Oakland Raiders: Offense Starting To Look Like A Powerhouse

By Jonathan George | Sep 28, 2015

The Oakland Raiders came out of Sunday morning’s game against the Browns with a lot to smile about. The defense finally got some pressure on the quarterback, posting 5 sacks with two of them coming from prized defensive end Khalil Mack. They were able to hold a lead throughout the entire game, and won the all important giveaway/takeaway ratio 2-1; this included a clutch game sealing pick by Charles Woodson in the 4th quarter.

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But the most important thing that came out of that game was just how dominant the Oakland Raiders offense looked.

Now, I get it: the Cleveland Browns aren’t exactly the 85’ Bears on defense. To be fair, the Browns are a work in progress on both sides of the ball, and that is putting it nicely. But the Raiders week 2 opponent, the Baltimore Ravens, aren’t chopped liver on defense, and Oakland hung 37 on them. That’s the point: If you take week one out of the equation, the Oakland Raiders would be in the top five in the NFL in scoring.

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When was the last time the Raiders were in the top 5 in any offensive statistic? The Raiders have averaged a giant 32 points a game over the last two weeks. Their running game is starting to emerge as a strength, as they have averaged about 125 yards a game during that time. The passing game has been nothing short of scary good. Derek Carr has thrown 5 touchdowns to only one pick, while amassing over 300 yards a game (stats courtesy ESPN.com).

In terms of the passing game, the most encouraging thing might be the fact that while rookie break out star Amari cooper is getting his numbers, other receivers are also giving big contributions. Seth Roberts has been a revelation, pulling in big catches and even game winning touchdowns. Michael Crabtree has already had a 100 yard game and a TD. There really isn’t much to complain about with the production Oakland’s passing game has generated.

Cooper has catapulted himself to the lead for O.R.O.Y. in quick fashion. He has now posted back to back 100+ yard receiving games, and what has been very impressive is that (1) he seems to establish himself early in every game, and (2) the cornerbacks he is doing this against are considered league greats. So far, Ladarius Webb, Jimmy Smith and Joe Haden couldn’t really slow him down.

All the credit can’t just go to the skill players. The Raider offensive line has been great as well, both in terms of pass and run blocking. While their ability to open up holes for Latavius Murray and Co. has been good, they are currently tied for 1st with the Arizona Cardinals for the least sacks allowed on their starting quarterbacks. Through 92 pass attempts, Carr has been sacked only once.

In week 4, the Raiders have an opponent in the Chicago Bears that are currently dead last in the league in points given up on defense at 105 through three weeks. For anyone scoring at home, that’s an average of 35 points a game. Oakland has an opportunity to “pad the stats” so to speak as the Bears should give them plenty of offensive series to score, especially considering the fact that Chicago is second to last in offensive scoring so far.

There is no reason why Oakland shouldn’t be 3-1 when the Denver Broncos come to town in week 5. It would be the 1st time in a long time the Oakland Coliseum would be the center of the football universe, and it might be a chance for the Raiders to be in 1st place in the AFC West after 5 weeks of football.

But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves; Take care of the paltry Bears, and show the NFL you have an offense to be feared for the long run in 2015.

Next: What Can We Expect From Derek Carr In 2015?

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