Loser: CB Trayvon Mullen
Trayvon Mullen has been the steady cog in the secondary for most of the season but has had his up and downs. Thursday night was a down with the Raiders cornerback being constantly attacked with big plays plus penalties.
Mullen was targeted eight times and for six receptions for 91 yards, according to PFF. On the other hand, even with Kesean Nixon, Mullen was the culprit of Herbert’s big day and had trouble guarding undrafted free agents. Mullen has struggled in off coverage, and the Raiders did not play much press on Thursday. This caused Mullen to struggle, and the Raiders need to bring in a DC to fit his skill set.
Mullen still has a bright future ahead of him, and corners do have bad games. He needs a coordinator that knows how to use him and focuses on press man to help him reach his potential. It should be the focus of the Raiders this offseason.
Loser: FS Dallin Leavitt
Dallin Leavitt has mysteriously made this team for two years in a row. A special team ace, he has become a liability when asked to play late in the season. Thursday night ended up being no different with a dismal performance.
He struggled with his cover 2 responsibilities all game and left Mullen out to try when he was looking for help. He did not add much to the run game either, and the Raiders would not be successful with him on the field. The injuries are taking a toll if he is out on the field.
Raiders have serious problems at safety they have to address this offseason if they want to be competitive in the AFC. You cannot have Dallin Leavitt on the field and expect to win even if you have many injuries. This must be fixed as soon as possible.
Loser: HC Jon Gruden
Jon Gruden has a long contract, and his criticism seems to be pointless with an owner who loves him. However, Gruden is starting to display why he was not a coach in the league for such a long period of time. He should take the blame for this loss.
Gruden struggled with situational play calling all game. Before the half, he went conservative with a run that led to a five-yard loss, allowing the Chargers to score before the end of the half. Before the end of regulation, he displayed bad clock management, running a QB sneak with 20 seconds left, not allowing another play for the offense. His red-zone play-calling was pushed to the forefront at the end of the game with no points from the five-yard line with only a field goal.
The microscope will be on this coach even more if Carr is to miss time for the rest of the season. The heat is starting to come after the long time Raiders coach even if the owner is not bringing it his way. Gruden must be better for the Raiders to make the playoffs no matter who the quarterback is.
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