When it comes to a performance like the Oakland Raiders’ on Sunday night, there’s no reason to mince words: The Raiders were flat out dominated.
The Washington Redskins, playing at home, shut down Oakland and it’s more than formidable offense in every aspect. It started with the run game and Marshawn Lynch not being able to get his usual burst through the hole. The ‘skins defensive line kept him at bay and the Raiders shifted away from the run almost immediately.
Lynch finished the game with 18 yards on six carries and altogether the Raiders ran the ball 13 times for 32 yards. It was a drastic change from last week when the team ran all over the New York Jets.
This led to the Raiders throwing and that’s where the second problem took place. Derek Carr threw an interception in the team’s first drive, was sacked four times and never got into rhythm as the team was defeated 27-10.
If it weren’t for a couple of turnovers, the Raiders could have easily been shut out this game.
The game was well on its way to getting out of hand when the Redskins began their first drive of the second half, but when David Amerson was out-hustled and out-leaped for a 50/50 ball, Josh Doctson came down with Kirk Cousins‘ third touchdown pass of the game and it was 21-0 ‘skins.
The Raiders defense didn’t have a horrible game, but Washington pretty much got whatever they wanted as the Raiders’ defense had to deal with short rest periods and lengthy, grueling drives.
The Raiders did have their chances, as mentioned before. The ‘skins dropped a punt and allowed the Raiders position to score and another fumble allowed the Raiders field position to add their additional field goal. Other than that, the team’s offense stalled out.
Going 0 for 11 on third downs was obvious proof that the team’s strategy was thwarted. Derek Carr looked to have little confidence in throwing any type of balls after throwing for the first pick, and then the second additionally. In result, check downs and short passes was much of what the offense was limited to and the ‘skins just didn’t give up much else.
Carr finished the game with 19 of 31 with 118 yards, one touchdown and two picks as the team was out-gained 472 to 128 in yardage.
The Raiders now have to get back on track this Sunday when they face the Denver Broncos in the team’s first divisional game.