Tag: Raiders offense

Raiders offense seeing signs of progress of late

Even as the Raiders losing streak continues, there are positive signs they could be putting things together on offense under interim OC Scott Turner.

Make no mistake, the Raiders are still one of the worst teams in the league. They are still in the midst of an eight-game losing streak and the offense hasn’t cracked 20 points in a month. But if you are looking for signs of hope, there are signs to be found.

A month ago, the Raiders fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and promoted passing game coordinator Scott Turner to interim OC. And things have improved in the three games since he took over.

Total yards have been better in each of the past three games than they had been for any of the games over the final month under Getsy. The passing yards totals have been better than at any point since their losing streak began and have gone over 300 yards in each of the past two games, which hadn’t happened all season coming in. And their 116 yards on the ground in Kansas City last week was their third highest total of the season.

Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce credits Turner for that improvement.

“When I look at all our skill guys and improvement that they’re making these last three games, I think Scott [Turner] has done a good job of really getting everybody involved and that’s even in our running game,” said Pierce. “And that’s a credit to these players, because it hasn’t gone our way for most of the season offensively, and to see the progress that we made over the last two or three weeks is good to see.”

The deep passing game has been the catalyst for the overall improved numbers through the air. And the best example was the 58-yard touchdown from Aidan O’Connell to Tre Tucker last week.

“We’ve been talking about hitting shots for a while now, and I thought the best thing we did was play design,” Pierce said. “Let’s look at that, right? We got him in motion. We got movement between the corner and the nickel, now we’ve got Tre Tucker running full speed on them, something we’ve been really working on in practice.”

Coaching may be where it starts, but you can’t call a pass play like that without a QB who can make that throw. It’s something former starter Gardner Minshew lacked, but that is very much in a staple of current (and former) starter Aidan O’Connell’s game.

“We haven’t thrown the ball down the field, let’s just keep it frank,” Pierce continued. “And Aidan [O’Connell] saw it, and I’m not going to lie he did right in front of me, I just said ball and that bad boy kept running. It was beautiful to see.”

At some point, it may lead to a win. Which, with the Raiders officially eliminated from playoff contention, may not matter much. What you really want to see now is progress and some signs of a good foundation for the future.

A day after offense falters vs. Lions, Raiders HC Josh McDaniels not ready to commit to QB Jimmy Garoppolo

Raiders HC Josh McDaniels passes on commiting to QB Jimmy Garoppolo

Raiders coach Josh McDaniels had his starting quarterback return to the lineup on Monday night against the Lions and likely assumed some of Vegas’ woes on offense would be resolved.

Instead, starter Jimmy Garoppolo led an offense that looked as bad as ever and only scored 7 points in a 26-14 defeat. Garoppolo failed to complete a pass to a wide receiver in the first half, and the offense blew plenty of opportunities given to them by the defense, which created three turnovers.

Immediately after the loss, McDaniels said he didn’t think about inserting rookie backup QB Aidan O’Connell into the game. He also said he’s “not going to talk about” his quarterback situation.

On Tuesday, McDaniels still refused to unequivocally say that Garoppolo will start this week against the Giants.

“We haven’t even met with the players yet. We’re going to evaluate the film. We’re going to make the corrections. I don’t want to speak on that,” McDaniels said when asked if O’Connell is potentially in the mix to start or receive playing time.

Considering the Raiders signed Garoppolo to a lucrative contract before this season to become the starter in Las Vegas, McDaniels’ non-commital to his chosen signal-caller is noteworthy.

“I have confidence in all our guys,” he continued. “We just have to be able to play better and do it as a group. And there’s a lot of things that go into that. As I said last night, there’s a lot of us that have to do some things better.”

As for O’Connell, McDaniels said, “We’ll see” what happens in the days and weeks ahead.

“I think Aidan’s really been making some progress. Just want to give him some opportunities if that presents itself. We’ll see how it goes going forward,” said McDaniels.

