Michael Crabtree"s Amazing Sideline TD! | Raiders vs. Chargers | NFL Week 15 Highlights
The Raiders (11-3) are playoff-bound after knocking off the injury-riddled Chargers (5-9) on Sunday. Here"s what we learned from Oakland"s 19-16 victory over San Diego:
1. A loyal and vocal bunch, Raiders fans have been through h**l this century. No longer. Sunday"s victory sealed Oakland"s first playoff berth since 2002 and helped them regain sole possession of the AFC West after Kansas City (10-4) fell to the Titans. With games remaining against the Colts and Broncos, the Raiders simply need to hold serve to nab a coveted bye in the AFC.
2. Time to fret over Oakland"s offense? Instead, let"s credit an active Chargers defense that looked like it still had plenty to play for this season. Sunday"s showdown served as a wire-to-wire grind for a raiders team that has posted 30-plus points in seven of 13 outings, second only to the high-flying Falcons. Coming off his worst game of the year, Carr threw for just 213 yards in a tilt that saw reliable kicker Sebastian Janikowski punch home four field goals. Oakland struggled early with two uncharacteristic turnovers on a day that saw no Raiders receiver cross the 60-yard barrier. The most hopeful note for Oakland was that Carr -- throwing exclusively out of the shotgun for the third straight game because of a dislocated pinky -- showed no visible discomfort and threw the ball well, save for a costly first-half pick.
3. Philip Rivers shook off last week"s five-turnover implosion to keep San Diego alive until the bitter end. Then disaster struck, with the wily veteran tossing a game-ending interception to cover man Reggie Nelson with 1:37 left on the clock. The giveaway put an ugly exclamation mark on a game that saw Rivers -- 17 of 30 for 206 yards -- rip through Oakland"s secondary for much of the second half. Along the way he threw a 47-yard touchdown strike to Travis Benjamin and another score to rookie tight end Hunter Henry that notched a 16-13 lead in the third quarter. That lead, as with so many other Chargers games this season, was not meant to be.
4. Raiders running back Latavius Murray continued his strong stretch run with 81 yards off 13 carries. It was encouraging to see Oakland use the ground game to pound away at San Diego with 149 yards at a healthy 5.1 yards per tote. They"ll need that balance come January.
5. Have the Chargers quit on coach Mike McCoy? No way. Despite a whopping 16 players on injured reserve -- second most in the NFL -- San Diego played with energy. Some have pointed to the Bolts as a team that could tumble next week against the winless Browns. That feels like comprehensive nonsense. When the Chargers are hot, they can hang with anyone.
6. Was this the final Raiders-Bolts game in San Diego? If so, these embattled Chargers fans deserve much more than this unforgiving fate.
With the Raiders leading the Panthers 24-7 and looking to secure their No. 1 seed in the AFC, the entire roster and fan base got a collective punch to the gut when it watched emerging star quarterback Derek Carr suffer a horrible-looking finger injury.
Carr suffered the injury while taking a snap from center Rodney Hudson. He was immediately in pain (obviously) and replaced by Matt McGloin while going back to the locker room.
The good news: what appeared to be a dislocated finger isn"t going to keep Carr out very long.
The bad news: the finger looked like this:
via CBS Sports
Ayyyyyyyyyyyyye. That finger, folks, is absolutely bent in the wrong direction. And it"s completely cringe-worthy.
So let"s zoom in on it anyway.
via CBS Sports
Yup, we can confirm. Totally bent in the wrong direction.
According to Tracy Wolfson on the CBS Sports broadcast, the Raiders trainers attempted multiple times to get the finger back into place. They weren"t having any success.
So Carr was taken back to the locker room and emerged just a few plays later with a glove on his hand. The Panthers scored two touchdowns while Carr was gone, but the MVP candidate stepped right in and slung a dart for a completion on his first play back under center.
A missed Graham Gano extra point and a failed two-point conversion left the score at Raiders 24-Panthers 19 when Carr stepped back on the field.
The Panthers would eventually take the lead courtesy of a Carr interception, albeit one that didn"t appear to be a result of his finger injury. But Carr would lead them right back down the field for a touchdown after Ron Rivers decided to punt on a fourth-and-1 with the game tied.
Khalil Mack would snuff out an opportunity for the Panthers to tie or win and the Raiders would eventually go on to claim victory No. 9 on the season, squeaking out another one, this time 35-32.
