RAIDERS @ Packers Halftime Post

Score: OAK 7 GB 22

Alright welcome in to a special preseason halftime post between the Raiders and the Green Bay Packers where the Packers are romping on the Raiders 22-7 at the end of the half.

The Positives

Maurice Jones-Drew, 3 carries, 45 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD. So far the play of the night for the Raiders, MJD taking it to the house for a 40 yard TD run. For that one drive alone, he showed flashes that he may be small, but with his size he is elusive to opposing run defenses. Obviously MJD is a lock to win the starting running back position since McFadden is being utilized to be a short yardage back.

LaMarr Woodley, 1 sack, 6 yard loss. Woodley is starting to come alive to do what he does best and that's getting after the QB. Woodley got a sack on Rodgers and applying constant pressure for the pocket to clamp down so the Packers' potent passing game doesn't get set.

Khalil Mack, 5 tackles, 1 INT. If there's a preseason game for a rookie to show what they're made of, it's the 3rd preseason and Mack is picking it up a notch after two slow preseason starts to his rookie campaign. He'll get better from here since he's playing a majority of snaps from 1st to 3rd string.

T.J. Carrie, 2 tackles, 1 pass deflected. Carrie in my opinion has been a constant so far in this preseason and I like that he's battling hard to prove he's more than a 7th round pick and a punt returner.

The Negatives

Penalties. It's been shooting the Raiders in the foot and it's shooting them in the foot again...still. It all triggered with back to back 15 yard penalty plays on defense and special teams. It's always a killer, especially on defense where they stop the offense on 3 straight downs and once they get a stop, they commit a stupid penalty and it's always frustrating to see that.

Passing game. No separation from receivers whatsoever and they are not coming back to the ball. You know it's embarrassing when even the 2nd string defense of the Packers are putting tight coverage on the 1st team receivers on the Raiders. 3rd preseason game in and the passing game is still a problem and that's not good.

Bottom Line

Expect for Derek Carr to start at the 2nd half, however I won't be surprise if DA keeps Schaub and some of the 1st team receivers on the field to let them continue to get in sync in this dress rehearsal. Defense is decent, just needs to cut back on the penalties. Let's see what happens in the 2nd half.