First, the defense didn’t have an answer for running back Spencer Ware, who logged a career-high 131 rushing yards on 24 carries. Unlike the Chiefs, who adjusted to slow down the Raiders’ most effective offensive weapon, wideout Amari Cooper, defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr.’s halftime tweaks didn’t faze Ware.
Nonetheless, we already knew the Raiders came into this contest with a faulty run defense. Oakland ranked No. 27 in yards allowed per game. The Raiders have also surrendered at least 393 total yards in every game this year. Why did this particular contest end in a blowout?
For the first time this season, the Raiders failed to force a turnover in a single game. Despite giving up yards, the Raiders typically come up with impact plays through fumble recoveries or interceptions. Oakland ranks No. 6 in takeaways with 10 but recorded zero on Sunday.
Here's the nail in the coffin. Kansas City started Week 6 with the No. 29-ranked run defense, but the Raiders didn’t have a backfield at full strength. Without back Latavius Murray running between the tackles, the Raiders couldn’t shorten distances to first downs and sustain drives. Without ball control, the offense often went three-and-out and relied heavily on Cooper to move the ball downfield.
After the Raiders’ successful first drive and the Chiefs’ second-half adjustments to Cooper in the passing attack, Oakland’s offense became unsustainable. The Silver and Black went scoreless in the second half, which allowed Kansas City to bleed the clock out for a victory.
In a postgame comment to local reporters, Derek Carr said the “offense misses Murray.” As the leader in the huddle, he’d know best.
How about group performances? Where d...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