Suffering a horrific injury, slapping on a glove and coming back out to run an up-tempo offense probably has Al Davis smiling somewhere.
Instant Game Review: Raiders Vs Titans, Highlights Breakdown Play By Play (Preaseason #3) 8-27-16
OAKLAND -- The Raiders may have found their complementary running back.
Times two.
A bright spot in a 27-14 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Saturday night at the Coliseum was the play of rookies DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard, a pair of sawed-off runners who look as if one was cloned from the other.
"It"s crazy," Richard said. "You see how we are stature-wise, and our skill sets are pretty much identical. He may be a step faster, and I may be a step quicker."
It was hard to tell the difference against the Titans, as Washington rushed for 55 yards on eight carries and Richard had 35 yards on seven attempts.
The Raiders" first scoring drive began with a 38-yard kickoff return from Richard and ended with Washington circling out of the backfield to catch a 6-yard touchdown pass from Derek Carr on third and goal.
Coach Jack Del Rio went into the game fully intending to get both running backs work behind the first-team offensive line, with Latavius Murray taking a temporary back seat. Murray carried only twice for zero yards.
Washington, 5-foot-8, 207 pounds, was a fifth-round draft pick out of Texas Tech who gained 1,492 yards as a senior and averaged 6.4 yards per carry. Richard, 5-8, 204, was signed as an undrafted free agent after gaining 1,098 yards and averaging 5.9 yards per carry.
"I thought they both ran hard, ran with vision," Del Rio said. "They make people miss. I think looking into the offseason we were hoping we could develop a running back that could be a really good backup, and it looks like we have a shot at having one of those guys help us -- potentially both. We"ll see."
With fullback Marcel Reece missing the first three games under suspension, it seems likely Washington and Richard could both stick on the 53-man roster, with neither having to be concerned with Tuesday"s roster cut from 90 to 75 players.
"The game wasn"t too fast for them. They weren"t anxious. They weren"t nervous," Carr said. "I remember turning around and handing the ball to Jalen, and he was just gone. The dude hit the hole so hard."
Washington had his biggest play on a 31-yard burst in a crease created by left guard Kalechi Osemele and center Rodney Hudson.
"Any chance you get a chance to mesh with the (first team) is good," Washington said. "It really motivated me, being with those guys, and our line did a good job paving the way."
In all, the Raiders rushed for 157 yards on 26 carries, and included four late carries for 35 yards (plus three catches for 40 yards) by George Atkinson III, who had two long touchdown runs in the preseason opener against Arizona.
It was easily the Raiders best performance running behind their first-team line, and that it occurred with Murray as a spectator will have no bearing on how the carries are distributed when the regular season starts, according to Del Rio.
Through three games, Murray has 12 carries for 40 yards with a long gain of 11. Aside from his two carries for no gain against Tennessee was two receptions for 19 yards and a dropped pass.
In 2015, Murray went to the Pro Bowl as an alternate selection and finished with 1,066 yards rushing, although he struggled toward the end of the season under a workload that found Carr as the Raiders second leading rusher with 138 yards.
"We have a body of work under Latavius," Del Rio said. "For us the bigger question was to find out who would be able to be the backup back for us. We wanted to give the two young guys a chance to run with the first group and give them exposure."
Not all the exposure was pleasant. On one play, backup quarterback Matt McGloin threw a checkdown pass to Washington just in time for the rookie to be blown up by Sean Spence, with former Raiders draft pick David Bass returning the resulting fumble 37 yards.
"I"m all right," Washington said. "It"s part of the game. It was a bang-bang play, but I"m built for it."
For more on the Raiders, visit the Inside the Oakland Raiders blog at ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders.
