Oakland Raiders-Tennessee Titans: Veldheer’s Inexperience or Defensive Offsides?

The offense started with a delay of game penalty. The formation started with either No. 97 Brown or No. 78 Ford coming across the offensive line and returning to the Titans' side of the ball. No. 68 Veldheer did not snap the ball, No. 8 Campbell pulled out from under center, expecting a clear unimpeded to the quarterback call. The officials finally throw the flag and call delay of game, offense No. 8.

This set the tone for how encroachment would be called all day. The first half was filled with plays of No. 75 Henderson getting beat around the edge by Ford. Ford was routinely seen off Henderson’s shoulder on the Raider’s side of the line of scrimmage before anyone on the Raiders moved.

The line was still in their stance, receivers waiting to go, running backs waiting and Campbell clearly still under center awaiting the ball. Is Veldheer’s delivery so slow that no one but the defensive end could jump on the snap, or are the officials out of place to see it?

This lead to Campbell having no time to set and throw, No. 20 McFadden dodging defenders in the backfield, and passes to the check-down receiver in coverage. McFadden wasn’t able to run through the planned lanes, and Campbell wasn’t given the time to set and throw down field.

No. 80 Miller was needed in pass protection early, and covered well when allowed to run a pattern. No. 81 Schilens, the Raiders possession receiver and circus catch guy, is recovering from a knee injury and won’t be back for at least two more weeks. When Campbell did manage to get the ball to a deeper route, his pass was hurried and a little behind the receiver.

These were catchable balls, but the Raiders receivers are young and need practice adjusting to the ball. Murphy did not slow on a deep crossing route and nearly ran right passed the ball. It looks like the Raiders are running their routes and expect the ball to be right there in stride every time.
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders