Oakland Raiders: Keys to beating Denver Broncos in week two matchup
By Kevin Saito
Turnovers
It should go without saying that if you lose the turnover battle, your chances of losing the game increase exponentially.
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Perhaps the best illustration of that point is the 2016 Raiders who were tied for the league lead with a plus-16 turnover differential (30 takeaways versus 14 giveaways). That team went 12-4, and earned a postseason berth.
Now, contrast that with the 2017 Raiders, who tied for twenty-ninth in the league with a minus-14 turnover differential (14 takeaways versus 28 giveaways). That team, if you recall, went 6-10 and was out of playoff contention by like, week five.
And… 2018 isn’t off to a particularly auspicious start on the turnover front. To say the least.
After one game, the Raiders have a minus-three turnover differential after Carr put up two game-altering, then one game-killing interception on the night. Add to that, the Raiders defense couldn’t generate any turnovers on their own – missing a couple of opportunities for picks, and failing to secure a fumble by Goff.
Ball security and not turning over via mental lapse or poor decision – we’re looking at you, Derek – is going to be crucial to any success Oakland hopes to have this season. They desperately need to get on the right side of that turnover differential or they could be in for some real trouble this season.