McDaniels is in a bit of a pickle: while O’Connell could be the better option after he looks at the game film, removing Garoppolo from the lineup would amount to admitting a mistake in signing Garoppolo. For that reason, general manager Dave Ziegler also figures to be interested in McDaniels’ decision.

The desire to win should rise above that issue, however. And McDaniels simply has to fix his woeful offense.

So who gives the Raiders the best chance to win, Garoppolo or O’Connell? Each has received playing time, and the offense has still failed to score more than 19 points in a game, so McDaniels evaluation will probably be close. We’ll know his decision soon enough as Las Vegas prepares to host the Giants at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.

Raiders HC Josh McDaniels says there’s ‘no disconnect’ on his offense, blames penalties, mistakes for red zone struggles

The Raiders beat the Patriots for their second-straight win on Sunday, but coach McDaniels’ offense misfired in the red zone yet again.

For the second straight week, the Raiders won a close game thanks to their defense, beating the Patriots at home, 21-17 on Sunday. But if the Las Vegas offense, led by head coach and play caller Josh McDaniels, had played better in the red zone, the victory could’ve been a blowout instead of a nail-biter.

The group was just 1-for-6 scoring touchdowns within the Patriots’ 20-yard line, continuing the early-season struggles for the Raiders offense. Sunday was the first time Las Vegas scored more than 20 points in a game, and the final score came courtesy of a game-sealing safety from the defense.

Talking to reporters on Monday, McDaniels was asked about a possible disconnect on offense as they approach the end zone. He shot that idea down and said penalties and missed opportunities are to blame.

“There’s no disconnect. When you get down there, there’s a premium on everything we do,” he said. “We had multiple penalties down there that cost us. We had two holding penalties and an offensive pass interference that puts you in a 1st-and-20 or 2nd-and-20, in an area where that’s really difficult to overcome.”

The two holding penalties McDaniels referred to were committed by offensive linemen Dylan Parham and Thayer Munford Jr, and the offensive pass interference was committed by WR Jakobi Meyers.

“And then we missed some opportunities,” McDaniels continued. “We had opportunities. Whether it was the running game or the passing game, we didn’t quite capitalize on them. Again, down there, it’s all about details and execution. There’s very little margin for error. When you make an error, it usually is exacerbated and ends up in either a negative play, or you’re kicking field goals.

“Obviously we have to do better. I have to do a better job of getting us to play penalty-free.”

After his offense scored only 17 points against the Packers in the Raiders’ Week 5 win, McDaniels said he hoped the offense’s best days were ahead. It appears that notion is on hold, though McDaniels still expects his group to have a breakthrough.

“The good [part] about that is, you play good enough to get down there as many times as [we] do, now let’s fix that area of the field. Let’s play our best football down there going forward. In that regard, I’m a ‘glass half full’ guy.”

Starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a back injury against the Patriots, so while McDaniels remains optimistic, he may be calling plays for a backup QB in the Raiders’ Week 7 matchup against the Bears in Chicago.

Regardless of who’s in at QB, the Raiders need to make scoring more than 20 points a habit if they plan on having a winning season. McDaniels knows that, clearly, as does his team. They’ll try to solve those issues yet again during practice this week before they go for their third straight win on Sunday against the Bears.

[lawrence-related id=104563,104561,104494,104486]

[lawrence-newsletter]

Davante Adams: Raiders must ‘find a way to get me the ball’ despite double coverage from opponents

Davante Adams: Raiders must ‘find a way to get me the ball’

It’s only Week 6 of the NFL season, but the Raiders offense, led by head coach Josh McDaniels, appears to be at a crossroads.

The unit has failed to score more than 20 points in any of its games thus far despite the presence of wide receiver Davante Adams, considered by many to be the best wideout in the NFL. Raiders opponents have made stopping Adams a priority and consistently sent extra defenders his way.

Adams had just four catches in the Raiders’ 17-13 win against the Packers on Monday night and after the game, Adams said it shouldn’t matter if he’s facing double teams — Coach McDaniels and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo have to get Adams the ball.

