Oakland Raiders: A Few X-Factors To Watch For Versus Indianapolis

The Health of the Digit

A lot has been made about the health of Derek Carr‘s mangled pinky. He and the team try to deflect the attention being given to his wrecked finger, but with the recent struggles of the offense, it can’t be ignored.

There can really be no question that the offense has lacked a bit of pop since Carr’s finger was injured. It’s lacked a bit of cohesion and explosion.

Especially in the red zone.

For much of the season, the Raiders had been one of the league’s best, most efficient, and deadliest teams inside the 20-yard line. With weapons like Amari Cooper, Clive Walford, Michael Crabtree, Latavius Murray, and even Donald Penn on occasion, Carr had plenty of options to choose from. And teams were struggling to stop them all.

But since his inury, and subsequent inability to go under center, it’s closed down large chunks of the playbook and has made the Raiders a little predictable. A little one dimensional. Running at the goal line – out of the shotgun – is difficult. Backs are way off the line and it gives the defense ample opportunity to see the play developing in front of them.

And passing near the goal line – in such a short, tight space – presents a ton of challenges in its own right. With that many bodies in such close proximity, the chances of getting a high percentage pass completed are lower. The chances of that ball getting tipped and perhaps intercepted conversely, are higher.

With the challenge of not being able to go under center, the Raiders are an abysmal five for fifteen in the red zone over the last three games. It’s quite a turnaround from their previous efficiency and effectivenss in the same area.

With the playoffs looming, it’s something the team will need to keep a close eye on – and find better ways of combatting.