Oakland Raiders: Keys To Victory Over Kansas City Chiefs

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Nov 29, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) attempts a pass during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Keep the Passing Game Humming Along

The Raiders’ passing game was firing on all cylinders last week. Cooper led all Oakland receivers with 115 yards receiving on seven catches, and Seth Roberts came up big, racking up 113 yards on six receptions – and two touchdowns.

In all, Carr threw to nine different receivers. He spread the ball around well and did not allow the Titans defense to key on any one receiver. It allowed him to pick apart the Tennessee defense to great effect.

In Kansas City though, he’s going to face another tough pass defense. Kansas City currently ranks ninth in the league, allowing just 240 yards per game. Kansas City’s corners and safeties are aggressive and play tight coverage – the Chiefs have two receivers ranked inside the top twelve in pass defense according to Pro Football Focus.

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We’ve seen that Carr and his receivers have the ability to pick apart a tough pass defense. They tore up both the Jets and the Titans – both teams have above average pass defenses.

But Carr is going to have to make smart decisions with the football, is going to have to keep the safeties guessing and off of his receivers. This is where an effective running game – and a play action pass – would pay off well. If the safeties have to step up to cover the run, Carr will have an easier time finding holes in the Chiefs’ secondary.

But they’re going to need their run game to step up. Oakland can’t afford to have their offense be too one dimensional. They’re going to need an effective, multi-pronged attack to beat a Chiefs defense that has been playing some lights out football for a little over a month. If the Raiders hope to snap Kansas City’s win streak and insert themselves even more firmly into the playoff picture, they’re going to need an offensive attack that is balanced and firing on all cylinders.

Next: Hit Him Early and Often

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