San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders: Complete Week 6 Preview for Oakland
The Oakland Raiders have had as bad a start to the season as is possible. They've been largely noncompetitive during an 0-4 beginning, including two embarrassing losses.
Things were particularly bad during the Raiders' Week 4 trip to London, where they were embarrassed by the Miami Dolphins. Dennis Allen was fired as soon as the team returned to the United States, and it's now interim head coach Tony Sparano's job to lead this team to its first win of the 2014 season.
His first chance will be this Sunday, and he has his work cut out for him as the Raiders will host the red-hot San Diego Chargers.
Oakland has been able do some things right in spurts, but the team has been mostly ineffective on both sides of the ball. The offense hasn't been able to score points, and the defense has struggled against both the run and the pass.
Despite the excitement that surrounded the team following all of the offseason additions, that quickly dissipated once the season began. The team grew stagnant under Allen, and Sparano has been tasked with trying to get this team to believe in itself and play at a higher level. Early signs indicate that the players are paying attention, according to veteran Antonio Smith (via CSNBayArea.com's Scott Bair):
"You knew right off the bat that this isn’t another one of those guys come in just to fill time and do the best he can do, so he can win a head coaching job next year. No, he said, "I’m going to demand more out of you. I’m going to give you more and I want more wins out of the team."
"
He's had two weeks to try and instill a renewed sense of excitement and confidence in this Oakland roster. We'll find out this Sunday whether or not his approach has had the desired effect.
Sunday's game is scheduled for a 4:05 pm ET kickoff from O.co Coliseum in Oakland. Here's a full breakdown of Oakland's Week 6 match-up.
Oakland Raiders Week 4 Recap
1 of 5
When the Raiders flew to London for their Week 4 matchup against the Dolphins, they were there for something that will be in short supply this season: a winnable game. Oakland was coming off of its best performance of the season, Miami was reeling and it looked as if the game was ripe for the picking. It seemed like the perfect opportunity for the Raiders to get their season back on track.
Instead, it was the Dolphins who had a performance capable of turning their season around.
The Raiders opened up the game with an impressive 10-play, 74-yard touchdown drive. Derek Carr was sharp, and Darren McFadden's runs made it seem like he was primed for a breakout game. But as it turned out, this would be the only effective drive the offense would put together until late in the fourth quarter, by which time the game already had long been over.
Carr had a decent game, going 16-of-25 for 146 yards, one touchdown and one interception. But he was knocked out with knee and ankle injuries in the third quarter, and his exit marked the end of the last bit of hope the offense had of making any kind of run. He was replaced by Matt McGloin, who threw two interceptions of his own.
The running game was once again nonexistent. The team rushed for 53 yards on only 18 carries, and the Raiders offense was reduced to a one-dimensional attack reliant on the hope that Carr could somehow make things happen. Oakland was down big early, and the offense failed to show any commitment to the rush.
As bad as the offense was, the defense was worse. Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill had played poorly for two straight games, and head coach Joe Philbin wouldn't commit to him just days before the game. But the Oakland defense allowed Tannehill to look like one of the NFL's elite at the position. He finished the game 23-of-31 for 278 yards, two touchdowns and one interception through the air, along with five carries for 35 yards on the ground.
The Raiders also allowed 157 yards on 35 carries—an average of 4.5 yards per rush—adding to what was already the league's second-worst run defense. It seemed like no matter what Miami did, it worked.
The Oakland offense was ineffective, and the defense was embarrassing. This was a humiliating, humbling defeat. It cost Dennis Allen his job, and it forced—or at least should have forced—every member of the Raiders roster to take a long look in the mirror.
But as bad as it was, it only counts as one loss in the standings, and Oakland has had two weeks to shake it off. The Raiders have 12 games left to turn this season around, and it's now up to Tony Sparano to try and light a fire under this team.
News and Notes
2 of 5Tony Sparano...Come On Down!
Following Dennis Allen's firing, Sparano was named the interim head coach. He's now tasked with trying to somehow keep this season from turning into a complete loss.
Per CSNBayArea.com's Scott Bair, Sparano's direct, honest approach has already earned the respect of some members of the team. Defensive tackle Antonio Smith has noticed the approach (via Bair): "We know what he expects from us and what he sees out of us. That included the bad things. When he talks about the bad, he gives it to you blood raw. There’s no sugar coating."
Smith also pointed out that he appreciates this approach (via Bair):
"That’s a good technique. It’s a powerful Jedi-mind trick that Obi Wan Kenobi used to use. It’s something this team really needs. It needs to believe in itself. You need full belief in what we are and who we can be. The moment he took the stage (during our first meeting) he brought that commanding presence.
"
One of the most common knocks against Allen was his seeming lack of passion and fire, and this passive demeanor was reflected by the team. This is something that Sparano will certainly change.
Who Will Coach the Raiders in 2015?
While Sparano is a respected coach in the NFL, it's going to take something special for him to remain as the head coach beyond this season. The search for Oakland's next head coach has already begun (at least in the media), and the list of hypothetical candidates is getting pretty interesting.
