On the shoulders of Michael Crabtree's career day, and some well-timed defensive plays, the Oakland Raiders returned to the Bay Area with another road win, after beating the Baltimore Ravens 28-27 Sunday afternoon at M&T Bank Stadium.
With the win, the Silver and Black are 3-0 on the road, and now return to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for back-to-back home games. Before we officially shift our attention to the San Diego Chargers, let's look back at the playtime percentages from Sunday's thriller, and see what we can learn from the numbers.
Offense
The Offensive Line Goes The Distance– Through the first three weeks of the regular season, the offensive line was constantly forced to make in-game adjustments, and switch up its personnel because of injury. However, thankfully that was not the case Sunday, as the starting unit (Penn, Osemele, Hudson, Jackson, and Alexander) played all 60 offensive snaps in the win over the Ravens. While the Raiders were not able to tally 100 yards on the ground for the first time this season, the offensive line did keep Derek Carr clean, and did not allow a sack all afternoon.
Crabtree Enjoys A Career Day– There's really not much else you can say about wide receiver Michael Crabtree's day, other than to say he was tremendous. Crabtree played 46 snaps (77%) Sunday afternoon, and during his time on the field he hauled in seven passes for 88 yards, and a career-high three touchdowns as well, including the eventual game-winner with just over 2:00 left in regulation. The eighth-year receiver put on a show Sunday, and his performance is a big reason why the Silver and Black flew home with a win.
Roberts Finds The End Zone– Wide receiver Seth Roberts played 41 offensive snaps (68%) Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium, and helped to start the scoring for the Raiders against the Ravens with his first quarter touchdown reception from Carr. In total, Roberts hauled in all three passes he was targeted on, totaling 12 yards and the aforementioned touchdown. Fun fact: the Raiders are 7-0 in games when Roberts scores a touchdown.
Defense
James Impressive In Second Career Start– Rookie linebacker Cory James was a force to be reckoned with Sunday afternoon. In just his second start as a Raider, James played all 89 defensive snaps, and produced a team-leading 15 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one forced fumble. He was all over the field throughout the afternoon, and his sure tackling ensured that some of the Ravens minimal gains did not go for much longer plays.
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Joseph Makes His Presence Felt **– The Raiders first-round draft pick also delivered an impressive performance against the Ravens. In total, Joseph played 88 snaps (99%), and ended the day with eight total tackles, and one pass defensed. The former West Virginia Mountaineer looked comfortable, routinely flashing his trademark speed, and having his nose constantly around the football.
Mack Gets His First Sack– Khalil Mack finally secured his first sack of the young season Sunday afternoon, but his impact was much more than just his fourth-quarter takedown of Joe Flacco. Mack played 75 defensive snaps (84%), ending the game with six tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and three quarterback hits. Although he was repeatedly double-teamed, the All-Pro defensive end was impressive, routinely finding himself in the Ravens backfield, getting his hands on Flacco, and making life difficult for the Baltimore offense.