“That’s what every team does,” Adams said of facing double teams to reporters following Monday Night’s game. “That doesn’t make it an excuse. Still gotta find a way to get me the ball. Like I’ve said many times, if we are going off of just getting the ball in single coverage, I would have 22 catches on the year. We gotta find a way either way.”

As the Raiders try to figure out how to get Adams the ball despite extra attention from the defense, one of the most celebrated defensive game planners in NFL history, Patriots coach Bill Belichick, is preparing to face Las Vegas on Sunday.

“They’re coached well. They do a good job… I haven’t really had a game against the Patriots yet where I feel like I had the game I was hoping to have,” Adams told reporters on Wednesday. “They obviously understand who’s meant to do what — who’s who in the zoo as we say around here.

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to find ways to still make it happen and not use that as an excuse for not having certain guys be able to produce. You gotta get a plan together and execute it.”

McDaniels not only has to find a way to get Adams the football, he has to do so against Belichick, who will undoubtedly throw extra attention Adams’ way. And while every team has done so, Belichick has long been considered the best at taking away the opponent’s No. 1 weapon on offense.

Of course, the Raiders have to win the game, no matter how many receptions Adams has. Doing so would even their record at 3-3 and alleviate a lot of early-season stress in Las Vegas.

But looking at the season as a whole, it stands to reason that Adams must play a larger role if the Raiders offense is to make a real breakthrough, or at least average more than 20 points this season. McDaniels and Garoppolo surely know that as well, but only time will tell if they can get Adams the ball more, starting against the Patriots on Sunday.

Raiders HC Josh McDaniels on his struggling offense: ‘Hopefully our best is in front of us’

Raiders HC Josh McDaniels on his struggling offense: ‘Hopefully our best is in front of us’

Even on a victory Tuesday, Raiders coach Josh McDaniels had to answer some tough questions from reporters about his struggling offense, which has yet to score 20 points this season.

They got to learn some lessons in a 17-13 win against the Packers, but it’s clear that the Raiders offense, led by McDaniels and his playcalling, has to score at a higher clip if Las Vegas is to have a winning record.

“We’ve got to do a lot of things a little bit better,” McDaniels told reporters when asked about his offense. “There’s no one answer.”

He said the Raiders have done a lot of things well, but not consistently, and that he likes his team’s effort. Turning to optimism, he added that his offense hasn’t played its best.

“Hopefully our best is in front of us,” he said.

McDaniels also fielded questions about wide receiver Davante Adams, who had only four catches in the win on Monday night. Another issue, the lackluster play by the offensive line, also came up.

As a coach with a reputation as an offensive guru, these challenges should present an opportunity to shine as a play caller. He has a Hall-of-Fame receiver in Adams and a bevy of other skill players, but his line has played very poorly thus far. Somehow, he has to make his incomplete offense function at a higher level.

McDaniels’ quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, has to be a part of the solution as well. Perhaps the group just needs more time, as Garoppolo did miss one week with an injury and is 2-2 as a starter, even as he continues to get used to Adams and other playmakers.

The sooner McDaniels and his offense break the 20-point barrier, the better for this team and for this Raiders regime. Ideally for them, the resurgent defense can also continue to improve. Las Vegas has a chance to put it all together during a favorable upcoming schedule, starting with the Patriots in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Jon Gruden says TE Foster Moreau is a ‘perfect’ fit for the Raiders offense

Jon Gruden says TE Foster Moreau is a ‘perfect’ fit for the Raiders offense

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqby7y715wxzbczy player_id=none image=https://raiderswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

The Las Vegas Raiders have a superstar tight end in Darren Waller, but in coach Jon Gruden’s offense, that’s not enough.

Gruden is an advocate of the run game and utilizes multiple tight ends to knock the opponent backward, sometimes with three involved in a single play.

Of course, Gruden wants to keep the defense off-balance, too. Waller thrives as a pass-catcher, and other tight ends play a role depending on game conditions. Third-year TE Foster Moreau has emerged as the clear-cut No. 2 to Waller, and it’s because he can do it all, perhaps removing the need for so much specialization from the Raiders’ tight end group.

