After six games, the Raiders rank 13th in points per game on offense, scoring 24.5 points per game. That is actually a bit of a dropoff from last year, as the Raiders scored 27.1 points per game.
However, the Raiders do have one of the best offenses in the league for several reasons. They are able to win in multiple ways and they can control the clock with their offense.
Their schedule has always been incredibly difficult, with matchups against the Ravens, Bears, Steelers and Broncos. Those four teams all have fantastic defenses, which makes their offensive performances even more impressive.
In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, the site ranked all 32 offenses after six weeks. The Raiders came in at No. 9. mostly due to Derek Carr. Here is what the site had to say about the team’s franchise quarterback:
“Nobody has more big-time throws than Derek Carr (23) so far this season. Carr’s Achilles’ heel was once a lack of aggression, but he is now taking deep shots at the second-highest rate (17.7%) in the NFL — and succeeding when doing so. The offense’s biggest problem is a front that ranks 24th in the league and has little in the way of obvious moves to create a quick fix. First-round rookie Alex Leatherwood has struggled badly at right tackle and already moved inside to guard, where he has been better. However, teams that can consistently rush the passer will cause problems the Raiders might not have answers to.”
The Raiders can still be much better on offense, especially if the offensive line can improve. But if they can continue to be more aggressive on first down by throwing the ball down the field, their offensive success should continue.
With a top-10 offense and a defense that is creating a ton of takeaways, the Raiders are a well-balanced team. But can they continue to play at this level for the final 11 games of the season? We shall see.
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