Oakland Raiders: The good, bad, and ugly from week three loss to Miami

Good: Opening Drive

For the third consecutive week, quarterback Derek Carr came out on fire and led the team to point on their opening drive – they put up a touchdown against the Rams and Dolphins, and a field goal against Denver on their first drive.

More from Golden Gate Sports

• Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
• 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
• Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
• 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
• 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve

It’s quite a welcome departure from last season, when the offense wouldn’t show up until sometime around the halftime break. By then though, the Raiders were usually in such a hole, they couldn’t dig themselves out of it.

Hence, their 6-10 record last season.

Getting off to a quick start is a good thing. It sets the tempo and doesn’t necessarily let the opposing offense stick to their own gameplan as they’re forced to play catch up.

On the opening drive against Miami, it really looked like good things were in store for Carr and the offense against the Dolphins. On the quick four-play, 75-yard drive, Carr zipped passes to Jordy Nelson – one for 61 yards, and the second for the 12-yard score. Carr was two-for-three, for 73-yards and his second touchdown pass of the season.

That quick, big play ability the offense flashed – as well as being able to exploit Miami’s weakness in the middle of the field – should have been a portent of big things to come for the offense. With fast, deep strikes to Nelson, it seemed like the Raiders were poised for the explosion we’ve all been waiting for.

And they did set their season high in points scored – unfortunately, they only scored 20 points.