Week 2 against the Denver Broncos was an interesting game for the Raiders.Derek Carr set an NFL
record as the only QB to finish a game with 90% completion and over 30 passes.As
Levi pointed out
Jordy Nelson Jersey , Carr’s performance answered a lot of the critics who said Carr was scared to stand in the pocket and deliver shots
downfield.Sadly, Carr’s surgically accurate passing display wasn’t enough to
yield a win against the division rival.The run game couldn’t get going and the
Raiders defense choked down the stretch, but the passing game was a bright
spot.Let’s take a look at a few concepts that will be staples in Gruden’s
offense.Play-ActionYour eyes are not deceiving you, this is Gruden’s modern riff
on the infamous Spider 2 Y Banana.In 2018 Gruden runs this play out of 11
personnel (1 RB, 1 TE) and has Jordy Nelson running the “Banana” route.Multiple
defenders key on Cooper who releases to the flat after feigning a crack block on
the defensive end.This leaves Nelson as wide open as you’ll see in the NFL for a
big gain on the Raiders first possession.Even though the run game never really
got going, the threat of Marshawn Lynch is enough to neutralize linebackers off
play-action.Watch how the underneath defenders are sucked in when they first
read run action.As a result Jared Cook’s job is pretty easy here.Again you see
the effect play action has on linebackers.This time the Raiders give a “split
zone” action where TE Jared Cook blocks across the formation.This means there
are only 3 receivers running routes downfield but off play-action that can
work.Amari Cooper at the bottom of the screen is in 1-on-1 coverage with Bradley
Roby.Cooper sells the post route by changing his speed and his sudden burst gets
Roby’s hips turned inside.Cooper drops his weight and makes a speed cut to the
sideline after he get’s Roby going the wrong way.The combination of Cooper’s
excellent route running and play-action bringing the linebackers up gives Carr
enough room to drop a dime for a first down.Play CallingOh you thought Gruden
was telling the truth when he said he would bring it back to 1998? Turns out he
was only telling half the truth.The play below is called “Double Seam” and was a
staple in the University of Oklahoma offense that saw Baker Mayfield win the
Heisman last season. Yes Gruden is incorporating college football concepts.The
Raiders are again in 11 personnel with Jared Cook lined up off the ball—likely
to help him get a free release.Jordy Nelson runs to the seam and normally that
means Cook would then route inside or outside, but instead he just follows
Nelson right into that seam.Most defenses need to adjust to account for multiple
players running through the same zone and you can see it catches the Bronco’s
off guard.Worth noting is how the Bronco’s defense is tilting their coverage
towards Cooper’s side.Cooper has a CB in his face and the safety over the
top.Anytime a receiver gets doubled, that means someone has a 1-on-1 match-up
that can be exploited. Carr found Cook for a big gain.Another 3 man route but
this time its a drop back pass.Gruden catches the Broncos in a blitz and calls
the perfect max protection and route combo to win.Cooper at the top of the
screen this time stems his route hard up-field before breaking to the middle of
the field.If Gruden can continue to time perfect pass plays like this
Authentic Rashaan Melvin Jersey , wins should be right around the corner.Long Hand-OffsThe modern passing game uses quick passes as an extension of the run
game.These are low risk passes designed to stretch the defense horizontally and
to stall pass rushers before they even gets started.Quick passes also force
defenses to play close coverage that could leave them open to a downfield
strike.This is not lost on Gruden who is a west coast disciple.His gameplan
showed how important it is for him to give Carr high percentage passes and get
all the receivers involved.White Tiger Martavis Bryant got involved on a few
pass plays like this.The one above is a screen off play-action.First off, notice
how Carr doesn’t even complete the play fake, turns around and rifles a
fade-away pass to Bryant.Bryant makes use of his blockers and his speed to pick
up 16 yards on the play.2 other occasions in the game Gruden called this play
for both Cooper and Nelson.Running the same concept with multiple players makes
it hard for the defense to predict who will run which route, and forces them to
stay honest.The “speed out” also looks to be a staple of Gruden’s scheme.Amari
Cooper was an early benefactor of this play call catching 3 or 4 of these on the
day.Seth Roberts also caught one of these early in the game.The play above
however is Tight End Derek Carrier making a great adjustment and hauling in
Carr’s pass.ConclusionThe Raiders passing game was humming Sunday but there were
a few miss-steps along the way.The 4th down pass to the fullback has been widely
panned as a bad call but the concept worked a few times already in the
game.Gruden is playing to Carr’s strengths by asking him to distribute the ball
to all his receivers and giving Carr the opportunity to get the ball out quick
on many of his passing attempts. Carr passed the ball to 9 different receivers,
spreading the love around throughout the game. Gruden is calling great
protection and the offensive line performed at a high level in week 2.Carr was
sacked once officially (another Von Miller sack was called back due to penalty)
and Carr had time when he needed to wait for routes to develop downfield.This
was the best passing attack Raiders fans have witnessed in a long time.Gruden
called a great game through the air. Once all the other pieces are put together
the Raiders will be in a good place.Raiders preseason week 2 snap counts vs
Rams: Few starters means rookies lead the way With no starters on offense and
about half the starters on defense, the rookies and roster hopefuls got a lot of
work in the Raiders second preseason game against the Rams.Preseason week two
snap countsOffenseDefenseSpecial TmsOffenseDefenseSpecial TmsNotes:In total, 28
players sat out this game, most of whom were expected starters. The only
potential starters to play were Mario Edwards Jr
Youth Kolton Miller Jersey , Gareon Conley, Rashaan Melvin, Karl Joseph, and Reggie Nelson.Conley and rookie Arden Key were both making their preseason
debuts. Conley played just 11 snaps and Key just 9 snaps. Conley was replaced on
the third drive by Nick Nelson. Key came in on third downs mostly.This game was
a showcase for the rookies with undrafted rookie Chris Warren III and 7th round
wide receiver Marcell Ateman leading the team with 51 offense snaps (85%)
apiece.On defense, undrafted rookie Jason Cabinda led the way with 43 snaps
(63%) and led the special teams as well with 25 snaps (89%).Cabinda was followed
by two other rookies — 4th round pick Nick Nelson and undrafted Dallin
Leavitt.Jalen Richard was the only other running back besides Warren to see time
in the game. And yet he played just 9 snaps (15%). DeAndre Washington didn’t
dress for the game. James Butler dressed but didn’t play.New addition Gabe
Wright saw 17 snaps (26%)Follow @LeviDamien
