In stereotypical trap-game fashion, the Atlanta Falcons blew out the Las Vegas 40-6 in a very ugly loss. As a Raider fan, I am extremely disappointed but not surprised.
The Good: Defense
It’s surprising to say, but the Defense was the only thing that looked good for the Raiders during this game. The defense had a decent first half despite the temporary loss of their two starting corners, Damon Arnette and Trayvon Mullen.
Don’t let the final score fool you on the defense’s performance, because this loss wasn’t on them. The defensive effort sniffed out most of Atlanta’s screens and held their offense to field goals for most of the first half. The defense was what kept Vegas in the game for the first half despite horrible offense.
The Bad: Playcalling
Jon Gruden couldn’t get his old school style of football going during the whole game against the Falcons. Josh Jacobs only touched the ball ten times and Devonte Booker only touched the ball five times. This is unacceptable for a run-first offense. Since the Raiders couldn’t get the run game started early, the rest of the offense wasn’t allowed to open up.
The Ugly: Derek Carr and the Offensive Line
Derek Carr was already in the giving spirit with four turnovers including one for a pick-six. This loss isn’t entirely on Carr as he had a historically low amount of time with a clean pocket throughout the entire game. The Raiders have been playing most of the season without their starting right tackle Trent Brown or starting left guard Richie Incognito and have been fine without them as of late. If the Raiders wish to continue being the playoff team that they have been, they need Trent Brown back immediately.
Raider fans shouldn’t be too worried about this game, as this game had all the signs of a trap game. The Raiders will get Defensive-End Clelin Ferrel back along with Trent Brown within the next couple of weeks.
The Raiders are still in the playoff picture but need to be almost perfect for the rest of the season. As for now, we’re on to New York.
Image: Getty Images
