The Oakland Raiders fell at home 30-14 Sunday afternoon to the Minnesota Vikings at O.co Coliseum. The Silver and Black have now lost back-to-back games and currently sit at 4-5 with a crucial game against the Detroit Lions on the docket next week.
However, before we officially shift our focus to the Lions, let's take a look back at who played against the Vikings and for how many snaps, and see what we can learn from taking a closer look at the numbers.
OFFENSE
Bergstrom Steps In Along The Offensive Line– Starting center Rodney Hudson was designated inactive before Sunday's contest against the Vikings and as a result, Tony Bergstrom made his first start since 2012.
Bergstrom performed admirably in relief, playing all 64 offensive snaps in the loss to the Vikings.
"I thought he [Bergstrom] did a good job," said quarterback Derek Carr. "I thought he made great calls. He definitely knew what he was doing. Coach [Mike] Tice and Coach Tim [Holt] did a great job with preparing him and he does a great job of preparing every week regardless so I thought he did really well."
Amari Cooper Leads The Way– The stud rookie played 59 snaps (92%) in Sunday's clash with Minnesota, leading the team with 5 catches and 79 receiving yards. Through the first 10 games of his career, Cooper has been as good, if not better, than advertised and has routinely flashed the type of finesse he was heralded for throughout his college career.
Clive Walford Finds The End Zone… Again– After a slow start to his rookie campaign in Silver and Black, the tight end from Miami has now quietly scored a touchdown in three of the team's last four games.
Walford played just 15 snaps (23%) against the Vikings, but he made the most of them, securing 2 passes for 18 yards including his third touchdown of the season.
DEFENSE
Malcolm Smith Goes The Distance– Smith was the only Raider to play all 62 snaps Sunday. In the loss, he totaled 9 tackles and 1 tackle for loss, and was active throughout the defense all afternoon.
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Have A Day, Mario Edwards Jr **– The Florida State-product played 48 snaps (77%), against the Vikings and boy, did he make the most of them.
Edwards led the team with 11 total tackles, and also added 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 quarterback hits.
"I just think he's [Edwards] becoming everything that the front office and the coaches thought he could be," defensive tackle Dan Williams said postgame. "Every day Mario is just trying to get better. I definitely appreciate it, especially playing alongside him, but it's good to see him grow each week and the more he can do the more he's helping us."
Carrie Returns To Corner– After spending the past several weeks playing safety, TJ Carrie returned to his natural position of cornerback Sunday against the Vikings.
In the loss to Minnesota, Carrie played 51 snaps (82%), finishing the day with 2 total tackles.