Instant Game Review: Raiders Vs Titans, Highlights Breakdown Play By Play (Preaseason #3) 8-27-16
Defensive End Khalil Mack
RAIDERS HEAD COACH JACK DEL RIO FINAL
Opening Statement:[There were] a couple of things we went into the game wanting to do, really wanted to start fast. I thought we did on offense. [We] wanted to run the ball. I thought we made some progress running it, in particular with our backups. It was good to get some of those guys in. We talked about that, wanting to get DeAndr [Washington] and Jalen [Richard] some carries and we did that. I want to stop the run. We really havent stopped the run the way we expect to this year. Misfits continue to cause problems. We have to get that cleaned up with the season approaching. Obviously, thats a critical area that must be addressed and will continue to be addressed. The evaluation continues. Thats a part of this preseason, so that continues. Then we wanted to get out healthy, and we did. So that was a (inaudible). Good thing to have happened in the preseason. We get a lot of work, get the evaluation we need, grow your team and be ready to roll. I thought Derek [Carr] was sharp. He made a couple of real nice throws in the first half. We took him out in the middle of the drive there on purpose to put pressure on Matt [McGloin]; Matt not understanding it was coming. We planned to do that. Actually if the first half had gone a little differently, we likely would have done it in the first half. The way the time possession went, they controlled the ball too much. We didnt get enough opportunities, so it kind of pushed through to the third quarter. [We] accomplished what we wanted because we wanted it to be uncomfortable. We wanted it to be, Well what the heck? Come in and get the communication and be able to pick up. It was a learning opportunity there. So thats what it is. Questions?
Q: What did you like about what you saw from DeAndr Washington and Jalen Richard?
Coach Del Rio:I thought they both ran hard, ran with vision. They make people miss, so I was pleased. Pleased with both of them really. They were pretty good in the returning game as well. So I think going into the offseason we were hoping we could develop a running back that could be a really good backup for us and it looks like we have a shot at having one of those guys help us, potentially both. Well see.
Q: Are you concerned about Latavius Murray?
Coach Del Rio:No. We saw him last year. We have a body of work under Latavius. For us the bigger question coming in was to find out who would be able to be the backup back for us. Obviously, we didnt feed himtonight. We gave him two carries and that was it for the night. So, no. I think for us, we wanted to make sure we gave the two young guys an opportunity to run with the first group and give them that exposure in this third game.
Q: Are missed tackles a concern for you right now?
Coach Del Rio:If there are any, yes. Wherever you see some, yes. I thoughttonightwas more just misfitting. Just missed a line or mental error, some of those things where your eyes arent right, youre just not where youre supposed to be and the whole defense is counting on you. Those things really cause problems and we have to get those cleaned up.
Q: Is it a matter of focus or what is it?
Coach Del Rio:I take it real personal. I dont know what to tell you. I dont have a good alibi, it bothers me. You cant be a great defense doing that. We have the intentions, weve set our intentions. Were not shying away from that. Were not backing down from that, but its got to be a whole h**l of a lot better than what I saw out theretonight.
Q: What happened on that long pass play where Nate Allen stopped started to celebrate?
Coach Del Rio:Yeah, I think we thought it was an interception. Sean [Smith] has a 100 jug b***s a day, startingtomorrow(laughing). So were going to make sure that doesntI mean it was like a pick, were on our way here and then the guy pops out of it with the ball. So that was unfortunate. I think well play much better, OK? Were counting on that, alright?
Q: Was it nice to see big plays on special teams?
Coach Del Rio:I think special teams remains a focus for us. Roster spots will be determined based on the ability for guys to help us with special teams. We place a lot of value on it. It is definitely good to see where were making some progress. I know theres still many things we want to clean up in that area as well, but overall pretty solid.
Q:There wasnt a lot of pressure on Marcus Mariota, was that part of playing conservative and not showing too much?
Coach Del Rio:Yeah, we played pretty vanilla, thats for sure. Even when were playing vanilla and rushing full, we have to get more rushing than we gottonight.
Q: What do you want to see out of Cory James?
Coach Del Rio:We like Cory. We think hes developing well. He and Ben [Heeney] and Malcolm [Smith] really we feel like we have three guys that can play for us. Well continue to get him exposure and bring him along. I think hes doing a nice job with the role that weve given him. Im anxious to see this tape, see how he didtonight, but hes had good exposure. Hes been running in practice with theones occasionally and mixing in, and we did that again in the gametonight.
Q: How do you think McGloin respondedtonight?
Coach Del Rio:It was OK. It was OK. The drive ended up stalling, so it wasnt great. We would have like to see him continue. Derek was moving. The team was really on the move and doing well and I caused it to go away(laughing). I took Derek out, but we accomplished what we wanted to accomplished. We need to prepare our football team. We had two examples of Derek having to go out in a game. One at home in the opener against Cincinnati and one at Tennessee where he justI just remember he had to come out for a play. So those things happen in games, you just want to see how your guys are going to respond. Its a good opportunity to kind of teach, learn, have those guys understand how quickly it can happen. Most other positions are really tuned in. The quarterbacks are kind of comfortable there, watching his buddy do it. There isnt a lot of change. You get another defensive tackle in, hes used to going in and rotate a lot. Linebackers, theyll rotate. Quarterbacks dont technically rotate in, so I thought it was a good exercise to evaluate it.
