The Oakland Raiders started off strong against the Green Bay Packers, but two-time MVP Aaron Rodgers kicked into high gear to prove why he is one of the best. After scoring two touchdowns in the first half, the Raiders did not score again until the fourth quarter, losing 42-24 to drop to 3-3 on the season.
Rodgers was firing on all cylinders against the Raiders, asserting himself into the MVP conversation by posting a perfect passer rating for the first time in his career. While the Raiders offense was looking good for most of the game, Rodgers and the Packers left Oakland’s defense in a state of confusion.
Rodgers’ performance was superb, and Raiders head coach Jon Gruden gave him credit for it, but he also felt his team did not do a good job of limiting big plays, via Scott Blair of NBC Sports Bay Area:
“He’s one of the best of all time,” Raiders head coach Jon Gruden said. “He made a couple of great audibles. He made a couple of great throws. He’s tough as hell, man. We hit him a few times and it didn’t bother him one bit. He did a great job, but we have to play better defensively. There’s no excuse giving up big plays like that.”
The Raiders gave up a number of big plays as Rodgers averaged just under 14 yards per throw en route to a 429-yard and six-touchdown performance. The Packers only ran the ball for 60 yards in the game but the Raiders still could do little to stop their offense.
Rodgers was sacked once by Maxx Crosby, but other than that, the Packers offensive line kept Rodgers very safe. He had plenty of time on each possession to survey all options.
The Raiders coverage allowed for a number of wide-open passes and large gains after the catch. Those yards after the catch are what really ended up hurting Oakland in the long run.
Additionally, it appeared that the loss of Vontaze Burfict will really hurt the defense going forward. His veteran leadership and skills are unmatched by most others on the defense.
The Raiders offense really did not have a bad day outside of a couple of poor plays. Derek Carr had two touchdown passes as well as 293 passing yards. Josh Jacobs also finished the game with 124 rushing yards, including a 48-yard run during the Raiders’ opening drive.
Oakland will now have one more road game against the Houston Texans before finally returning home. Their schedule will begin to get easier moving forward, but they will have to play better than they did against the Packers if they want to beat anyone.