Gruden gave a glowing review of Moreau’s training camp thus far during media availability on Sunday, after the Raiders practiced at Allegiant Stadium.

“I’m not going to be Foster’s agent, but I wish I was. I love him. He’s perfect for how we want to play here,” Gruden said. “He can block inline, he can pass protect. He’s a football junkie. He’s one of the greatest kids I’ve ever coached.”

It’s not good enough to simply be a good blocking tight end for Gruden. His players have to be experts at multiple techniques, and the coach has rotated players depending on those particular strengths in the past. But Moreau possesses that versatility. Plus, he can catch, especially in the red zone. It adds up to a “perfect” score from Gruden.

Additionally, Moreau is fully recovered from what his coach called a “terrible” injury, an ACL tear in his knee suffered in December 2019. Perhaps related to the injury, Moreau was handed a reduced role last season after Las Vegas signed veteran Jason Witten. Witten is one of the best tight ends in NFL history, and Moreau happily took a back seat and learned all he could as his knee crept toward 100 percent.

Now, Gruden couldn’t be happier with his one-two punch at tight end, Waller and Moreau. “He and Waller give us a duo that is as good as any I’ve ever had,” Gruden concluded.

We know Waller can catch, but Moreau was an incredible surprise as a rookie when he hauled in five touchdowns on 21 receptions. Last season, he had two touchdowns on just seven catches. Finally, it appears Gruden is ready to unleash Moreau on the NFL, perhaps within the red zone in particular — as long as he knocks defensive linemen around (and upsidedown) on Sundays.

[vertical-gallery id=82242]

[lawrence-newsletter]

Anatomy of a Play: Derek Carr works the deep ball to Nelson Agholor

Breaking down a vertical route touchdown from Raiders QB Derek Carr to receiver Nelson Agholor.

The 2020 iteration of the Las Vegas Raiders’ passing game has been a bit of a revelation. Given the influence of Jon Gruden, as well as the guiding hand of Derek Carr, most expected the Raiders to remain a conservative-based offense, with lots of throws near the line of scrimmage.

But these are – perhaps – your father’s Raiders, to turn a phrase. Remember the days of Al Davis and Daryle Lamonica, the “Mad Bomber?” Perhaps the Raiders are not those teams again, but they have become more vertical in the passing game through this point in the season. For example, last year Carr posted an average Intended Air Yards (IAY) of just 6.3, which was second-lowest in the NFL.

At this point in the season, Carr’s IAY checks in at 7.7, a marked improvement from his 2019 numbers. By contrast, 13 passers have an IAY lower than Carr’s mark. If you were hoping for the Raiders to get more aggressive in the downfield passing game, you are a happy camper.

The acquisition of Henry Ruggs III has certainly helped in this effort, but so too has the addition of Nelson Agholor. The much-maligned receiver – who became an internet meme last season – has become a downfield weapon for the Raiders. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Agholor has been targeted on only five throws of 20 yards or more. What has he done on those? Five receptions for 191 yards and four touchdowns.

That continued Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. In this video breakdown, we’ll see how those two players connected for one of those four touchdowns on the season:

Raiders coach Jon Gruden set to match wits with his ‘tuck rule’ foe, Patriots coach Bill Belichick

Raiders coach Jon Gruden suffered a landmark defeat to Patriots coach Bill Belichick in 20001 and had never beaten the New England coach.

[jwplayer XGQeKGws-ThvAeFxT]

It’s been a long time since Jon Gruden went to New England as Raiders coach, as he’ll do this Sunday against the Patriots. A lot has happened since that day. Some things haven’t happened at all.

The year was 2002, and the Raiders lost the landmark “tuck rule” game, a playoff classic in a snowy Foxboro Stadium. The general consensus is the Raiders were robbed of a win by the officials, despite a call that was technically — and incredibly — correct.

It was Gruden’s last game of his first run as Raiders coach, as he was traded to the Buccaneers after that season. He later won a Super Bowl in Tampa Bay, against the Raiders (also incredibly). But he’s never defeated Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who was New England’s coach then just as he is now.