Q: The fact that you have a game again in four weeks, was that a factor at all tonight with the way you played?
Coach Del Rio: No, I wouldnt say that. I think both teams knew they were coming in. Its preseason football week three. I thought we did what we wanted to do, they did what they wanted to do. I think both teams got out relatively healthy. We had good work. We would have liked to see things finish a little bit better where Id have a big smile on my face right now. But, a good days work and well get ready for the next one. We have a short week with the Thursday night game approaching, at least it is here at home.
Q: How has Derek Carr been developing? Can you relax a little more?
Coach Del Rio: I think he was very successful throughout this offseason and camp and everything. I think its been a tremendous offseason for him. I feel really good about where he is. I think the fact that maybe other people can relax a little bit about him, maybe that helps. For us, we have and we know that hes had a tremendous offseason. I think you saw a couple examples of what weve been seeing. You guys are at practice, youve seen how hes carried himself and how hes connecting with receivers. Hes poised to have a nice year for us.
Q: Karl Joseph played on some special teams throughout the game. Is that just part of the process?
Del Rio: Yeah, hes still growing. Hes still competing for time, still developing. Remember, he missed the whole offseason. For a young guy, as far as getting reps, he was there mentally doing the best he could but it takes time. It takes reps and experience. Hes getting it on the run right now. h**l continue to work on it.
Q: I know you said missed tackles and poor tackling technique is something you take personally. How fine is that line when you miss a tackle between lack of desire and lack of technique?
Coach Del Rio: Effort is really a skill that we develop. Guys play hard. Our guys play hard. I dont think we saw any examples of a guy not wanting to do the right thing. I think, if anything, over-anxiousness and kind of wanting to go make the play yourself so badly that youre leaving your gap or your responsibility, getting caught out of position, false-stepping, things like that are occurring. Its not a lack of desire. Our guys want to be really good. Theyre hungry to play well. Theyre playing hard. So no, weve just got to clean things up and theyll be a whole lot better.
RAIDERS QB DEREK CARR
Q: There was a couple touchdown passes this game and the previous game; do you feel like it was crucial to get going like you did the previous game?
Carr: Yeah, I was really excited to finally watch some film and get some tendencies down and really game plan as much as you do in the preseason and go out there with that kind of mindset so it was nice to do that this week and to go out and score some points it was nice it was good to move the ball and show what weve been working on just a little bit but were going to be playing them here again in a few weeks so we cant show too much so we kept it pretty basic but it was good to go out there and get some points and just execute, it was nice.
Q: What did you see from the two young rookie backs in the backfield?
Carr: We all know what [Latavius] can do obviously, any running back that makes it to the pro bowl, I dont care how you get there, you earned your way, especially playing against these defenses. We know what we have in him so it was cool to see what we can get out of the two new young guys and I thought that they ran really hard and the game wasnt too fast for them I didnt think that they were too nervous or anxious or anything like that I thought they were just out there playing football and thats great to see. That only helps our offense and gives a change of pace kind of guy and we have two of them so its kind of nice.
Q: The last drive of the half obviously didnt end the way you wanted it to, was you coming back in the third quarter restricted?
Carr: No, we knew what we were going to do. We knew I was going back out there but if there had been any way I could have, I would have done that. To miss that, my goodness. Honestly, that will keep me up tonight, it drives me nuts but thats just who I am. To go earlier back in the week and when were practicing they let us know what their plan was and all those things.
Q: Del Rio said regardless of what happened the first two games, they know what have in you, but as far as youre concerned, are there any worries about your performance?
Carr: Not at all, I had a great camp, Coach Downing and Coach Musgrave have been pushing me really hard and showing me things I could do better and turning on the tape from last years camp to this years camp it was way better and so when it comes to the preseason I dont put too much into it. I remember throwing three touchdowns against the Seahawks my rookie year and then playing the Seahawks and throwing two picks so it holds a little bit of weight but to me, its not a big deal.
Q: It was a long training camp and being out there as much as you were, how much does this make you more antsy?
