KC Chiefs: What we learned about each team in AFC West after week 15
WHAT DID WE LEARN ABOUT THE RAIDERS?
Speaking of train wrecks, we have the Oakland Raiders, who about a month ago, people were clamoring could be the best team in the AFC West (looking at you, Dan Patrick). We’ve now seen how the Raiders responded the hype and it hasn’t been pretty. They lost to the Jaguars 20-16 in the final game ever to be played in the Black Hole.
The Raiders led 16-3 heading into the locker room at the half and it was looking like they were on their way to giving Oakland one last win on their way out the door. Instead, it collapsed in the second half, as the Raiders offense was shut out and the defense couldn’t stop the Jaguars from scoring points.
Yes, this is the same Jaguars team who has essentially given up on the season. That team, who was trailing 16-3 at half time, came back and beat the Raiders in their final game at the Black Hole. The game winning touchdown came in the final minute of the game with Gardner Minshew connecting with Chris Conley to put the Jags up by four with under 30 seconds to go.
Derek Carr was able to get his team into Jags territory, but the game finished with back to back incompletions from the Raiders quarterback. This loss had the fans thinking that with the team leaving Oakland, maybe Carr should be finding a new home too, and I’m not talking about in Las Vegas.
Carr put up his normal not spectacular numbers , throwing for 267 yards and one touchdown while getting sacked four times. That offensive line has dropped off a lot recently and that’s probably a big reason why this team isn’t the same. Anyone can be elite with a great offensive line and that’s been the story with Carr throughout his entire career.
Josh Jacobs had a sensational game after missing last week due to injury and the guy deserves better than the Raiders. He rushed for 89 yards off of 24 carries and should be one of the few guys trusted to make a play when need be.
Darren Waller is another great player for Oakland, grabbing eight catches for 122 yards. He’s been a nice story this year for the Raiders.
One of the more underrated players for Oakland this season has been Maxx Crosby, their rookie edge rusher. He notched one sack on Gardner Minshew and has been a wrecking ball all season long.
Derek Carr got booed off the field. Fans are throwing things on the field. Terrible end to this day.
— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) December 16, 2019
The biggest storyline in this game, however, came after it was all said and done. Raiders fans proved they’re the absolute worst by throwing garbage onto the field and booing Carr as he ran off the field. I understand being upset at the team for leaving and for their poor performance, but throwing trash was unnecessary.
Next up for Oakland is a road trip to Los Angeles to face the Chargers in the later slate of games. Their playoff hopes are a long shot at this point, but winning will keep them alive for maybe one more week.