2019 Oakland Raiders Discussion

Derek Carr is currently tied for 13th for most TD passes through first three seasons. If he can throw another TD per game for the rest of the season, which is well below his average, he'd finish tied for sixth. If he can toss 1.5 per game, he'd finish tied for fourth. He he can throw two per game, he'd finish tied for second (with Luck). He'd have to throw another 26 to tie Dan Marino - super unlikely.

He also has the second best int% of all qualified QBs through three seasons. Wow.

 

Carr has shown steady progress as a player. He went from a short passing game to one that emphasized longer shots downfield. Of course, it helps Carr's case having excellent receivers in Cooper, Crabtree and Roberts. He still can get rattled when he senses pressure earlier than he should but his decision making and discipline has been really good.

On a bad note, just read that Lee Smith has a broken ankle. No reports yet if he is out for the year. I'd assume he will be. Our running game has been a mixed bag so this development does not bode well. I also hope Watson and McCants can heal up quickly. Alexander is very good but hard to trust a rookie in that position.

 

At least there's some upward trending... The pieces there are still trying to play together and Norton has to figure out how to mix their talents.

I have to note how Janikowski was able to hem in Hester on that kickoff return to prevent even more yardage or a possible TD. That diet has done wonders for him [grin].

...waiting for Denver to hit that wall. They get Matty Ice and Julio this Sunday. At their barn though.

 

Yep...me no likey either. Rivera could see some significant playing time in the next few weeks. Another reliable receiver for Carr.

 

Rivera isn't bad. Could see more Olawale in blocking situations. Shame about Reece...

 

Update on QB Hurries
Mack and Autry up to a tie for 27th with 4 apiece.
Irvin tied for 53rd at 3.
McGee, Ward with two.
Williams, Smith with 1.

 

Irvin has commented that it will take some time for them to all learn to play together as a unit. I'm sure he is correct in his assessment even if the yardage allowed the first two games has been atrocious not even counting preseason. They apparently had a players' only meeting to clear the air and acknowledge accountability amongst themselves. Mack and Nelson were the most vocal. That is a good sign that the crew are aware they have something special building and do not want it to veer off the rails...

On offense...I don't mind Rivera playing. He was Carr's security blanket on crucial downs before so there is some chemistry there already. Actually, I trust Rivera's receiving more than Walford.

 

Ben Heeney out for the year too?

 

That f***ing sucks.

 

Yeah. Heeney's season has officially ended now.

Perry Riley is ranked as below average, but he has a ton of experience and can slide in and play right now.
Cowser is a feelgood story - to replace Heeney.

 

Riley is just a plug. There were reports how Cowser was doing well in camp...had the motor, the instincts and all that. James has performed admirably but we need bodies for depth. I can't wait for Edwards to come back fully ready go and there's also Aldon Smith.

 

Every week I always look at the rankings... I usually go by what Peter King says on SI. We're at 10 on his.

 

From Peter King's SI MVP candidates:

5. Derek Carr, QB, Oakland. The dawn of the next great Raider is at hand. [goosebumps...]

Minny's Sam Bradford is his 1... I'd like to see Perry take over Malcolm Smith's slot on the inside.

 

Looks like Latavius is questionable. Losing our best blocking TE, possibly our best overall TE, and our top RB would be a huge hit on offense.

 

Murray has some sort of toe injury... Doesn't sound serious. Murray will probably suit up. If he doesn't, I like how Washington plays. The rookie hits the gap fast and is elusive. Granted he doesn't look like a full time back but is effective.

No word yet on Smith being out the whole season though it looks that way. San Diego is without its best corner Verett on Sunday.

 

Murray has turf toe, it looks. He's doubtful.

Walford practiced. He should be a go.