We had a shootout with the Jersey Jets and walked away the victors. For most of the game, it looked like the Raiders would blow this one, like they do every East Coast early game. Ultimately, though, the Jets couldn't keep up.
What lessons did we learn about these Raiders?
- Ashton Jeanty is officially the best 3rd-down back in the NFL. Klint elevated Washington to RB1 for this game and the change was immediately noticeable. He wasn't making any spectacular runs, but he was gaining decent yardage on routine early down plays. Then Ashton would come in on 3rd downs to make excellent plays receiving out of the backfield. I hope the change for next week is to also use him in the Redzone, because Washington isn't great in those situations. I'm not sure there's ever been a 3rd-down back who was also the short-yardage back. This is evolving towards Jeanty having an almost Deebo-type role in the offense and I'd like to see them try more formations with him lined up in the slot, with Washington at RB and our two awesome TEs.
- We might have the best kick return unit in the league. Laube had been leading the league in return average coming into this game and he took one to the house yesterday. That was the first kick return TD for the entire league this season and the first for the Raiders since 2011. Historically, the Raiders have always prioritized special teams, so this is further evidence that the ship is getting back on track (that's what ships do, right?).
- The defense is a hot mess. After looking good for the first few games, OCs around the league seem to have figured out our scheme. First-time DC Rob Leonard will need to find some fixes or he'll be looking for another job. They don't have much talent, beyond Maxx and Nakobe, so it won't be easy. We can't keep getting gashed around the edges though.
The Raiders have now won more games than they did last season and have clearly separated themselves from the truly bad teams in the league. With a little more development of the young guys and another strong draft, we should be looking at a bright future.
"I hope the change for next week is to also use him in the Redzone"
You are planning to get to the red zone next week?
Perhaps after a 60 yard kick return
That seems pretty likely. Hopefully Brant Boyer is in the lab during the bye fixing whatever the hell has turned the 49ers back into a terrible STs unit. Last year they were one of the best but it appears to have been an aberration.
I am very curious to see how the passing game holds up against Warner and co.
Raiders offense seems to be pretty good. I expect they will be able to move the ball. The question is will they be able to score enough TDs to keep up with the 49ers offense because your D looks pretty suspect.
We will see if Evans plays. With the Vikings losing the 49ers are back in the 1 seed. It might be in their best interest to sit him out another week which will be a full month off.
I have no questions about that part. I'm expecting this to be something like 49ers 45, Raiders 23.
They've been getting killed by teams getting horizontal on them and they've been completely inept at stopping the run. None of those teams are as good at that stuff as the 49ers, so this will be ugly.
I don't think 45 unless the 49ers got a couple turnovers in the Raiders end of the field. But I am expecting 30-35. Let's call it 33-23.
That's how much the Jets scored