Oakland Raiders: Keys To Victory Over Detroit Lions

6 of 8

November 15, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs with the football against Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (50) during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

When You Have The Kill Shot, Make It

One of the biggest problems with Oakland’s defense the last couple of weeks – aside from completely letting the team down – was the fact that Oakland’s tackling was absolutely abysmal. There were more than a few different plays where the defense had a player dead to rights only to see that ballcarrier squirt free and scamper away for a sizable chunk of yardage.

The Raiders were really guilty of throwing arm tackles at the ballcarriers – and then having that ballcarrier bust through for a big gain, a drive extending play, or even a score. We saw Ben Roethlisberger do it. DeAngelo Williams did it. Adrian Peterson did it. So did Teddy Bridgewater. There is no shortage of players who made big, big plays simply because Oakland’s tackling was so poor.

Live Feed

Cleveland Browns injury report: Dawand Jones out in Week 14 /

Dawg Pound Daily

Browns' Friday Injury Report Brings Great News for Jaguars Game Factory of Sadness

Cleveland Browns get huge Amari Cooper injury update Dawg Pound Daily

Week 12 flops for fantasy football and how it impacts Week 13 Fantasy CPR

Fantasy Football: Recent injuries severely damage values of three top WRs Fantasy CPR

Week 11 fantasy football flops and what you should do about them Fantasy CPR

The Raiders needed to get back to fundamentals and learn how to do the little things it takes to win again. Like tackling. It’s a fairly important part of playing football and one the Raiders need to learn how to do all over again.

If the Raiders can’t rediscover that commitment to the fundamentals, and get back to really sticking and tackling players like they did through the early part of the season, we very well could see Ammer Abdullah run for 150 yards. Or have Calvin Johnson go Antonio Brown on us and have a monster game.

This team really needs to buckle down and return to basics. They need to commit to the basic fundamentals of the game and make solid plays. If they have the kill shot, they must not only take it, they need to make it.

Next: Get The L Train Running

Home/Derek Carr