Oakland Raiders: Keys to Victory Over Green Bay Packers
By Kevin Saito
Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates with tackle Khalif Barnes (69) after throwing a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Allow This Offense to Thrive
One of the biggest knocks on the Raiders this season has been the play calling of Bill Musgrave. And rightly so. Too often, Musgrave goes full turtle on us all and tucks his head back down into his shell, opting for a far more conservative attack rather than letting this offense explode.
When Oakland’s offense has been at its best this season, it’s because Musgrave was mixing in deep shots with intermediate routes and timely calls for a run. It’s kept the defense on its heels and has allowed the Raiders to rip off big chunks of yardage on any given play.
But too often this season, we’ve seen Musgrave put the shackles on his offense to go for a more conservative, predictable set of plays that leaves the Raiders punting again and again.
The Raiders have playmakers all over the field. From Cooper, Crabtree, and Roberts to Mychal Rivera and Walford, to Latavius Murray and Taiwan Jones, the Raiders can strike big at any time, from anywhere on the field.
But Musgrave has always loved his power running, ball control offense. While establishing the ground game is important, it should be used as a means to set up the passing game, not as the only source of offense.
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With three games left in the season and Oakland’s playoff hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads – even if they finish 9-7, there is no guarantee of a postseason spot – it’s time for Musgrave to open up the playbook, get out of the way, and let his players make plays. Run an up tempo offense and keep the Packers back on their heels.
What do the Raiders have to lose by letting the offense get out there and be as explosive as we all know they can be?