Home run shots to Ruggs
After several weeks of Henry Ruggs contributions not being seen on the stat sheet, Derek Carr has been looking for him a lot early in Atlanta.
Ruggs has been one of Carr's most targeted receiver in the first half, leading the team in receiving yards with 37, including an amazing 36-yard catch on fourth down to get the Raiders in the red zone. No. 11 has been finding ways to use his speed to get open against the Falcons secondary, so expect for Carr to look for him more in the second half.
Discipline is key
This is not the first two-minute drill where I've had to address the Raiders first-half penalties.
The Raiders defense has been plagued deeply by penalties in the first half, giving up 86 yards on seven flags to the Falcons. One of the penalties negated an interception by Nick Kwiatkoski in the second quarter.
Atlanta has also had their trouble with penalties as well, racking up 37 yards. Both teams will definitely be making halftime adjustments to cut down on these mistakes.
Depth in the secondary needed more than ever
The Raiders have done a good job on defense eliminating big pass plays to Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense. This includes an interception by Johnathan Abram that lead to three points on the board for the Raiders.
The Silver and Black secondary is playing banged up with injuries sustained to Abram, Trayvon Mullen (abdomen), Jeff Heath and Damon Arnette, who is working through concussion protocol.
The secondary was already a man down going into the game with Lamarcus Joyner (COVID-19/Reserve) out, so the Raiders will need as much from Isaiah Johnson, Keisean Nixon and Nevin Lawson as they can get.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 12 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib (94) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66), center Rodney Hudson (61), quarterback Derek Carr (4) and tackle Denzelle Good (71) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette (20) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) and linebacker Cory Littleton (42) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50), defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90), linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) and cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeff Heath (38) and defensive end Carl Nassib (94) during the regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
