RAIDERS-Ravens Halftime Post

BAL 20 OAK 20

Welcome in to the halftime post of the Raiders' week 2 matchup vs. the Baltimore Ravens where it is all tied up at 20.

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Amari Cooper, 5 receptions, 95 yards, 1 TD. Congratulations to Amari Cooper for scoring his first TD in the NFL. He struggled with a couple drops early on, but that 68 yard pass from Carr is just what he needed. After that TD, Cooper hasn't dropped the ball since if I can recall and he is close to recording 100 yards reception. He should be able to tally that up by the end of this game because he's playing great for the most part.

Derek Carr, 16 of 28 passes, 228 yards, 1 TD. That aforementioned Cooper  TD wouldn't be possible without Derek Carr's 68 yard bomb. There were a lot of questions regarding Carr's throwing hand injury and so far, that has not affected his game. To say the least, Carr is okay and he is fielding a solid game with both teams struggling to stop anything.

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Defense. Aside from the forced fumble in the early first quarter, the defense is getting burnt like toast and injuries to that secondary are really showing. Charles Woodson is struggling to make tackles with that injured shoulder. However, the lack of a pass rush is the reason why this defense is struggling. Mack and Aldon Smith couldn't get their hands on Joe Flacco. And another negative, they can't get off the field on third down. 3rd and 15 at the winding seconds of the 2nd quarter, they couldn't stop Justin Forsett. It's not just that play, it's been happening all game.

Bottom Line

Bill Musgrave has adjusted his game plan on offense and the offense can't ask for a better start. It's a complete polar opposite to what was displayed last week against the Bengals. So for the offense, more aggressive plays, less conservative plays. Ken Norton, Jr. on the defensive side. News flash, you are not in Seattle anymore. A little blitzing would be nice since this Ravens O-line knows to double on Mack and Smith. If the Raiders are going to win this game, the defense has to step it up a notch. Let's see what happens.