Belichick has racked up six Super Bowl titles since the “tuck rule” game, which greatly aided the start of the Patriots’ dynastic run, led by Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, who has since moved to the NFC. New England won its first title in 2002 after beating Gruden and the Raiders in the controversial playoff game.

And though Gruden moved on to Tampa Bay and had success, he lost to Belichick in his only chance with the Bucs. According to the Associated Press Gruden is 0-2 lifetime against his “tuck rule” foe, who is a defensive guru.

In fact, in Gruden’s second loss to the Patriots, his offense failed to score a single point.

It’s just two games, due to Gruden choosing the Monday Night Football booth over the sidelines for years, but the competitive Gruden surely wants to prove his modern, west coast offense can overmatch Belichick’s defense.

Especially considering that through two games in 2020, the Raiders offense has carried the club, with the defense struggling mightily. Can they continue their hot streak against Belichick on the road, setting up a possible victory?

First of all, Gruden will be without starting right tackle Trent Brown once again. But that hasn’t stopped the Raiders from scoring 34 points in each of their first two games.

Also, Las Vegas won’t have the services of wide receiver Henry Ruggs III, who was ruled out on Friday.

Though Ruggs III has made an impact, quarterback Derek Carr completed passes to 11 different receivers against the Saints. Veteran wideouts Zay Jones and Nelson Agholor contributed in the Week 2 win, and they should be ready to step up in New England.

The two biggest factors for Gruden are still in play. That’s running back Josh Jacobs and tight end Darren Waller. Jacobs, along with a high-performing offensive line through two weeks, makes Gruden’s offense go. Success in the run game makes everything easier for the Raiders’ offense and allows the defense to remain fresh, too.

Through two games, the Patriots allow 4.2 yards per rush, good for No. 11 in the NFL. Creating lanes for Jacobs will be a tough task for Las Vegas, which is also dealing with an injury to guard Richie Incognito.

But if the Raiders are to keep their high-scoring offense rolling, the run game must be established to some degree. Belichick is likely to pay special attention to Waller in the passing game, but if Jacobs is a threat and Waller occupies multiple defenders, the Raiders can use play-action and Carr’s other receivers should be open.

Especially considering that New England allows 8.3 yards per pass attempt, which is the 25th best mark in the NFL thus far. Carr, who had three touchdown throws in Week 2 with a QB rating of 120.9, will be counted on by Gruden to perform, whether the run game gets going or not.

In fact, it’s possible that Gruden prepares a pass-heavy gameplan. Though that’s unlikely considering the Raiders’ strength on offense.

Regardless, if the offense can score more than 30 points once again, they’ll give themselves a great chance to go 3-0 on the year. That’s an incredibly high number, however — scoring that many points per game seemed like just a dream during the offseason.

But the Raiders’ offense is hot. This is the time for Gruden to finally beat Belichick — the unquestioned best coach in the NFL — and his defense.

And while winning on Sunday wouldn’t erase the “tuck rule” game, when cornerback Charles Woodson forced Brady to fumble, um, I mean, to throw an incomplete pass, it could create brand new memories, not to mention put Las Vegas at 3-0.

“He did fumble that damn ball,” Gruden said Tuesday, of the infamous play. “But, I kind of felt like I was back in a time warp seeing Sean Payton and Drew Brees last night. Carolina Panthers, I thought I was back in the NFC South. Anytime you step in a stadium like that, it does bring back memories. Some of the memories aren’t great, but we’re excited to play.” 

That’s because Gruden wants to start his own dynasty, just as the Patriots did with an assist from the tuck rule back in ’02. He’d love for his mission to get a boost against New England, and Belichick stands in his way. One game at a time, however, and this has a chance to be a big one for Gruden and the Raiders.

After a high-scoring Week 1, Raiders offense faces tough test against Saints

The Raiders offense looked fantastic against the Panthers, but can they keep it up Monday night against the Saints?

