{"id":8790,"date":"2016-12-22T20:19:41","date_gmt":"2016-12-23T01:19:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=8790"},"modified":"2017-01-08T19:56:40","modified_gmt":"2017-01-09T00:56:40","slug":"oakland-raiders-built-make-superbowl-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2016\/12\/22\/oakland-raiders-built-make-superbowl-run\/","title":{"rendered":"Are the Oakland Raiders Built to Make a Superbowl Run?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Now that the Oakland Raiders have clinched\u00a0their first playoff birth<\/a> since 2002, we can finally discuss if this team is built for a Superbowl run.<\/p>\n

Are the Oakland Raiders Built to Make a Superbowl Run?<\/h2>\n

There is an old saying that defense wins championships. However, at first glance, the Raiders defense ranks 30th in the league in total yards and 21st in points given up per game. This defense would be the worst ranked, in total yards given up, to ever win a Superbowl. It is not quite as bad in points given up per game though, but still bad. Only the 2011 New York Giants and 2006 Indianapolis Colts were worse in points given up per game.<\/p>\n

Of course the Raiders defensive stats are only skin deep. The first six weeks the Raider defense was the worst in the league. Over the last either games the defense has flipped the script. First it has not given up over 400 total yards\u00a0to any opponent over that stretch. In total yards given up (324 per game), it is ranked eighth, and in points per game given up (22 points per game), it is ranked 14th.<\/p>\n

Last but certainly not least, the Raiders lead the NFL in takeaway differential at plus 15. A big part of that is our defense is very opportunistic. Another relatively unknown statistic is the Raiders defense has not blown a fourth quarter lead all season. To say that this defense is clutch, is really an understatement.<\/p>\n

The Offense<\/h3>\n

All but four games this season the Raiders offense has just scored basically at will. Two of those games came against the Kansas City Chiefs, and the other two were against the Tennessee Titans and San Diego Chargers. The only speed bump is that wo of those game have been the last two weeks. More on that below.<\/p>\n

This unit is sixth in total yards, passing yards, and rushing yards per game. Not only that, but the Raiders are third overall in total point per game. Looking back on this season the Raiders offense looks absolutely ready for a Superbowl run.<\/p>\n

However, it has hit a bit of a snag over the last two weeks. The Raiders wide receivers lead the league in dropped passes, but it has become more of a problem lately. The week 14 loss\u00a0against the Chiefs could easily have been a win had the wide receivers not dropped the ball as much as they did.<\/p>\n

That is not all, Derek Carr<\/a><\/strong>, the Raiders Most Valuable Player\u00a0candidate, dislocated his pinky finger against the Carolina Panthers, and since then his accuracy has plummeted. Now this is mostly due to dropped passes, but there have been enough throws that were just off target, to warrant concern.<\/p>\n

That said, Carr has been practicing under center, and his pinky should be fine by the time the playoffs start. Especially if the Raiders clinch the AFC west, like they should, and earn a bye week.<\/p>\n

So to answer the question, yes, this team is ready for a Superbowl run. Next week, we will go into detail on our play makers, and what to expect from them, and how their contributions should give the Raiders a great opportunity to hoist Mr. Lombardi!<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n