RAIDERS-Packers Halftime Post

GB 14 OAK 13

Welcome in to the halftime post of the Raiders' matchup vs. the Green Bay Packers where the Packers cling to a 14-13 lead at the half.

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Latavius Murray, 15 carries, 64 rushing yards. As frustrating as the running game was, the last 2 or 3 games, the running game got off to a good start. Getting the running game going was highly by Jack Del Rio and it's running this game. Credit to the O-line though for creating up holes, Jon Feliciano has filled in admirably so far at the right guard position. Murray has found some big holes and that got the running game juiced up.

Defense. Khalil Mack with another sack, Charles Woodson and company had a key takeaway. Aside from the first score, in which it was set up by a Carr INT, the Raiders' defense has not allowed Aaron Rodgers and this Packer offense to drive into the end zone at will. The defense is doing an admirable job once again.

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Red Zone opportunities. This could've been 14-21. The first drive, a Packers' penalty ensured a free play opportunity and Seth Roberts could not haul in a sure-handed touchdown. Then, the 2nd drive Carr just had nobody open and just throw it away. Those are key missed red zone opportunities, but looks like the offense managed to shake off the slow start.

Derek Carr's 2 INTs. Carr has redeemed the last few drives, but it was an awful first quarter start for Derek Carr. The first INT, it could be argued there was missed communication, but the Packers were bringing the pressure and Carr just had to make something instead of taking a sack. The 2nd one that lead to a pick 6, was definitely an overthrow to Seth Roberts. But, Carr has picked up from his slump.

Bottom Line

The Raiders have the ball back and the Derek Carr to Amari Cooper TD should be a momentum builder for this offense to get going. A balanced effort from the offense and defense of the Raiders needs to be in effect because you never know when Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' offense are going to start clicking and when their defense is going to start to tightening things up. Let's see what happens.