What a difference a week makes. Especially in the NFL.
Just seven days ago, the Raiders and their fans reveled in a surprise victory on the road against the Ravens. The Raiders’ performance this week was just as shocking but for all the wrong reasons.
Their blowout loss to the (previously) winless Panthers left coach Antonio Pierce to claim some players made “business decisions” rather than give 100 percent effort on the field.
Given all that, it’s hard to believe any Raiders played well. Nonetheless, here are the five highest-graded Raiders against the Panthers according to Pro Football Focus.
https://twitter.com/PFF_Raiders/status/1838259005531033926
Guard Dylan Parham earned the top grade this week. It was the second time this season he appeared in the top five. Offensive tackle Kolton Miller also graded well.
That’s a bit unexpected. The Raiders offense performed poorly overall and appeared to lose the battle in the trenches, especially in the run game. Miller did hold up better this week in pass protection, however. He struggled in that department the first two weeks of the season.
Safety Isaiah Pola-Mao subbed in for an injured Marcus Epps and made this PFF cut this week. It appears Pola-Mao will get more playing time soon, as Epps reportedly suffered a torn ACL and is out for the season.
Wide receivers Tre Tucker and Jakobi Meyers excelled in garbage time against the Panthers, though Tucker made the Raiders’ best play of the day, a 54-yard catch well before the game turned into a rout.
Ideally for Pierce, more star players will appear on PFF’s list next week. After the Raiders beat the Ravens, wide receiver Davante Adams and tight end Brock Bowers held the top two spots. Defensive end Maxx Crosby also made the list.
In Week 4, the Raiders will look to win at home for the first time this season against the Browns. Judging from the Raiders’ inconsistency thus far in 2024, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen in that matchup and who will grade the highest.