Carr: Im not kidding you, I think the source you get playing for the amount of time and then standing for however long, thats the hard part. Youre so conditioned and just keep throwing and you feel good and you want to keep playing and then they stop and youre out. Its like, Im good, I can play the whole game if you want. But I cant wait for the opener at New Orleans Im really looking forward to it especially being able to see Dennis Allen again so that will be cool but he gave me my first shot but I dont think h**l be rooting for me too much on that day.
RAIDERS QB DEREK CARR
Q: Have you seen differences from training camp to where you are now?
Carr:Yeah we definitely did some things that we liked. The nice thing is that the mistakes arent like, Dang how do we fix that? Is it going to be something thats going to take a lot of time? Are we going to have to maybe find a different way to do something? Thats not the case. The mistakes are me missing a couple throws by that much. The mistake is maybe missing a block by that much or a route by that much. Thats good especially this time of year. We definitely have worked really hard. A perfect example is Amari [Cooper] in the back of the end zone. Hes worked really hard knowing where the out of bounds is and doing those things. Youre seeing. He knows exactly where hes at. He catches it, puts the two down and you see him deliberately try and do it. Hes taking the coaching that Coach [Rob] Moore is giving him and what he sees on film and hes putting it to use. When you see stuff like that its like man guys are really taking hold of what they need to do better and that was a perfect example. The signs are looking good, but obviously when the real ones count well see.
Q: How do you feel the young running backs played tonight?
Carr:I felt that they did a great job. I was talking about it a little bit earlier. The game wasnt too fast for them. They werent anxious. They werent nervous. They just came in and ran hard. I remember turning around and handing the ball to Jalen [Richard]. I turned around and handed it to him and he was gone. That dude hit the hole so hard. Im used to Latavius [Murray] doing that but usually with a younger guy they kind of dance and they want to see it and things like that. Nah, he just put his head in there and didnt even care. Thats really good.
Q: Were you able to see DeAndr Washingtons run?
Carr:Yeah. That was a great block to give DeAndr [Washington] an alley to go through. I was able to see it. I try, especially with those young guys, usually when I hand the ball off to Latavius Ill do my boot and let him take care of the rest, but with those young guys I want to see how they do so I hand it off and turn around real quick to try and watch. Ill probably get knocked on that when they grade the film. To be able to see him hit that hole and there was no hesitation. He just hit and that shows that hes trusting in what Coach Bernie [Parmalee] is telling him and hes trusting in that and hes just hitting it. Hes just playing. To see that in two running backs, two young running backs, that havent played defenses that fast. They have seen physicality like that. For them to just get the ball and just go, thats a great sign.
Q: How do you, Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper work on accuracy with long b***s?
Carr: Reps. Rep after rep. Ever since I was a little kid, my dad would stand 38 yards, as I got older 40 yards, 42 yards, 45 yards and he wouldnt let me leave until I threw three perfect ones. Id sit there sometimes hit two in a row and then miss one. Do it again. It wasnt in a bad way. Thats my mindset too. I wanted to make them perfect. Its just rep after rep. I get on [Michael] Crabtree all the time because in one-on-ones all he wants to do is run go routes. I said Crab, you know were going to have throw something else someday and he just laughs, but you see the hard work paying off. In the one-on-one drills we didnt hit as many as wed like, but at the end we started to hit them and then we hit one today and its like there we go man. Its good to see. Hitting those is just reps. Seeing how guys like them caught, seeing where they like the ball. A guy like Andre [Holmes] I might throw a little different than I would to [Amari] Cooper. I throw it different to Crab than Coop. Its just theres different ways that guys like it and how they want to play off the defender and you just have to learn those things.
RAIDERS DE KHALIL MACK
Q: Is there any concern regarding the defenses play this preseason?
Mack:Theres a lot of that. Theres a lot of concern, but at the same time with the group you got, you have to go to the drawing board and get it corrected.
Q: Does anything jump out to you as an issue such as bad fits?
Mack:Fits, everything... It is just a lot of different things that we could touch on. But, it starts with us and me and all of the different things. So, we want to get it corrected.
Q: Are the misfits playing a factor in the defenses ability to stop the run?
Mack:Most definitely misfits. Misfits, consistency, just staying consistent because those are the things you work on in the preseason. So, the good thing is we get to see those things now and correct them for the future.
Q: Does it bother you even though its a preseason game?
Mack:Oh yeah, oh yeah. It definitely bothers you, especially being a defensive guy and being a leader on this defense. Its stuff that you dont want to see, but at the same time, its a great learning experience right now. This will only get us ready.
Q: Are you used to the extra attention and chipping from the side?
