With the worst road trip of any NFL team behind them, the Oakland Raiders are finally returning home. Considering their record has fallen to 3-4, there is plenty to look back on and critique.
Hopefully, adjustments can be made and the Raiders can learn from their wins and their losses. After nearly beating the Houston Texans in Week 8, many players feel that the game was within their grasps and let it slip away.
Derek Carr has thrown his hat into the ring, saying that he feels very strongly that was a game the team should have won, via Scott Blair of NBC Sports:
“1,000 percent,” quarterback Derek Carr said. “This one hurts my heart so much. I mean, we only had three possessions, I think, in the second half. You know, we got points on two of them. On that third [and final] drive, we should still be on the field but we’re not. You know this one hurt. That’s all I can say.”
The final Raiders drive was definitely a disappointment. After what looked like a catch by Tyrell Williams turned out to be a drop and Richie Incognito was called for holding, it became clear Oakland lost its momentum. Instead of being set up for a field goal to tie the game, they punted it away and had to watch as the Texans ran out the clock.
Of course, there are no do-overs and the Raiders are stuck where they are. Going forward, the team should hopefully be able to find some solid footing. Although Williams blames himself, his return to the lineup should help build cohesion and chemistry.
As for Carr, he had one of his best games of the season. Although a slow start, he found success behind some excellent play-calling and finished the game 18 for 30 for 285 yards and three touchdowns.
One concerning aspect was Carr and Darren Waller‘s lack of success. The pair usually account for most of the Raiders passing yards, but Waller had just two receptions on eight targets for only 11 yards. Although Williams’ return gave the Raiders the vertical depth they needed, Carr will need to continue to look to Waller to keep defenses on their toes.
Hopefully, all of the little things that led to another Raiders loss can be worked on for the upcoming matchup as the Raiders finally return to the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum to take on the Detroit Lions in Week 9.
