Without Henry Ruggs III in the lineup due to a hamstring injury, the Raiders just couldn’t make enough plays down the field to win against the Patriots in Week 3. New England took away Darren Waller and forced Carr to throw the ball underneath time and time again.
Carr attempted 32 passes in this contest, but only three passes traveled beyond 20 yards in the air. The one completion came on a pass to Hunter Renfrow before halftime that set up a one-yard Foster Moreau score. Other than that, the Raiders just could make enough explosive plays to stay in the game.
Take a look at Derek Carr’s full passing chart in Week 3 via the NFL’s Next Gen Stats:
The Raiders will take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 4 and they will need to be more aggressive down the field in that contest as well. It would certainly help if Ruggs were available for that game as he can help stretch the field with his speed. But if he can’t suit up, look for Jon Gruden and company to design more down-the-field throws for Carr.
