The Las Vegas Raiders took care of business in Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans, ending their four-game losing streak with a convincing 20-10 victory. This game was never really in doubt as the Raiders took a 3-0 lead on their opening possession before increasing it to 10 points in the second quarter and leading by at least two possessions the rest of the way out. So, we have a much more positive tune to this week’s winners and losers.
WINNER: Devin White
White was flying all over the field on Sunday, and his contributions were directly reflected on the scoreboard. The linebacker got his first sack as a Raider and managed to force a fumble in the process, giving Las Vegas the ball on the two-yard line for the team’s first touchdown of the game. Then, the Titans were driving right before halftime and in position to make it a one-possession game at the Raiders’ 30-yard line, only for White to take the scoring opportunity away by coming down with an interception.
So, he accounted for at least 10 points in the 10-point victory. Also, this was a career performance for the seven-year pro, as it was the first time he had a forced fumble and an interception in the same game, and just the second time he’s accounted for two turnovers in one afternoon.
WINNER: Michael Mayer
With Brock Bowers out, the Silver and Black needed one of their pass-catchers to step up, and Mayer answered the call. He finished as the team’s second-leading receiver with five catches for 50 yards and scored his first touchdown since Week 14 of his rookie season. The third-year pro made several impactful catches, providing Geno Smith with a security blanket all game long.
After sitting out the last two weeks with a concussion, it was good to see Mayer get back in the fold and be a significant contributor against the Titans.
WINNER: Pass Rush
The Raiders’ pass rush was dominant on Sunday, accounting for 21 pressures according to Pro Football Focus, as Cam Ward was sacked six times. To make matters even better, it wasn’t just the Maxx Crosby show. The defense had five players record multiple pressures and nine at least had one, while Crosby contributed two sacks and White, Jonah Laulu and Leki Fotu each had one. For clarity, the sixth sack was a result of Ward dropping the ball as he went to throw.
Getting contributions from defensive linemen outside of Crosby has been an issue in Las Vegas this season. So, seeing several players step up on Sunday was encouraging for the defense moving forward.
WINNER: Tyree Wilson
While the entire d-line got some shine above, Wilson’s efforts deserve their own shoutout. He managed to account for three pressures and was the team’s highest-graded run defender (79.1), per PFF. The latter currently ranks third among all edge defenders for the week (pre-Monday Night Football), and he recorded two defensive stops (tied for seventh) on just eight run defense snaps for a 25.0 run stop rate (tied for second).
In other words, it was a strong and well-rounded performance from the third-year veteran.
LOSER: Pass Protection
Chip Kelly called a lot of play-action, bootlegs and quick passes to help mitigate the Raiders’ pass protection issues, but there’s no denying that the Silver and Black’s offensive line struggled on Sunday. The unit only had 12 opportunities to give up pressure on true pass sets and ended up surrendering six pressures, four quarterback hits and one sack, according to PFF.
Right tackle DJ Glaze (77.3) was the only lineman to record a pass-blocking grade above PFF’s baseline (60.0), with Jordan Meredith and Dylan Parham being the biggest culprits. Meredith was beaten for two pressures (one sack, one QB hit) while Parham also gave up a pair of pressures (one QB hit), earning 36.7 and 17.3 marks, respectively.
Las Vegas had a difficult time keeping Tennessee defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (three pressures, one sack) in check, as the o-line continues to struggle picking up stunts and line games.
WINNER: Tre Tucker
To end on a high note, Tucker continues to put together a breakout campaign. His five catches for 70 yards make it back-to-back games that he’s been the Raiders’ leading receiver, and allowed him to overtake Jakobi Meyers (329 yards) for the most receiving yards on the team with 356. The third-year pro is on pace to eclipse 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, and what’s even more encouraging is that he’s starting to show the ability to contribute on all three levels of the passing game.
Tucker’s speed and ability to win deep have never been a question, and he improved as a route-runner last year to be a threat on intermediate routes. On Sunday, 58 of his 70 yards came after the catch, highlighted by hauling in a short pass and making a defender miss for a 37-yard gain. He still has a little more room to grow, but Tucker is starting to emerge as a complete receiver.
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