The last time the Oakland Raiders played in London was quarterback Derek Carr’s rookie season. The team got absolutely dismantled by the Miami Dolphins in what proved to be Dennis Allen’s last game as their head coach. This time Oakland didn’t fare any better, getting blown out again. Owner Mark Davis will probably ask to not go back there for a while.
Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders Lay Egg in London Against Seattle Seahawks
It was ugly from the get-go. The Seattle Seahawks marched right downfield behind a strong running game. Head coach Pete Carroll called seven run plays in a row to start the game as Seattle orchestrated a 14-play, 86 yard drive that ate up over seven and a half minutes. Oakland attempted a similar strategy, unsuccessfully. Trying to give running back Marshawn Lynch a “revenge game” against his former team, the team called three straight runs on their first drive, totaling a whopping one yard.
The Raiders were already thin on their offensive line with Donald Penn on injured reserve and Kelechi Osemele missing his second straight game with injury. Rookie Brandon Parker continued to start in his place at right tackle, with first round pick Kolton Miller in on the left side. Both struggled tremendously. Things got even worse when Osemele’s backup, Jonathan Feliciano left early in the game with a chest injury. It didn’t help matters when wide receiver Amari Cooper also went down with a concussion on a helmet-to-helmet hit that somehow wasn’t flagged.
Oakland had no answer for Seattle’s hungry pass rushers, surrendering six sacks and losing two fumbles. Carr simply had no time to throw, getting immediately flustered out of the pocket on most plays. Even after getting down 17-0 at halftime, the team tried to stay honest and keep pounding the rock with Lynch, but he found little running room.
For gamblers, this game was a classic example of a time when going with the favorite was the smart choice. Seattle was favored -3, and easily netted a win for those who went with the pick. With sports betting now legal, many are looking for a guide to sports gambling laws in the USA. Savvy gamblers will investigate the miniscule details of a game, like Oakland having issues with their offensive line, and Carr struggling statistically against pressure.
Still, the defensive side didn’t do any favors for the Silver and Black. They were completely inept at stopping the run, and then continued to give up chunk plays through the air. Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny, and Mike Davis combined for over 100 yards. Doug Baldwin made his first major impact of the season, catching six passes for 91 yards.
To add insult to injury, Carr seemed to injure his shoulder on their final drive of the game, walking off the field in obvious pain. It is a game he and the entire team would like to forget. After coming into the game fourth the league in both rushing and passing, the Raiders didn’t even eclipse 200 yards total. Head coach Jon Gruden will try to get his team healthy during their bye week before hosting the 1-5 Indianapolis Colts at home in two weeks.
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