The Oakland Raiders went on the road and fell to the Detroit Lions 18-13 Sunday afternoon at Ford Field, dropping their overall record to 4-6. After losing three games in a row, the Silver and Black must now prepare for a critical road test against the Tennessee Titans next week at Nissan Stadium.
However, before we officially begin preparing for the Titans, let's take a look back at who played against the Lions and for how many snaps, and see what we can learn from taking a closer look at the numbers.
OFFENSE
Rodney Hudson Exits Early– After missing the team's Week 10 contest against the Minnesota Vikings with an injured ankle, starting center Rodney Hudson returned to the starting lineup Sunday in Detroit.
However, Hudson was only available for 32 plays (63%) before he was forced to leave the game early after re-aggravating his ankle.
Once again, Tony Bergstrom entered in Hudson's relief, playing the remaining 19 snaps (37%).
Michael Crabtree Paces The Wide Receivers –The veteran receiver played 46 snaps (90%) in Sunday's loss to the Lions.
He led all Raiders receivers with 6 catches, and his 50 receiving yards were good for second on the team.
With his performance, Crabtree has now totaled at least 4 catches and 50 receiving yards in 7 straight games, which ties Tim Brown (1997) for the second-longest streak in team history.
Clive Walford Leads The Tight Ends– The rookie from the University of Miami played 30 snaps (59%) Sunday, the most of either of the Raiders active tight ends.
Starting tight end Lee Smith did not suit up for the contest with the Lions, but Walford filled in admirably in his absence, hauling in 2 receptions for 25 yards.
DEFENSE
Charles Woodson Goes The Distance– Surprise, surprise, Charles Woodson played every one of the Raiders 72 defensive snaps Sunday in Detroit.
The ageless wonder went the distance on defense for the Silver and Black, tallying 6 total tackles in the effort.
Khalil Mack Provides A Spark– The Raiders second-year defender played 63 snaps (88%) Sunday, and led the team with 8 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss and 1 quarterback hit.
He was also a force in the run game and was seemingly in the Lions backfield all afternoon.
Ben Heeney Earns More Snaps– After playing sparingly throughout the season, the rookie linebacker played 38 snaps (53%) Sunday at Ford Field.
Heeney also made the most of his opportunity, finishing the day with 7 total tackles, 1 quarterback hit, 1 pass defensed and 1 sack – the first of his career.