Scoring more touchdowns was a focal point of an abbreviated Raiders offseason, and the offense, led by coach Jon Gruden, promptly tallied 34 points Week 1 against a young Panthers defense.

But a more imposing test awaits Las Vegas on Monday night against the experienced Saints, in the first-ever game at brand new Allegiant Stadium.

Besides facing a more seasoned club this week, the Raiders could be without offensive tackle Trent Brown, who left last week’s game early with a calf injury. With or without him, Las Vegas has to worry about pass-rusher Cameron Jordan. The five-time Pro Bowl defensive end usually lines up on the offensive right side.

The Raiders’ offensive front overcame Brown’s injury last week, however, not allowing Carr to be sacked. If Las Vegas is to maintain momentum on offense, continued protection up front is a good start.

That’s because according to Carr, the Raiders have their work cut out for them at every position on the field.

“They’re talented on all levels,” Carr told reporters on Wednesday. “A lot of teams nowadays, you can find some spots where you can pick and choose where to go. They got a great secondary. And not just talking corners, they got multiple safeties that can play football at a high level. Multiple linebackers that can run and hit and their d-line is disruptive.”

Carr will no doubt keep a keen eye on Saints linebacker Demario Davis, an All-Pro in 2019. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore, a two-time Pro Bowler, patrols the secondary.

And the QB knows that after he stood upright in the pocket all day against the Panthers, the Saints’ defensive line, led by Jordan, will have a special focus on knocking him off his rocker.

“You got to put yourself in the Saints’ shoes,” Carr said. “They turn the film on, what are their coaches saying? ‘This guy wasn’t touched all week. They went up and down the field. We have to hit them.'”

The Raiders certainly figure they can hit back with running back Josh Jacobs, who had three rushing touchdowns last week. Also, Gruden must hope wide receiver Henry Ruggs III will be healthy by Monday, as he’s missed practice due to a knee injury suffered Week 1. The speedster could help loosen the New Orleans defense, opening the rushing and quick-passing attack.

“Just the threat of that speed makes people play, instead of eight yards deep, they play nine yards deep. They want to get out of their pedal faster and it opens some things up,” Carr said.

He added that when multiple defenders cover Ruggs and tight end Darren Waller, check-down throws and rushing plays can turn into sizable gains. “It’s all about yardage. That’s how we play and I believe in it. If we throw accurately, little plays like that after you show them those deep shots, the run game should be there, and accurate balls underneath, that’s what this offense has built on for years. And a lot of great players have made a living doing that. And we’re trying to do the same thing.” 

The plan worked perfectly against the Panthers. Coach Gruden knows that was just one week, however. “Well, we’ve got a long way to go,” he told reporters on Thursday. “There were some good things we did; there were some things that we have to do a lot better.”

Gruden mentioned he was happy with only having three penalties and no turnovers in Carolina after having to skip the preseason. That helped the offense excel.

“We had as good a balance as we’ve ever had,” Gruden said. “We had 30 runs, 30 passes and nine different receivers. And we scored points and won the game in the fourth quarter.” 

The offense could have barely played better than they did last week, and they have no reason to think they can’t do the same on Monday night, not until another NFL team slows them down. It will take another solid effort up front, aggressiveness through the air when needed, and a repeat performance from Carr and Jacobs as they pepper the defense with steady gains.

And the offense will have to remain mentally tough to maintain it’s high-scoring pace. The Saints defense is formidable, so Carr and company are bound to have a miscue or two. And the Raiders can’t let a couple of mistakes ruin their first game amid the bright lights of Las Vegas.

“I really like the next-man-up mentality, every coach says it,” said Gruden, referencing last week’s game. “We had the lead, we fell behind and we showed some mental toughness. That’s what I’m most proud of. We got a mentally tough group of guys.”

Carr steers Gruden’s offense, and he can’t blink, no matter what challenges await. He’s been in the spotlight before, however, and the Raiders’ leader on the field is ready to score some more points. “[I’m] excited for the challenge,” he said. “Any time you can play a team like this, you get excited.” 

