Oakland Raiders vs. Atlanta Falcons: Game Day Open Thread
By Kevin Saito
The Oakland Raiders are home, hosting the Atlanta Falcons – come share your thoughts about the game and all things Raiders.
It’s game day, Raider Nation. The Oakland Raiders open up their home schedule by hosting the Atlanta Falcons. A week after a thrilling, come from behind win down in the Big Easy, the Raiders are squaring off against another high powered offensive team from the NFC South.
Matt Ryan and Julio Jones will be looking to get back on the right track after putting up 24 points but falling to Jameis Winston and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week one. Ryan had a solid performance, but the lack of a running game and a creaky defense that gave up four touchdown passes to Winston doomed Atlanta.
Derek Carr had a very solid showing against the Saints, battling toe to toe with Drew Brees punch for punch. And thanks in part to a Jalen Richard 75 yard scamper in the fourth quarter, the Raiders led the NFL in rushing after the first week.
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What remains to be seen is whether or not that running game can build upon that momentum and get even better in week two. Adding an explosive ground attack would not only complement their passing game, but allow the offense to truly flourish.
On the other side of the ball, the defense – the secondary in particular – will be looking to bounce back from a dreadful performance against New Orleans. It’s not surprising that Brees and his offensive juggernaut put up some points and yards.
That was to be expected. The sheer volume of points and yards they put up though, was disappointing.
High price free agent cornerback Sean Smith, in particular, was terrible as the Saints rolled up more than 500 yards of offense on the day.
So what’s going to happen against another explosive offensive unit in the Falcons? Will the defense be able to bounce back and dominate? Will Carr and the offense be able to sustain that hot start?
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A lot of questions abound and we’ll have some answers soon enough.
Until then, let’s get the discussion started here. This is your place to talk all things Raiders. So step up, speak out, and be heard.