Raiders Midseason Review and Outlook
by chiapet | 7 years ago | 1 Comments
Record Through first 8 games: 6-2
Offense Ranking: 31st in yards, 14th in points scored
Defense Ranking: 18th in yards allowed, 8th in points allowed
The first 8 games for the Oakland Raiders have been great and above expectations at the beginning of the season. The only issue with this team at the moment is the stagnant offense. Sitting at just 31st in yards, the Raiders expected much more out of their talent loaded offense. The offensive woes are mostly due to the passing game though, as the Raiders are 6th in rushing yards gained this season. Marshawn Lynch is proving to be an ageless wonder this season as he is 5th in rushing yards and 3rd in rushing touchdowns. Derek Carr has improved this year in the turnover game, only throwing 4 picks through the first 8 games. Derek Carr is having a good year, but the Raiders would like for him to produce more yards and get the offense rolling more.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Oakland Raiders have been doing pretty well. They may be 18th in yards allowed, but they are 8th in points allowed. The Oakland Raiders adopt the "bend, but don't break" mentality. It looks as if it is paying off, but I'm sure the players on that defense wish they didn't give up as many yards as they have. Obi Melifonwu is having himself another great year at the safety position and David Walker is force to be reckoned with from his MLB position. Khalil Mack is doing his thing with 13 QB tackles through the first 8 games and newly acquired talent, Brian Poole, has 4 interceptions and 2 pick sixes on the year.
The Raiders have handled business in the first 8 games, but now we take a look at their remaining 8 games. They still have to play all 4 teams in the NFC North. They have a big matchup this week against the 6-2 Bengals. Aside from those games, they still have to play the Chiefs twice and those will be huge games in deciding who wins the AFC West this year. The Chiefs are a game ahead of the Raiders right now as they sit at 7-1. The Raiders also still have to play the Chargers once more this season and they will be looking for revenge against a Chargers team that demolished them 41-17 earlier in the season. The Raiders are hoping to finish the season with about 12 or 13 wins.
