RAIDERS vs. Cardinals Halftime Post

Score: ARZ 14 OAK 10

Alright welcome in to the halftime post of the Raiders' non-conference showdown against the Arizona Cardinals where the Cardinals lead the Raiders 14-10 going into the half

The Positives

The offense. The offense was anemic to start and credit where credit is due, the Cardinals defense played a big part in that, but they kept hanging in there and waited for that one big play to come. That big play came in when Carr through a 55 yard bomb to Brice Butler and that set up a Darren McFadden rushing TD.

Charles Woodson, 2 tackles, 1 INT, 22 yard return. The Raiders couldn't capitalize on his key interception, but that play that Woodson was huge to bring up some momentum back to the Raiders side. Who knows? Carson Palmer might respond back with an offensive drive that would've put the Cardinals up 21 to 7 and that interception allowed the Raiders to cut the deficit to a 4 point lead.

The Negatives

Andre Holmes. I have full faith that Holmes will get it going in the 2nd half. You can thank Patrick Peterson for Holmes lack of impact because the Cardinals' best corner has done a good job covering him.

Offensive line. Another rarity in the negatives because the O-line has done so well trying to protect Carr. Here in this game so far, they're letting Carr be under pressure and they allowed a sack and that's the impact of the Cardinals' stout front seven.

James Jones, 1 reception, 6 yards. They're paying attention to Andre Holmes specifically, but Jones just couldn't ways to make them pay for not accounting for him. He's been the reliable receiver to throw to for Derek Carr and so far, he's been non-existent and with the exception of Brice Butler, it's hurting the receiving corps.

Bottom Line

The Cardinals get the ball back in the 2nd half, I think the Raiders are doing a good job defensively, though they allowed two big time touchdowns. They're not letting Carson Palmer get what he wants. If there's a good time for the offense to get it going, it's gotta be in the 2nd half. We'll see what happens.