Week 13: RAIDERS @ Buffalo Bills 1st Half Open Thread and Discussion

Welcome to the 1st half Open Thread and Discussion of the Raiders' Week 13 matchup vs. the Buffalo Bills. Leave a comment below and post your thoughts on the first half.

Q2

BUF 10 OAK 9

Old, reliable Janikowski with all 9 points for the Raiders. It is a much-needed field goal to cut the deficit to 1 point. The offense had some strides here and there, but they've been hampered by a pair of penalties and a couple of dropped passes. Carr did a good job using the hard count to draw the Bills defense off sides to extend the play more. Despite being limited with the shotgun formation due to Carr's injured pinky, they've put together some methodical drives, just couldn't get it into the end zone. Crabtree's drop on the Raiders' 2nd to last drive hurt. Roberts had a drop before that too. The execution is there. But like I said, penalties are nullifying big plays and of course the drops. The defense is playing really short-handed, but they're doing as much as they could preventing Tyrod Taylor and LeSean McCoy from fully taking off. Despite the goal line touchdown, the defense is not breaking. Excessive shotgun formations are definitely hurting the run game. Latavius Murray and Jalen Richard have found some holes, but the Bills' front has been stout for a majority of the game. The Bills get the ball back. Defense needs to force a quick 3 and out. The offense is slowly, but surely finding its groove and should get going in the 2nd half. The 2nd half open thread will open up shortly.

Q1

BUF 3 OAK 3

Early defensive battle in this game so far. The Raiders had a couple of big play opportunities, but as usual, penalties are nullifying those big plays. Amari Cooper had a big play, illegal formation. Jalen Richard had a big run, holding. Meanwhile the defense is bending, but not breaking, holding the Bills to just 3 points on their first drive. Nice job by Bruce Irvin on not giving up on the play after being pancaked by Mike Gillislee. But, the Bills are threatening again to score. Let's see if the defense can hold them to a field goal again.