In a highly competitive game, Los Angeles Rams Week 1 finished with a 33-13 win over the Oakland Raiders. Especially in the first half the guests had a surprisingly hard time against Jon Gruden’s change of pace in the offense. In the second run, however, the pressure of the rams increased and could no longer be controlled -. offensively as well as defensively.
Jon Gruden’s Raiders want to play physically, unpleasantly and loudly and that’s exactly how they got off to a great start as outsiders. The gameplan was simple: Establishing the run game and a little precise passing game by Derek Carr. Already the start was extremely promising when Marshawn Lynch completed the first drive with an energy performance in a bunch of players in which even Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh Beastmode could not stop. The Raiders managed to do everything they set out to do, with the exception of a large number of penalties, with more plays (39 – 20) for more yards (254 – 98) and a dominant Time of Possession (21:41 min – 8:19 min) in the first half.
The Rams-Defense, whose starters were hardly used at all in the preseason, seemed surprised by the many speed changes of the Raiders. Besides, there was no answer against tight end Jared Cook. On the offensive side, Todd Gurley’s running game was not made. 4 Carries for 19 yards is a big compliment to Oakland. It took until the second half until the picture of the game changed.
Then the pressure of the rams became too great in many parts of the team. The Raiders-O-Line could no longer stand up to the Rams’ pass rush, which is why Carr was forced to throw the ball out again and again. On the other hand, the duel in the Trenches in the second round clearly went to L.A. Gurley found again and again gaps for essential first downs. The success in the Run Game was also apparent in the Passing Game. Goff had more time to get rid of the ball. The touchdown by Cooper Kupp in the third quarter followed a magnificent play action design. Carr then lost all calm in a weak second half and threw two more picks to decide the game.
The Wideout played very well on his debut in the Rams jersey. In the first half he was used almost exclusively as Deep Threat and was the only effective factor in the Rams-Offense. He was criminally touched on two wide passports before the catch. Cooks convinced with excellent route running, kept creating separation and was free for important completions. If the Raiders were to succeed, the name Jared Cook would of course have to be here. The Raiders’ tight end was outstanding, a constant mismatch, collecting 9 essential receptions for an incredible 180 yards.
In the second half Carr unfortunately lost his temper completely, made bad decisions and barely brought passes to his receivers. Three receptions played a decisive role in the Raiders’ inability to win at the end of the game. Especially the second pick was completely inexplicable. Carr here with disastrous timing. The third pick was an excellent read from one of the best ball hawks in the league. But his tendency to fit in the direction of Jared Cook (12 targets) was an insight that probably every one of the Rams-Defenders had recognized at halftime at the latest.