Bucky's Breakdown: Observations from the Raiders' Week 11 loss

Nov 19, 2024 at 02:05 PM

Bucky Brooks

NFL.com Analyst

BIG IMPRESSION

The Raiders challenged the home team for three-plus quarters but could not make the crucial plays to tilt the game in their favor in the fourth quarter. A combination of shoddy defensive execution and a critical turnover enabled the Dolphins to claim the win in a game that was much closer than the final score indicated. Though Antonio Pierce, like most coaches, does not believe in moral victories, the team's gutsy effort from the Silver and Black should provide enough confidence and momentum to play well in Week 12.

KEYS TO VICTORY

The Raiders failed to win their third game of the season due to their disappointing fourth-quarter execution. A blown coverage and a crucial interception crushed the team's hopes of pulling off a late-game comeback against the Dolphins. The back-to-back miscues continued a trend of poor execution in key moments for a team with a razor-thin margin of error.

MINSHEW MANIA

The veteran gunslinger played well under the direction of interim offensive coordinator Scott Turner. With a gameplan that featured more rhythm throws designed to get the ball primarily to Brock Bowers, Minshew played with more confidence and aggression as a passer. The sixth-year pro's improved efficiency enabled the offense to stay on schedule, resulting in an impressive third-down (and fourth-down) conversion rate (62.5%). If Minshew continues to play this well down the stretch, the Raiders could win a handful of games behind an energized offense.

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UNSUNG HERO

Brock Bowers has become the focal point of the Raiders offense as a big-bodied "catch-and-run" specialist with wide receiver skills in a tight end body. The rookie finished with career-bests in catches (13), targets (16) and receiving yards (126) despite facing double-coverage and bracket tactics. The concerted effort to get the ball to No. 89 helped stabilize an offense that lacked an identity heading into the bye week.

OFFENSIVELY SPEAKING

After taking a couple of weeks to revamp the offense under Scott Turner, the Raiders put up impressive numbers in the interim offensive coordinator's debut. The unit amassed 328 total yards, utilizing a pass-heavy approach that featured 46 passes and 16 runs. Though the Raiders would like to balance out those numbers to more of a 55:45 pass-run ratio, the improved offensive efficiency enabled the team to keep the game close into the fourth quarter.

DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING

The Raiders kept the Dolphins offense in check for most of the game by limiting explosive plays on the ground and through the air. Defenders tackled well in space and kept the ball in front of the defense on short and intermediate throws. Though a late-game blown coverage led to Jonnu Smith's game-deciding score, the Raiders' "bend but don't break" strategy kept the team in the game against a high-powered offense.

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A Las Vegas Raiders anniversary patch on a jersey in the locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.