcons Derek Carr and Jack Del Rio will hold the Oakland Raiders week two keys to victory.
Oakland Raiders Week Two Keys to Victory
Raiders on Offense
On offense the Raiders boast one of the more dynamic squads in the league. Derek Carr leads a unit that is capable of dropping 30 points on almost anyone. Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree are perfect compliments to each other and perfect fits in Bill Musgrave’s diverse offense. Their offensive line graded out as best in the league after week one. They can also pound the ball with a stable of quality running backs that each boasts different qualities. Slot receiver Seth Roberts and tight end Clive Walford serve as interesting second options capable of making plays when the situation is right. What makes this unit all the more dangerous is their dominant offensive line which can take over the line of scrimmage as well as keep their franchise quarterback out of harms way. They are an aggressive unit with one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL with Derek Carr who will challenge a defense with deep shots all day long.
On defense the Falcons are less impressive. They have a true cover corner in Desmond Trufant and not much else. Defensive end/ outside linebacker Vic Beasley has done nothing more than show a few flashes as a sack artist and is a bit undersized in stopping the run. Outside of those two players there are hardly any impact players on the Falcons defense. First round pick Keanu Neal remains on the sideline and the rest of the secondary leaves a lot to be desired. While the Front seven did a good job in holding the Buccaneers to only 90 yards they’ve yet to bring down the quarterback. Which bodes trouble for them if Derek Carr has time to find his playmakers.
Advantage: Oakland.
Falcons on Offense
The Falcons are led by a dominant receiver in Julio Jones who is hands down the most physically imposing receiver in the league when healthy. At 6’4’’ 220 pounds there are few players who can cover him, and even if they cover him perfectly there’s still a 50-50 chance that he’ll come down with the ball. However, he seems to be a bit banged up with an ankle injury that is keeping him from being his dominant self. Mohamed Sanu is the new man on the block for the Falcons and while not as big or as fast he has prototypical size and speed for the position. He has shown to be a more than capable number two thus far. Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman have been splitting carries and snaps for a run game that in week one left a lot to be desired. Matt Ryan, once a promising young quarterback has become a solid middle of the pack triggerman. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers he had decent overall numbers, but could not make the plays when they needed him the most and the offense stalled more often than not.
The Raiders came into the season with a completely revamped secondary that promptly gave up 423 yards through the air and 4 touchdowns. But that was to a hall of fame quarterback so week 2 should be considered a mulligan. Big Physical press corners Sean Smith and David Amerson found themselves outmatched by two smaller blazing fast receivers and were beaten on nearly every snap. This week their physical style of play and size match up much better. Edge rusher Khalil Mack was double-teamed and chipped almost every play and Bruce Irvin was able to force three quarterback hits and one strip sack. Khalil Mack was out schemed by a hall of fame coach and will likely return to his All-Pro pass rushing form this week, hungry and eager to prove last week’s face plant was an isolated event.
Advantage: Oakland
Special Teams
The Raiders boast one of the stronger kicker-punter combinations in the NFL. Sebastian Janikowski is a 17-year vet who is about as consistent as they come with enough leg power to be able to hit 50-yard field goals well into his late thirties. Punter Marquette King is a 4th year player who is just coming into his one. He has a booming right leg that he is now beginning to master his control over it, becoming a much more accurate punter since his fist year in the league. The Raiders have more than capable return men In TJ Carrie and Taiwan Jones. While neither is spectacular they rarely leave yardage on the field. The raiders special teams unit also showcased a lot of hustle last week against the Saints with sure tackling that allowed only 17.2 yards per return on kickoffs and 11 punt return yards on two punt returns.
The Falcons will field two of the more accurate kicker and punters in the league. Matt Bryant finished last week 3 for 3 on field goal attempts and Matt Bosher landed four of his five punts in side the twenty-yard line. Return man Eric Weems is a quality return man capable of breaking out large plays when he is able to find a seam or break a tackle. The Falcons allowed only one kick return against the Buccaneers for 12 yards as they’ve opted for touchbacks rather than letting a return man break free. So far their special teams unit has played very well.
Advantage: Falcons
How the Raiders Win
The Raiders win this game if Derek Carr continues to do what he does best, and that’s throw the football. The Raiders offensive line was a patchwork mess with injuries against the Saints and still allowed zero sacks and rushed for 167 yards. Against a different opponent that much line turnover would prove more challenging but this offensive line is as talented as they are well coached by Mike Tice. The Falcons will likely try to jam Cooper and Crabtree and blitz Carr. For the Raiders to win they’ll need the line to pick up blitzes and for Carr to quickly find the open man. Fortunately for the Raiders their offense is perfectly fit to attack with quick slants and screens. This of course sets up the deep ball which Carr loves to throw which in turn will open up some rushing lanes as the Falcons will have to commit completely to stopping Derek Carr. If the Raiders execute, as they should, they should have no problem putting up thirty points for the second week in a row.
On defense, the Raiders players will need to step up. They were outmanned, out schemed and were a complete failure. This week the defensive backs match up better with bigger receivers but still have much to prove. If the Raiders are to win Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin will have to do better than one sack and four hits.
How the Falcons Win
If the Falcons are to win, their offense will have to execute in critical moments. From the start of the second quarter to the end of the third the Bucs outscored the Falcons 28-10. They will have to do a better job of sustaining drives through the entirety of the game not just at the tail end when they are down multiple scores. Against the Raiders Jones and Sanu should be able to make plays going off last week’s film but the Falcons offensive line will have to keep Mat Ryan clean and get some semblance of a running game going.
On defense the Falcons face a much tougher task in trying to contain Cooper and Crabtree, while also getting to Derek Carr. Carr at times will feel ghosts in the pocket and make a hurried throw if there is pressure getting to him. Unfortunately for the Falcons the Raiders offensive line did not allow any sacks last week with a makeshift line that gets healthier this week. It would be a tall task but if the Falcons can get to Carr and force him to make hurried throws and mistakes they have a shot to win.
