Raiders Week 1 loss to Jets: Three positives
by Scott Bair
1) Moore strong on the weakside: Second-year pro Sio Moore spent his training camp adjusting to a position switch – he moved from strongside linebacker to the weak side – and had to fight to keep a starting spot.
He earned one, and put forth quite the stat sheet in his regular season opener. Moore led the team with 13 tackles, a sack and was credited with two forced fumbles.
2) Woodson looking spry: Free safety Charles Woodson is 37 years old playing a young man’s game, but looked quick and agile against the New York Jets.
He made a leaping interception early on – it was equal parts smarts and athleticism – and was quick to the ball carrier regardless of field position while recording nine tackles, a pick and a pass defensed.
He’s talked about playing more like a true safety and less like a cornerback this season, and, so far, it shows.
3) Raiders remain healthy: At least the Raiders didn’t add much injury to a tough result.
The team said special teams player Taiwan Jones injured his foot on Sunday, and he was carted up the ramp after walking gingerly off the field.
Jones showed frustration after the injury, which came just a week after he returned from a knee strain.
Other than that, the Raiders came out clean. They hope to get middle linebacker Nick Roach (concussion) back next week, which means the starting lineup will remain intact.
Three Negatives
1) Offense sputtered in key moments: The Raiders were down just 10-7 at the half, but couldn’t get back in the game after the offense grinded to a halt.
Oakland started the second half with three-and-outs on four of the next five possessions. They had just five yards in the span, during which the Jets built a 19-7 lead.
Rookie quarterback Derek Carr threw mostly short passes – some of which were apparently plays he checked into -- which kept the ornery Jets defense clamped down on the interior.
"When we’ve got opportunities to take shots down the field, we’ve got to be able to get open, protect and get the ball down there,” Raiders head coach Dennis Allen said. “That was disappointing, because I thought there were some plays to be had.”
2) Raiders lose at line of scrimmage: Allen said the Raiders didn’t fare well in the trenches, something that caused immense problems on both sides of the football.
The Jets were able to run consistently, while the Raiders couldn’t generate ground production at all.
The Raiders were outgained 212-25 on the ground, probably the toughest stat to take for a team established to be a physical, rushing team.
In essence, the Raiders were bested at their own game.
3) Raiders couldn’t corral Geno: The Raiders struggled to contain Jets quarterback Geno Smith, a mobile passer with an ability to run or create extra time to throw downfield.
Smith was 23-for-26 passing for 221 yards, a touchdown and an interception and had 10 carries for 38 yards.
Raiders pass rushers were hot in pursuit several times but couldn’t bring him down but twice, with faster players.
“His mobility was the biggest factor in the first half,” head coach Dennis Allen said. “He was able to keep some plays alive, create outside the pocket and convert some first downs. It allowed them to maintain possession a little longer than we would’ve liked.”
Luckily for the Raiders, they have but a few mobile passers – San Francisco’s Colin Kaepernick and Seattle’s Russell Wilson, most notably – left on the schedule.
