Some Raiders players on Sunday blamed communication errors for the breakdowns as the Raiders allowed 528 yards to the Atlanta Falcons – the second straight week of allowing 500-plus yards.
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Much was made about Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and his athletic compatibility with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s offense. But receiver Justin Hardy pulled in the ball for a go-ahead TD, and the sideline dynamic changed.
In the second quarter, Robert Alford intercepted Carr’s pass in the end zone, but he pushed off Michael Crabtree resulting in a pass interference.
Dan Quinn said we could see Desmond Trufant shadow Amari Cooper, and that’s exactly what happened. The Falcons have a tough schedule ahead and today was as close to a must-win game as you can have in week two of the season. The catch was only Hardy’s second of the year, but he found himself in the right place at the right time for the 8-yard touchdown. Rookie Austin Hooper finished with three catches for 84 yards and Jacob Tamme hauled in five balls for 75 yards and a touchdown. Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman combined for 139 yards rushing.
Through the first two games, Jones has caught nine passes for a total of 172 yards and two touchdowns.
Later on a fourth-and-3, the Falcons forced a punt, but a challenge after the kick by the Raiders revealed the Falcons had 12 men on the field. Carr went 34 for 45 for 299 yards and three TDs against the Falcons.
“I’m taking it way more personal than him, because it’s my defense”, Mack said. Drew Brees- Brees moved back into 3rd All-Time on the NFL’s passing touchdown list yesterday, as he was tied with New England’s Tom Brady (428) coming into the game.
“[We] did a better job in the red zone today, still have some opportunities to continue to improve, areas we can get better”. We’ve got work to do. Quinn was asked if he’s any more concerned about Jones getting banged up regularly. On Sunday, he almost went for 400 yards, hitting nine different players for completions. We did a great job with the tempo – it was effective for us. “It was a good look (against the Raiders)”.
The Falcons continue a brutal stretch of their hard schedule, and next is up is the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Monday night.
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While Oakland has faced two top quarterbacks in Drew Brees and Matt Ryan, has been missing defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr., and has been breaking in new starters in cornerback Sean Smith, safety Reggie Nelson, linebacker Bruce Irvin and defensive lineman Jihad Ward, Del Rio is not seeking excuses. He did not play on Atlanta’s final possession.
