Raider Nation was riding an emotional high last week as Derek Carr led the Raiders to a last minute, comeback victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Maybe that’s the main reason why a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals didn’t seem to be that far of a reach. But its games like these where you realize just how many pieces your team is in need of.
Look, we can dwell on all of the negatives surrounding this team, the issue of where will the Raiders call home next year to the massive trades that rattled this team throughout the year. Or, if your like me, break the down the film and find a positive spin for the product we’re seeing week in and week out.
For instance, these young D-Lineman are still playing with heart and passion.
Maurice Hurst, coming off of an injury, showed the ability to get a push up the middle and make plays. PJ Hall arguably played his best game as a Raider. Arden Key may not show up on the stat sheet with a sack but he’s applying pressure and is involved in the stopping the run.
I guess I’d rather see the, very few, sunrays through the cloudy days.
We still help in the linebacker department. Marquel Lee is becoming a thumper in the middle but Whitehead and Morrow still aren’t producing at a high level. Morrow is young and shows plenty of upside so I’m not completely opposed to keeping him around.
We were completely shredded at the second level by Joe Mixon. Meaning we could use help in the front 7.
Gereon Conley didn’t play his best game before exiting with an injury but his dramatically improved play in the 2nd half of the season is a breath of fresh air. Erik Harris and Karl Joseph have played better in recent weeks but they need to be consistent. We absolutely need another Cornerback to pair with Conley. With 3 1st round drafts picks, our secondary should be high on the list.
Although Carr’s stats look good on paper and he’s gone 278 attempts without an interception, the offense was behind the 8-ball all day.
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We were without our top 3 Guards and had absolutely no running game yesterday. Kolton Miller was abused by fellow rookie Sam Hubbard all day. If it weren’t for a few broken, 44 yard receptions, The final score could have been worse.
The main problem is Carr doesn’t have legit, game breaker on the outside. Jarod Cook disappeared yesterday and no one could get open for Carr in the red zone. Yes I know, we traded that guy away in Cooper but I think both parties needed a change.
However, when Carr has had a healthy line and running game, he’s proven to be a franchise level quarterback. He has neither now.
For as bad as 2018 has been, I can see a ray of light at the end of the tunnel. We’ll need to build our depth through free agency, hit on at least 2 of first round picks and hope our young guys develop in the off-season. I know it hoping for a lot but it can be done.
Hey, at least we beat the Browns, unlike our next opponent, the hated donkeys.
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