Oakland Raiders: Victory checklist for Week 3 against Minnesota Vikings
By Kevin Saito
3. Take Some Shots Downfield
There’s no question that losing Antonio Brown was a body blow to this offense. He was to be the primary down the field threat Derek Carr and this offense need. But they’ve still got some receivers who can stretch the field and they need to do a better job of utilizing them.
Of course, it all starts up front. It’s paramount this offensive line does a better job of keeping Carr on his feet, keeping the pocket clean, and giving him the time to take those shots downfield. Against Denver, the line did just that and Carr was able to pick apart that Broncos secondary all night.
Against the Chiefs — not so much.
Carr was hurried and harassed all night long — he took three sacks after not really coming close to taking one against Denver — and as a result, wasn’t able to look downfield, let alone throw a deep ball, and wound up with two picks on the night.
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With both J.J. Nelson and Tyrell Williams limited in practice this week, the Raiders need bodies who can stretch the field.
Assuming they are available Sunday, both Nelson and Williams can do just that. As can rookie Keelan Doss, who made such an impact in the preseason, Gruden fought like hell to get him back into Silver and Black.
They have the players who, although not as fast as Brown, can still push a defense and stretch the field. The line needs to give the receivers the time needed to let the longer plays develop and Carr needs the patience to take those shots.
If nothing else, throwing it deep every now and then will loosen up the defense and won’t allow them to sit on the shorter routes.