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Oakland Raiders: A Few Keys To Victory Over Tennessee Titans

By Kevin Saito

Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Antonio Andrews (26) runs the ball against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter at Oakland Alameda Coliseum. The Titans defeated the Raiders 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Antonio Andrews (26) runs the ball against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter at Oakland Alameda Coliseum. The Titans defeated the Raiders 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oakland Raiders
Dec 2, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) scores a touchdown against Jacksonville Jaguars strong safety Johnathan Cyprien (37) during the first half at Memorial Gym. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Shut Down Their Tight Ends

After not doing much to address their inside linebackers position over the course of the offseason, many had concerns about it as the 2016 campaign got underway. And as it turns out, those concerns have proven to be pretty well founded.

Last week, the Falcons absolutely exposed the middle of that Raiders defense. Ben Heeney and Malcolm Smith were terrible in pass coverage and were victimized by Matt Ryan repeatedly.

An even more ominous development last week though, was that Oakland’s problems covering the tight ends came roaring back to life. Last season, Oakland’s defense was routinely torched by opposing tight ends. After DC Ken Norton Jr. made a few adjustments with his personnel, the problem somewhat abated.

But last week, the Falcons cut into that soft underbelly and kept digging, proving that the problem still exists. Jacob Tamme, Austin Hooper, and Levine Toilolo combined for 10 receptions (on just 13 targets) for 180 yards and a touchdown.

Oakland Raiders
Nov 8, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Anthony Fasano (80) catches the game winning touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in overtime of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Titans defeated the Saints 34-28 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s an even more ominous note when you consider that last season, the Raiders faced off against the Titans and didn’t fare very well against their trio of tight ends either. Delanie Walker, Harry Douglas, and Anthony Fasano combined for 11 receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown.

Those numbers are especially galling when you consider that Marcus Mariota had just 17 completions for the game, throwing for 218 yards.

And having seen what the Falcons did to Oakland’s defense with their tight ends last week, you had better believe that they will be dialing up plenty of short and intermediate range passes to their tight ends.

Walker, Douglas, and Fasano are likely going to see a lot of work. Unless HC Jack Del Rio and Norton can figure out some way to stop them. And if the Raiders want to beat Tennessee, they’re going to have to figure it out.

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