Mack:Thats always part of the game, whether you think its dirty or not. I love it. You know what Im saying? So, I want some more. Love it and get ready for the next play.
RAIDERS RB DEANDR WASHINGTON
Q: To get some explosive runs were nice. There were actually a few times where there were threes, fours and five (yards). Was that what you needed, explosive runs are great but, to be a consistent running team?
Washington: We have to take them. Thats the biggest difference in the league. You have to take those three, four yard gains. As the game goes on, hopefully those will open up to 15, 20 yards and so on.
Q: On the touchdown, was that where you were supposed to run and Derek [Carr] just found you?
Washington: Yeah, it was kind of a game plan deal, there were some things that we liked in our film. He was just able to execute it. DC made a good ball and I was able to complete the pass.
Q: Was it nice to get in there with that first unit offensive line, guys that, if you come in to a normal game youre going to be fitting in with?
Washington: Definitely, just to be able to mention those guys and go up against their ones was a good feeling. To have some success was definitely a good feeling.
Q: It wasnt just in this game, it was back in game one, you had another big run, you created some big plays. Are those important things to show, that three and four yards come and so do those chunks when you find the right spot?
Washington: Yeah, anytime, any chance you get to make a big play, have an explosive play. We pride ourselves on having at least ten explosive plays a game. Anytime youre able to get one of those plays is always a good deal.
Q: On that one pass you took a pretty good shot, are you okay, clear-headed and everything?
Washington: Im okay, its part of the game. It was a bang-bang play. Ive dealt with it before. Im alright.
Q: Its been about a month since training camp started. How do you feel youve evolved and developed as a player this past four weeks?
Washington: Theres still a lot of work to be done. Its a process. From this game, were going to look and make the corrections and get ready for Seattle.
Q: You must feel comfortable at this level. I know its still preseason, its still practice, but you must feel comfortable at this level.
Washington: Im a lot more comfortable than I was when training camp started, but like I said, theres still a lot of work that needs to be done.
Q: Youve seen [Jalen] Richard run. People are going to look at you guys and see the height and say These guys are the same. Do you think youre the same, or do you think you guys are different with your style?
Washington: I think we rely on the same thing and I think were different in a lot of ways too. Were both here for a reason, to utilize our talents to the best of our abilities.
Q: [Coach] Jack [Del Rio] said hes going to get you in with the first team a lot this week. How does that excite you?
Washington: It really just motivated me knowing I was going to be out there with those guys. They did a great job making my job easier. It was a lot easier for me being around those guys.
Q: On that long run, [Kelechi] Osemele cleared the top for you. There was a nice little crease for you. How has the interior line be working for you, opening enough space for you to get through?
Washington: Im a smaller guy, so hiding behind those guys makes it a lot easier for me. They did a great job on that play. I was just able to make it explosive.
RAIDERS RB JALEN RICHARD
Q: You had to wait a little longer. Was it nice to get a shot?
Richard: It felt good to get the cobwebs off. I practiced all week but to really get out there with the full intensity and guys trying to take your head off that are not your teammates felt good. I did well, but theres always room for improvement. Im going to take this game is a step forward to continue to improve.
Q: On the first return, you ran it back 38 yards. Is that how you hoped you day would begin?
Richard: I was envisioning it the whole day. I wished I could have taken it to the house. That definitely got my confidence up for the rest of the game. To start a game like that on the kick return felt real good. That was one of the things that helped me continue with my confidence throughout the game.
Q: Howd you feel physically with all those touches?
Richard: I feel real good, great. I chuckled with the trainers on the sideline. They were happy for me. They were like You worked hard those two weeks coming back. I really did. This was well deserved. But like I said, we continuously have things to improve on.
Q: I know you havent been on the field these last two games. Your team has struggled. The line seems to be coming together. Did you feel there was a good rhythm tonight?
Richard: I feel like there was really good rhythm for both of us. The o-line was a focal point going into this game. Like you said, the first two games might not have been as great as the coaches and players would have wanted the run game to look like. That was a main focal point coming into this game. We really wanted to run the ball. With that, we did well today. Me and DeAndr [Washington] and whatever other backs were out there, we saw it and we did it. The line did a great job of game-planning. This game was more of a game-changing game than actually just running plays.
Raiders WR Michael Crabtree
Q: Could Derek Carr have thrown that ball any more perfect for you when you ran down that sideline?
