The Derek Carr vs. Teddy Bridgewater comparison continues to spark heated discussions as to who’s the cream of the crop among the quarterbacks in the 2014 draft class. The Raiders selected Carr four spots after the Vikings chose Bridgewater. Both signal-callers have shown high potential in a short time span.
Interestingly, both teams chose outside linebackers with their first-round picks in 2014. The Raiders selected Khalil Mack four spots before the Vikings drafted Anthony Barr. Both players recorded four sacks in their rookie years.
In addition, Raiders offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave left Minnesota for a short stint as a quarterbacks coach with the Philadelphia Eagles before landing in Oakland.
Well, that’s enough of the personnel-related coincidences and hocus-pocus similarities. On the field, these two teams couldn’t be any more different in achieving wins.
The Vikings rely on ball control and a stingy defense to grind out victories. Adrian Peterson's 758 rushing yards tops all running backs. Minnesota ranks second in points allowed per game (17.5). The Vikings have perfected the art of winning ugly, but they're tied with the Green Bay Packers atop the NFC North with a 6-2 record.
The Raiders move the ball up and down the field with an explosive offense and a stout front seven. The offense ranks seventh in points per game (26.6). Oakland also boasts the eighth-ranked run defense. The Raiders' flashy offense draws eyes to the television and has propelled the team into playoff contention.
The clash between two conflicting winning formulas should draw a tight contest. To earn a victory, one team must impose its football philosophy over the opposition—we're in store for a slow-paced slugfest or a fast-paced track me...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