Anatomy of a Play: Derek Carr connects with Nelson Agholor for six

Derek Carr is often criticized for conservative play. But when he knows exactly where to go with the ball, he can be dangerous downfield.

Entering the 2020 NFL season questions lingered regarding Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. Sure, the veteran quarterback turned in a quietly efficient season last year, posting an Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt of 7.25 (ninth-best in the league) while completing 70.4% of his passes (second-best in the league), but that did little to silence the critics. The Raiders signed Marcus Mariota in the offseason, a pre-draft favorite of both general manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden, adding to the chorus of doubters.

Perhaps an opening-week victory will quiet the critics.

Carr was efficient again on Sunday, completing 22 of 30 passes (a completion percentage of 73.3%) for 239 yards and a touchdown, without an interception. But that touchdown might go the longest way towards tamping down the criticism. One of the critiques of Carr has been his conservative nature. Sure, he completes a high percentage of passes, but when you look at either his average depth of target, or his intended air yards, Carr is one of the more conservative quarterbacks in the league. According to Next Gen Stats, Carr had an average Intended Air Yards (IAY) of just 6.3 last year, second-lowest in the league. 2018 was more of the same, when Carr’s average of 6.7 was third-lowest in the league, besting only Cody Kessler and Nick Foles.

On Sunday, Carr posted an average IAY of 5.5. Now that is again low, but that is a small sample size, and his number was higher than six other quarterbacks, including Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson. So hardly a definitive answer to this question, but perhaps a step in the right direction.

That average IAY was bouyed by his one touchdown throw of the game, a deep connection with Nelson Agholor.

Facing a 3rd and 2 with two minutes remaining in the first half, the Raiders put Carr in the shotgun using 11 offensive personnel. The Panthers respond with a 4-1-6 sub package, expecting the pass. Las Vegas has three receivers to the right, and a single receiver to the left:

Bring your eyes to the top of the screen, or the right of the offensive formation. The player flexed out towards the boundary for the Raiders is tight end Darren Waller. Now, as I mentioned the Panthers have six defensive backs in the game. But one of them is safety Juston Burris.

That is who is across from Waller.

So at this point, Carr can be pretty confident that the Panthers are in some kind of man coverage, as he sees a safety, and not a cornerback flexed out towards the boundary.

That is confirmed for Carr when this happens:

Carr sees the safety trail Waller as the tight end shifts into a bunch formation on the right. At this point, Carr can be supremely confident that the Panthers are in a Cover 1 scheme. Other than the deep free safety, the reset of the defenders are down near the box. He saw a safety first start outside with Waller, and then trail him when the tight end shifted. Even the alignments of the various defenders scream man coverage.

Here is what the Raiders run on the play:

This is a route concept that you often see on Saturday afternoons, more than Sundays. The Raiders run Mesh, an Air Raid staple with the pair of crossing routes working underneath from Bryan Edwards on the left and Hunter Renfrow coming from the right. Waller bends to the outside off the snap, then works the middle of the field over the top of the mesh. Finally there is Agholor, who runs the wheel route, working vertically after bending first to the outside.

With the Panthers in Cover 1 here, the only thing Carr needs to worry about is that safety lurking in the middle of the field. Waller’s route will help hold Tre Boston in place, but Carr can use his eyes to keep him there.

Which he does:

Carr keeps his eyes trained on the safety, before hitting his drop depth and immediately flipping his field of vision and his feet to the outside to throw to Agholor. As he drops he never looks at his target, because due to the information given to him presnap he knows the coverage. There is no reason to confirm that Agholor is going to be open because Carr has all the information necessary to make this throw. So he can spend his drop keeping Boston in the middle of the field, preventing him from breaking early on the vertical route.

Here’s how that looks from the end zone angle:

Eyes trained on the safety, until the last possible second. If you’re Boston, you can’t bail the middle of the field, given how the QB is staring right through you.

But Carr knows exactly where he is going with this ball. Decisive quarterbacking leads to good results for an offense.

And perhaps some big plays downfield to silence those critics.