Oakland Raiders: Notes and Observations From Week Four

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Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is sacked by Chicago Bears defensive end Jarvis Jenkins (96) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The Wall Came Tumbling Down

Over the first three weeks of the season, Oakland’s offensive line had been playing pretty lights out football. They’d done a good job of protecting their quarterback, allowing just three sacks – two on Matt McGloin in relief, and one on Carr. And they also did a good job of blowing open holes for the running game, allowing Latavius Murray to run for nearly five yards a carry in the early going.

Against the Bears though, the line had its worst game of the season. Chicago found plenty of holes in that wall of humanity and it came tumbling down. They seemed disjointed and always a step behind the Chicago defense.

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The Bears were able to apply sustained and consistent pressure throughout the game and Carr was rarely able to settle in. The pocket often collapsed quickly and Carr rarely looked comfortable back there.

For the game, Oakland’s offensive line – which had been among the better units in the league – surrendered a pair of sacks and allowed Chicago defense to harass Carr all day long. Especially Pernell McPhee who seemed to be everywhere at all times. McPhee was a demon on defense against the Raiders and made life miserable for the Oakland offense in general.

Compounding the problems Oakland was having with Chicago’s defensive front was the fact that the line was unable to spark the running game. They weren’t able to open clean running lanes for the backs and as a result, Murray gained just 49 yards on 16 carries – an anemic average of 3.1 yards per carry.

Credit the Bears defense. They had a game plan, executed it well, and had a terrific game against a good offensive line. The Raiders simply cannot afford the lackluster performance the offensive line had against Chicago – especially with Denver on deck.

Next: A Bad, Bad Day at the Office

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