Sunday, October 2, 2016

Week 4: RAIDERS @ Baltimore Ravens 1st Half Open Thread and Discussion


Welcome to the first half open thread post of the Raiders' Week 4 road matchup vs. the Baltimore Ravens.


Q2

OAK 14 BAL 6

Slow to start the game, but I definitely liked how both sides of the ball gradually found their groove as the game progressed. The defense has kept Joe Flacco and the Ravens' offense in check. Mack and Irvin, the sacks are not there, but they are bringing the heat on Flacco and disrupting the rhythm of the offense. Special teams played a key factor too, setting up the Ravens deep into their own territory. The offense did its thing as well, cashing in on a great return from Jalen Richard for a score and running a bit of the no huddle offense for another score.

To the casual fans, sack numbers are the only thing to judge a defensive player's impact. But real football fans know that don't mean a lot. Mack is finding ways to make an impact this game. He's disrupting the timing of the offense and created some hard shots on Flacco to keep him rattled. The Ravens offensive tackles have no answer on how to contain him. Cory James is another standout on the defense, he's just everywhere on the field making the tackles. On offense, Derek Carr was efficient out there. I remember at some point in this game he was 13/16 in his passes. He's not putting up greater stats, but he's doing his job managing the game and giving receivers a chance to score when in position. Roberts and Crabtree got the benefit on Carr's two passing TDs. On special teams, Marquette King's leg is a beast. It's just another day in the office for King pinning opposing offenses deep into their own territory. When he did the Ray Lewis dance to show up the Baltimore crowd, I thought that was great. For sure, the Ravens are going to find ways to make adjustments and the Raiders have had a hard time adjusting to the 2nd half so far this season. They just gotta keep attacking and not settle on this lead like the last game against Tennessee. The defense has to keep bringing Flacco down and the offense has to keep fielding solid, efficient drives. Let's see what happens. The 2nd half will be brought up shortly.

Q1

OAK 7 BAL 0

An end to what looked like a long 1st quarter. The Raiders and the Ravens, they were in a deadlock for pretty much the first half of the quarter. Special teams is playing a key role for both teams. Marquette King was doing his job, pinning the Ravens deep and I really liked how he did the Ray Lewis dance. That's classic. A partially blocked punt was difference maker. Richard was able to capitalize on it by having a big return to set up a Seth Roberts TD to put Oakland up early. But, Devin Hester. Don't kick to him. Now, the Ravens are in good field position.

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