Following Allen's firing, the San Jose Mercury News' Tim Kawakami suggested that this could signal the return of Jon Gruden, but Gruden was quick to shut down the rumor by stating that a return to coaching wasn't in his plans.
Mike Holmgren has also been in the mix. Per ProFootballTalk.com's Mike Florio, Holmgren confirmed a visit to Oakland, but was noncommital when asked whether or not he would consider coaching the Raiders.
Now, the primary candidate seems to be current San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh. What makes this rumor intriguing is that it's not too far-fetched.
Per Florio, "One league source tells PFT[Pro Football Talk] that Harbaugh would 'love' to return to the Raiders, where his non-playing career began in 2002 and 2003 as the team’s quarterbacks coach." This, combined with the ever-louder rumblings of the fractured relationship between Harbaugh and 49ers' general manager Trent Baalke, makes Harbaugh's availability a viable possibility.
It seems odd that a team would seem so eager to part ways with a coach that's led that franchise to so much recent success. The cause seems to be Harbaugh's abrasive personality. But for a team like Oakland, dealing with his personality would be a price willingly paid for a return to excellence.
Linebackers Wanted
If you've ever played linebacker, seen a linebacker or just happen to have heard the word "linebacker" at some point, the Raiders probably want to talk to you.
The Oakland linebacker corps has been decimated by injuries, and that's only four games into the season. Per the Raiders' official website, Kaluka Maiava is out for the season. And according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Vic Tafur, Nick Roach will now join him. Both have been placed on the reserve/injured list.
Sio Moore has also been dealing with injuries, and he's yet to play since going down with an ankle injury in Week 2.
To try to and plug this hole, the Raiders had promoted rookie Bojay Filimoeatu from the practice squad, and CSNBAyArea.com's Scott Bair reports that they've claimed second-year linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong off of waivers from the St. Louis Rams. The Raiders have also announced the signing of fifth-year player Jamar Chaney to try and fortify the position.
Filimoeatu played the first game of his career in Week 4, and Armstrong was primarily a special teams player for the Rams. Chaney has had some success in his career, including leading the Philadelphia Eagles in tackles in 2011.
This leaves Oakland with an injured Moore, Khalil Mack, Miles Burris, a player with limited success in Chaney and two players with very little experience at linebacker to face San Diego's Philip Rivers.
Regardless of how the group does on Sunday, one thing's certain: Oakland will continue to seek help at the position.
Is this Moore's final opportunity?
The Denarius Moore saga seemed to finally reach a conclusion in Week 4 when he was a healthy scratch from the game. For years, the enigmatic receiver has teased with his potential, but that has been negated by his inconsistency and seeming lack of dedication. His exclusion from the game in London looked to be the sign that the team had finally given up on him.
However, Tafur tweeeted on Wednesday that Tony Sparano has given Moore a "clean slate." This is an encouraging sign, especially given Oakland's lack of depth at wide receiver.
It'll be interesting to see if Sparano can be the coach that taps into Moore's immense talent. Sparano's known as a player's coach, so it's possible that he has the personality to reach Moore, keep him focused and turn him into a consistent producer.
For an offense as anemic as the one in Oakland, this would be a huge boost.
Injury Report
3 of 5
| Player | Position | Injury Status |
| Kaluka Maiava | LB | Out for season/Injured reserve (IR) |
| Nick Roach | LB | Out for season/Injured reserve (IR) |
| D.J. Hayden | CB | Physically unable to perform (PUP) |
| Khalif Barnes | OL | Doubtful |
| Derek Carr | QB | Questionable |
| Sio Moore | LB | Questionable |
| Keith McGill | CB | Questionable |
| Marcel Reece | FB | Questionable |
Injury statuses taken from CSNBayArea.com's Scott Bair.
The Raiders have lost two linebackers to season-ending injuries: Nick Roach and Kaluka Maiava. Roach has been out since the third week of the preseason with concussion-like symptoms, and key reserve Maiava has also been lost for the year with a hamstring injury.
Moore has been limited in practice. It's a good sign that he's finally active again, but his status for Sunday remains uncertain. However, the Oakland Tribune's Jerry McDonald tweeted that Moore is likely to play. That gives Oakland a starting group of Moore, Khalil Mack and Miles Burris.
To try and reinforce the group, Oakland has added Ray-Ray Armstrong, Jamar Chaney and Bojay Filimoeatu. Given the lack of depth at the position, all of them will have to contribute. It will be a tough test for this mostly unproven group against one of the NFL's top quarterbacks.
Barnes is out for Sunday, per McDonald. He has been solid, so his absence against San Diego will leave a big void to fill. Menelik Watson will fill in for him at right tackle. The offensive line has been one of Oakland's few bright spots, so Watson will have to play better than he has so far to maintain the unit's level of play.
Keith McGill, who's seen most of his action on special teams and in spot duty in the secondary, has been limited with a groin injury. His status for Sunday remains uncertain, but given his limited role, his absence won't have a major impact on the team.
Hayden has continued to rehab, and he appears set to begin practicing with the team next week. Per Bair:
"Cornerback DJ Hayden, who has been on the physically unable to perform list since training camp began, worked out on the side during a portion of practice open to the media. He cut sharply, backpedalled well and made strong football moves in the session with a trainer.
