Oakland Raiders last game in Oakland didn’t end well, but there last home game of 2019 did the opposite. The Raiders came up with a big win and kept their small playoff chances alive with a 24-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
The offense found its groove with an excellent performance on the road. The Raiders average a healthy 5.9 yards per play with the running and passing game being efficient. The passing offense excelled the most, creating explosive plays throughout the game.
The only problem from the offense was the offensive line allowing three sacks on the day, killing plenty of drives in the first half. However, they bounced back in the second half playing bully ball to maintain the lead.
The defense put up its best performance of the season, allowing 5.0 yards per play and shut down the Melvin Gordon and running game all day. Phillip Rivers did have a decent today and didn’t have the turnovers he did in their last matchup, but he was not able to put points on the board.
The Raiders did face an ugly injury on the defensive side of the ball with Trayvon Mullen going down hard late in the fourth quarter. Mullen’s diagnosis, later on, was a neck injury, and he was supposed to be recovering well after the incident.
After a strong win and keeping the Raiders alive, who were the winners and losers? Let’s look at the studs and duds for this week.
Winner: WR Hunter Renfrow
Hunter Renfrow’s injury ended up hurting the offense more than fans ever thought. Without him, in the slot, Carr struggled, and the other wideouts couldn’t create separation. Renfrow made a triumphant return with a career game, proving he is for sure the slot receiver of the future.
Renfrow finished the day with seven receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown. He started the game with a 56-yard touchdown where he displayed his YAC ability breaking multiple tackles on the way to an explosive score. Carr was able to lean him all game with numerous catches on the drive at the beginning of the third quarter finding the holes in the zone making himself available to the quarterback. He helped in the kicking game when Richard was injured, showing while he is such a valued player to this football team.
The former Clemson wide receiver is adjusting to the NFL in a compelling way when his team needs him the most. The chemistry he has built with Carr is evident, and we could see him have another huge game next week against the Denver Broncos.
Winner: QB Derek Carr
After all the rumors this week from multiple media outlets the Carr, Jon Gruden’s relationship is on high alert. The talk on whether or not he will be the quarterback Vegas will continue to grow throughout the offseason until we get past the draft. Carr responded with his best performance since week 11 against the Bengals looking poised the whole way.
Carr finished 26 for 30 with 291 yards and a touchdown. He has the highest QBR of the week through the Sunday afternoon games with a 94.5 on the day. Carr added a touchdown on the ground as well with a great drive the helped them build the lead before halftime.
The quarterback for the Raiders was deadly on the intermediate part of the field, hitting slants and digs all over the field. While the Raiders did get conservative late, he was still able to complete first downs on third-down situations.
Carr needed this game for his confidence after four straight average to below-average performances. The rumors will continue no matter how he finishes this season. He at least can go out with a bang if he can put up another excellent performance next week against the Denver Broncos.
Winner: CB Nevin Lawson
Nevin Lawson has struggled while he has worn a Raiders uniform, but today was his first big game of the season. Lawson got his first start outside with Daryle Worley getting the start at safety. Lawson was ready for the occasion and played his best performance in a Raiders uniform.
Lawson was active in coverage all game with four pass deflections on the day. He was all over Hunter Henry early breaking up two passes on the first two drives of the game. He then came back and had a nice pass break up in the end zone that forced the Chargers to kick a field goal late in the game. The Raiders needed the help in coverage, and Lawson stepping up this week was a big deal.
Lawson is playing for a contract for Las Vegas or another team. If he keeps putting up performances like this, he could see himself landing another contract with the Raiders, but I do expect them to move on for younger players.
Loser: RT Brandon Parker
Brandon Parker finds himself in the loser section every time he has a start. This week was no different with Parker displaying he might not even be a swing tackle in the NFL. He struggled with the great edge rushers of the Chargers and was benched midway through the game.
Parker has a technique after technique problem, and he can’t get it fixed. He allowed Ingram to blow up a play-action play early on for a sack that ended up ruining a drive early in the football game when the Raiders were gaining momentum.
Then he allowed another sack on the next drive, putting the quarterback always under pressure while he was in the game during the first half. Parker was eventually benched for the other swing tackle David Sharpe who came in and gave the Raiders solid play.
Parker will probably not be back next year, and doubts of him playing the NFL are now in full force. The former third-round pick just has not lived up to the draft selection and hasn’t touched an ounce of his upside since he has been in the NFL. It’s time for the Raiders to move on before he gets a quarterback injured.