Crabtree:That was because of a lot of practice. We"ve been practicing the go-ball and really all the routes. It was a good ball, and I think he couldn"t have thrown it any better.
Q: Could you have caught it any better?
Crabtree:It is one of those things where a catch is a catch.
Q: Was it nice to see the offense get going and get into the end zone?
Crabtree:Yeah, it definitely was. We came out here to compete today. Usually in the third preseason game, you play a little bit more and I felt like we did a good job of competing. We get to see these guys in Week 3, so you got to have your mind ready.
Q: Was it crucial for the offense to get going the way that it did this week?
Crabtree:I mean it is preseason, but like I said, you got to be competing, and I felt like we did that out there. Coop [Amari Cooper] caught some deep b***s, I caught some deep b***s, Johnny [Holton] made some plays, Seth [Roberts] made plays, you got Andre [Holmes] out there, so we got a good group of guys and we just got to put it together.
Q: Derek is in his second year in this system and so are a lot of the guys, so where do you see that benefiting you guys?
Crabtree:That is always good, that team chemistry, two years back-to-back. This program has not really had the same coordinator, same coach, same players for two years, so that is all good for those guys. I am just ready to put it all together and go out here and play. We got one more preseason game and then we on.
Q: How much better can you guys be with that second year as a whole?
Crabtree:You never know. The sky is the limit for us. Like I said, we got one more preseason game, we can"t wait to get out there, and then it is the regular season.
Q: Have you ever had your helmet pop off like that after a long catch?
Crabtree:Yeah, it is football. So, we are all good.
Raiders LB Bruce Irvin
Q: What did you see out theretonight?
Irvin:Just guys got out of their gaps. Tennessee made a statement that they were going to come in and run the ball and they did. You got to play good gap-style defense or you are going to see what happens. We didn"t play real good defensetonight.
Q: Mariota was elusive, and you guys had trouble getting to him. How much of that was you guys off your game, or maybe a vanilla game plan?
Irvin:You know, he is a real good athlete. We didn"t rush our proper lanes and he was going to get out of the pocket and make us pay a couple of times. That is something we have to clean up and prepare for when we play them again.
Q: Do you have any idea if you are going to play against Seattleon Thursday?
Irvin:No idea. I don"t know.
Q: I know it is preseason, but any thoughts on the Seahawks coming in here yet?
Irvin:I mean it is a football game. I was there for four years and it was cool, but I am a Raider now and am happy to be here. It is time to move on.
Q: I am sure you aren"t happy about the yardage total the Titans had in the first half, but is it because a play here or there, or is it anything more substantial?
Irvin:It is definitely a couple of plays. Guys getting out of their gaps and Tennessee made us pay for it. When you play a good running team like that, you have to play good gap-style defense, you have to set edges and play your gaps. If you don"t, then the other team will makes us pay and they did thattonight.
Q: Is it more of a desire thing or a technical thing for why guys were getting out of their gaps?
Irvin:Just doing too much. You hit it right on the head; just guys trying to do too much, trying to make a play. You know, if you play the defense right, the plays will come right to you. That is what we got to learn as a young team, continue to grow and continue to improve.
Raiders WR Amari Cooper
Q: You had a chance to talk to a couple of the Alabama guys after the game. How was that?
Cooper:It was good. Talking to those guys was real good.
Q: What did you try to do this past season to get better?
Cooper:Just try to work on the small things. Trying to get better at catching the ball, just making those routine things and taking care of my body.
Q: Could Derek Carr have placed that ball any better on that touchdown catch you had?
Cooper:He is one of the most accurate guys I have ever played with. It is crazy. I kind of compete with him in accuracy drills and he is really competitive too.
Q: You guys were in the two-minute drill and were moving the ball there. Were you guys a bit disappointed that you guys didn"t finish that off?
Cooper: Yeah, of course. We were disappointed we didn"t get to finish that off. But sometimes that is how it happens. Next time when we get similar opportunities, we have to make sure we finish it.
Q: Amari, are there any other receivers in this league you study to try to improve?
Cooper:I don"t really study other receivers. The only receiver I tried to emulate a little bit was Chad Johnson. He is like second to none with things he was able to do as a receiver. I just like his style of play.
Q: What did Andre Johnson say to you at the end of the game?
Cooper:He just told me to keep balling and keep doing what I am doing. That guy was my favorite receiver growing up. Played at the University of Miami, and I am from Miami. He is just a great receiver.
