Raiders' OC thinks improvements in one area are a product of something we don't see
The Las Vegas Raiders are coming back from a bye week, or in other words, getting ready two weeks ahead of their matchup with the Houston Texans. Both teams have just one win, but both do not have four losses, as the Texans tied the first game of the season against the Indianapolis Colts. For […]
The Las Vegas Raiders are coming back from a bye week, or in other words, getting ready two weeks ahead of their matchup with the Houston Texans. Both teams have just one win, but both do not have four losses, as the Texans tied the first game of the season against the Indianapolis Colts.
For the Raiders, they have looked a lot better in the last few weeks in one specific area of the offense. If you have watched the offense over the last few games, this team has started to realize that part of their identity will be running the ball. And, they are pretty good at it and have gotten better.
"I think consistency and practice is a big part of it," offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi told the media when asked about the run game being better. "Obviously we have had a few things happen in the first few weeks in terms of we fell behind in some games, and kind of get back into some games throwing the football.
"I think these guys consistently perform well in practice, on Wednesdays and Thursdays in pads, and really focusing on their assignments and stuff like that. I think that's really been showing up in games and I think that is a big part of where the running game is coming from."
I can see what Lombardi means by the game script, or trailing in games. Against the Chargers, they trailed a lot of the game, especially late in the fourth quarter, so they needed to throw the ball.
Against the Broncos you saw the Raiders have the lead and maintain that lead because of how well the defense played. When they have the lead, they can run the ball. We saw them playing ahead in the first half against the Chiefs, and some of the third quarter, so they were able to run the ball.
In terms of practice, it sounds like Lombardi is saying their practice habits have gotten better. If so, there was a suspicion that the raiders weren't having proper practice habits at the beginning of the season. How much do I take away from that? Not much.
But if they are making the adjustments and it's showing on the field, that is great news. The Raiders still have a chance to make the playoffs, believe it or not.
Featured Image Via Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