"
His return will provide a major boost to a cornerback group that's struggled this season.
Reece has been limited in practice with a quad injury, but this seems mostly precautionary. He's more likely to play than not against the Chargers.
Despite suffering two injuries on the same play against Miami, Carr has declared himself likely to play this week, and interim head coach Tony Sparano seems to agree (via McDonald). Despite Oakland's offensive struggles, it has shown signs of its potential. Having Carr remain in the starting lineup will allow the unit to continue to develop a rhythm.
If Carr is unable to play for any reason, he'll be replaced by Matt Schaub.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
X-Factors and Matchups to Watch
4 of 5
Oakland defensive line vs. Branden Oliver
The Raiders will have a hard time keeping up with the Chargers on Sunday, but one area where the team has a legitimate shot at winning the battle is against the Chargers rushing attack.
While the Oakland defensive line has been ineffective, it'll be up against one of the league's worst rushing attacks. San Diego is averaging a pitiful 2.8 yards per carry, last in the league. The one successful performance from a Chargers running back came last week from Oliver, who rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
Given how well Philip Rivers is playing, the passing defense will have it's work cut out. The cornerbacks, safeties and linebackers will already have their hands full. The Oakland defensive line needs to hold its own against the running backs to give the defense a chance at success.
Sio Moore and Khalil Mack vs. Antonio Gates
The Rivers-Gates connection is one of the best quarterback-tight end combinations in history, and it's shown thus far in 2014 no signs of slowing down.
Through five games, Gates has 21 receptions for 275 yards and five touchdowns. On Sunday, it'll be up to Mack and Moore to try and slow him down. Even at 34 years old, Gates still has the ability to consistently get open downfield and makes plays after the catch. He remains one of Rivers' primary targets.
But as good as the San Diego offense has been, it's been one-dimensional. While the passing game has thrived, the running game has contributed virtually nothing.
The key to slowing Rivers will be limiting the effectiveness of Gates. If Mack and Moore can keep the tight end from making too many big plays, it'll go a long way toward slowing down the Chargers offense overall.
Menelik Watson vs. Kendall Reyes and Jarret Johnson
Heading into this season, Watson was an early favorite to finally become Oakland's established right tackle. Unfortunately, he didn't show the progress the coaches expected, and he was passed over in favor of Khalif Barnes.
But Barnes will miss this week's game, providing Watson the opportunity to play every down and show the improvement he's made. This week, Watson will have to do that against San Diego's 3-4 defense and either left defensive end Kendall Reyes and/or left outside linebacker Jarret Johnson.
Neither Johnson or Reyes have had a big year so far, but Watson has shown weaknesses and has struggled to move his feet and stay in front of the rush. He'll have to ensure that he's able to maintain protection against the Chargers, especially given Carr's still-injured knee and ankle, which will limit the QB's mobility.
X-Factor of the Week: Tony Sparano
The Raiders are a team in the middle of a rebuild, so it was expected that they would have some ups and downs this season. However, the team certainly could have, and should have, played better than it did through he first four games. The team also should have better than a 0-4 record at this point.
The disconnect between Dennis Allen and the team had become obvious, as had the team's general lack of motivation. This is one of the first things Sparano has to address. Fortunately, he has the personality that can get the Raiders to believe in themselves and perform much better going forward.
A win against the Chargers on Sunday is a long shot, especially given the transitional state the Oakland locker room is currently in and how well San Diego is playing. What the Raiders need to do is put up a fight and play like a team that can be dangerous. This will be a huge step in the right direction for a team that's been pushed around so far.
Prediction
5 of 5
While the Raiders are still trying to figure out a way to put four quarters together and get their first win, the Chargers have emerged as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
This is a mismatch on paper, and that's how it'll play out on the field.
The one area where Oakland can make a stand is against the run. As good as the Chargers have been, they're ranked last in the league with an average of only 2.8 yards per carry and are struggling to find a reliable running back.
Oakland has allowed 158.3 yards per game on the ground—second worst in the league—but this is an area the team can focus on and have a legitimate shot at succeeding.
However, the gap in overall performance is too great for the Raiders to overcome. The Oakland defense has been picked apart all season, and that's been at the hands of quarterbacks named Ryan Tannehill and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Philip Rivers has been arguably the league's best quarterback, and he'll continue his high level of play on Sunday.
The San Diego defense has emerged as one of the NFL's best, and the Oakland offense is arguably the league's worst. This might not be as much of a mismatch as Rivers versus the Oakland defense, but it's close.
It's going to take more time for Sparano to get this team turned around. At the very least, he'll get the Raiders to exhibit the effort that's been missing. That alone will be a major improvement, even in a loss.
The Raiders' best hope is to keep it close and try to do some positive things to build off of going forward. Oakland might be able to stay in this game for awhile, but the Chargers will eventually impose their will, show that they're the better team and pull away.
Oakland will have to wait at least one more week for its first win of the season.
Prediction: Chargers 30, Raiders 17
Unless otherwise noted, all stats taken from ESPN.com.
Share your thoughts and opinions on Twitter @BrianJ_Flores.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
