The Oakland Raiders returned to the friendly confines of the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum this weekend to open a three-game home stand, but unfortunately for them, the first of those three games – a Week 5 clash with the Baltimore Ravens – resulted in a loss for the Silver and Black.
With the 30-17 loss in the rearview mirror, the Raiders are now 2-3, but they'll have to recover quickly as they're set to host the Los Angeles Chargers in an important divisional game this Sunday. However, before we fully shift our focus over to Philip Rivers and Co., let's review the snap counts from Sunday's game against the Ravens, and see what we can learn from the numbers.
Offense
Manuel steps in and goes the distance– With Derek Carr sidelined recovering from a back injury, EJ Manuel handled the quarterbacking duties for the Silver and Black against the Ravens. The veteran quarterback went the distance, playing all 56 offensive snaps, finishing his day completing 13 of 26 passes for 159 yards, and one touchdown. Manuel stepped in admirably Sunday afternoon, and while the Raiders didn't head home with a win under their belts, the play of No. 3 was not the reason why.
"King Crab" returns in a big way– Boy, did the Raiders miss Derek Carr last weekend when he wasn't able to go against the Denver Broncos. The veteran wide receiver returned to action Sunday against the Ravens, playing 36 offensive snaps (64%), hauling in a team-high six catches for 82 yards, and one, very impressive 41-yard touchdown.
Feliciano gets the start– Since Gabe Jackson was unable to hit the field Sunday afternoon, offensive lineman Jon Feliciano got the start at right guard, the fourth of his career. Feliciano, as well as the rest of the Raiders starting offensive line (Penn, Osemele, Hudson and Newhouse) played all 56 offensive snaps in the Week 6 loss to the Ravens.
Defense
Joseph paces the defense– The second-year safety played 62 defensive snaps (94%) against the Ravens, tallying a team-high nine tackles Sunday afternoon at the OACC. Joseph has been a bright spot for the Raiders defense this season, and through five games, you can tell that he's really taken a step forward in Year 2.
Mack can't make it four in a row– Headed into the Week 5 matchup at the OACC, Khalil Mack had tallied sacks in three-consecutive games, and appeared to really be rounding into form. However, in the 57 snaps (86%) that he played, Mack was unable to take down Joe Flacco, although he did tally eight tackles by game's end.
Edwards Jr. continues his hot start– No. 97 has enjoyed a strong start to the 2017 campaign, and while he didn't register a sack Sunday afternoon against the Ravens, he was active all day, totaling two tackles, one tackle for loss, and one quarterback hit in the 42 (64%) defensive snaps he played.
