Oakland Raiders: Five Things That Must Happen Against New England
By Kevin Saito
Win The Turnover Battle – Or Just Don’t Lose It
Last season, the Raiders ranked near the top of the league in takeaways and turnover differential. They were a good unit who forced fumbles, got timely interceptions, and best of all, the offense didn’t turn the ball over that much themselves.
That’s all changed this year. Oakland is hovering near the bottom of the league in turnover differential with a negative seven on the year. With seven picks thrown to date, Carr has already surpassed his 2016 interception total (6).
Carr’s seven picks though, are just part of the collective 13 total turnover effort on the season – an effort that hasn’t been aided by racking up just six takeaways total.
The Patriots on the other hand, are among the league leaders in turnover differential with a plus six. They’ve managed 11 takeaways, while turning it over themselves, just five times – and only two of those via Tom Brady interceptions.
Oakland’s historic lack of interceptions has been detailed ad nauseam. And given Brady’s penchant for not making mistakes, it wouldn’t seem to follow that the Raiders will finally get off that train this week. However, if they can apply enough heat to Brady and force him to throw before he’s ready, anything can happen. Right?
However, if Oakland’s defense can’t force any turnovers from the notoriously stingy Patriots offense, it’s incumbent upon Carr and the offense to avoid giving the ball away. Their six turnovers the last two games don’t exactly inspire warm fuzzies, let alone a lot of confidence, but it’s beyond imperative that they make smart decisions with the ball – and hang on to it.
They don’t necessarily need to win the turnover battle to win the game. They just can’t afford to lose it. They can’t afford to give Brady and the Patriots free opportunities by handing them the ball.