What the Raiders need to do on offense to beat the Chiefs

October 16 currently sits as the last day the Oakland Raiders suffered defeat. The Kansas City Chiefs efficiently executed a gameplan, enabling them to emerge with a 26-10 win in Oakland. This time, the Raiders make the trek to hostile Arrowhead to battle the Chiefs in primetime. While the offense only mustered ten points, scoring opportunities existed. With mild tweaks, the offensive outputs will differ.

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Feed Murray: In the previous meeting, rung back Latavius Murray did not play due to injury. Rookie DeAndre Washington carried the ball ten times for 49 ineffective yards. A smaller back like Washington will not wear down any defense. Murray found his niche and is embracing his size advantage to the fullest. A steady diet of carries drains edge rushers of their zip. Without Murray, the Raiders held the ball for a paltry 23:15. Fact: Oakland is 7-1 (only loss was to Green Bay in 2015) when Murray totes the football twenty times or more.

Screen Game: During Bill Musgrave’s tenure, Raider Nation continues to chastise his frequent use of the screen. Why? Not sure. Schematically, defenses like Kansas City are begging for the screen. The reason? Tamba Hali and Justin Houston scream off the edge towards the quarterback, vacating ground. Richard or Murray behind that offensive line guarantees chunk yardage. I’d bet my house on Osemele versus anyone on the second level.

Holmes over Roberts: For all of his commendable blocking and hustle, Seth Roberts’ drops are unbearable. He makes the tough catches, but drops the easy ones, which is mystifying. While Andre Holmes’ hands are not better, he owns one advantage over Roberts: height. The tallest Kansas City defensive back is safety Daniel Sorenson (6’2”). Allow Holmes more vertical routes and chances to highpoint the ball versus smaller defenders.

Find the Seam: In the first meeting, Raiders’ tight ends were targeted four times, catching three for 41 yards. Over the last four games, Raiders’ tight ends were targeted twenty-two times. Walford is slowly earning Carr’s trust. His looks are increasing. Rivera is a capable backup that gives the offense options, creating space for Cooper and Crabtree.

Test Peters: Marcus Peters is Kansas City’s best corner, and one of the league’s best. His five interceptions rank him second in the league. Within these numbers resides a gambling mentality. Peters will take chances. In two years, Peters amassed seven pass interference penalties. The Raiders need to forget the interception thrown in October. Peters will make a play, but he will surrender more. Carr needs to make him pay for his recklessness.

Expect Heavy Pressure: Kansas City’s pass rush is evolving into a blend of veteran guile and ultra quick young players. Justin Houston and Tamba Hali are the household names. Yet, third-year rusher Dee Ford (10 sacks) is having a breakout season. His arsenal is not as refined as Hali or Houston. His hand technique is not where it should right now, but its slowly improving. Ford brings corner-bending speed to the table. Normally, Ford lines up over the left tackle. I’ve a feeling he will shift to the other side as Tamba Hali gives Donald Penn fits on the left side. Right tackle is the lone weakness of this offensive line. Howard, Watson, et al, will see multiple rushers.

Offensively, the Raiders make adjustments. Musgrave will tinker with playcalling during games. The Chiefs are not 9-3 by luck. The Raiders will make changes for this game. The offense will put pressure on the Chiefs defense. Latavius Murray is not the X-factor. He will be there reason Oakland wins this game. Facing a defense predicated on speed, using power is the surest way to stem explosion.

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