The Raiders finished the year on a four-game losing streak and an embarrassing loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in week 17. That gave the team its fourth season in the last six years with 10 or more losses. Not the type of season you want to follow up with after making the playoffs in 2016.
A big reason why the team struggled in 2017 was the offense. Offensive Coordinator Todd Downing could not continue the offensive consistency from a year ago when the unit was under the guidance of Bill Musgrave.
Too many three and outs and stretches of horrible play calling doomed this unit. This group, with all of its stars, should have no problem being a top 10 offense. Instead, they were #23 in points scored, #17 in total offense and #28 in turnovers.
Let us break down the offensive stats to see what happened this season.
Passing Statistics
Derek Carr – 62.7%, 3496 passing yards, 23 TD’s, 12 INT’s
EJ Manuel – 55.8%, 265 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Derek Carr started 15 out of the 16 possible games this season. EJ Manuel filled in for Carr for the Ravens game after the former Fresno State quarterback injured his back in the week 4. Even though he finished the season with the fourteenth most passing yards and tied for twelfth in passing touchdowns, Carr had his difficulties this season. Carr almost doubled his turnover total from 2016 to this season (9, 16), which was a big issue for the offense as a whole.
Rushing Statistics
Marshawn Lynch – 207 rushes, 891 yards, 7 TD’s
Jalen Richard – 56 rushes, 285 yards, 1 TD
DeAndre Washington- 57 rushes, 153 yards, 2 TD’s
Cordarrelle Patterson – 13 rushes, 121 yards, 2 TD’s
Marshawn Lynch produced as many had hoped for this season. Lynch provided burst and downhill running. More importantly, Beast Mode fell on first contact. On the other hand, second-year backs Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington struggled throughout the year to create the same magic and impact from their rookie seasons. Finally, the biggest surprise from the group was newly acquired return specialist, Cordarrelle Patterson. Patterson had two long rushing touchdowns on the season.
Receiving Statistics
Michael Crabtree – 58 receptions, 618 yards, 8 TD’s
Jared Cook – 54 receptions, 688 yards, 2 TD’s
Amari Cooper – 48 receptions, 680 yards, 7 TD’s
Seth Roberts – 43 receptions, 455 yards, 1 TD
Cordarrelle Patterson – 31 receptions, 309 yards
A unit full of promise and expectations, the wide receivers disappointed in 2017. Drops once again plagued the receivers, with Amari Cooper leading the group with 10 for the year. Additionally, Seth Roberts and Johnny Holton had costly fumbles late in the season and Michael Crabtree, outside of his injured 2009 season, set a career low in yards. Meanwhile, the only bright spot in this group was tight end, Jared Cook. Cook led the team in receiving yards and was a vital weapon for Carr during the season. With this in mind, look for Cook to remain a weapon.
In all, a very disappointing season for the Raiders, especially on the offensive end. Fortunately, the offense with be under a new coaching staff this upcoming season. As a result, this means better days are ahead.