With a rebuilt line and a strong trio of running backs, the Raiders went into Sunday’s regular-season opener believing their running game would be their offensive strong suit in 2014.
“I think we’re going to be able to have an effective run game,” said Oakland head coach Dennis Allen after the final preseason game. “You saw some good things up front with the offensive line being able to move people off the ball.”
But on Sunday against the New York Jets at the Meadowlands in New Jersey, the Raiders rarely moved anyone off the ball. The Jets’ defensive front seven closed up running lanes and put pressure on rookie quarterback Derek Carr in a 19-14 Raiders loss.
Oakland could manage just 25 yards on the ground while extending its losing streak to 14 straight games in the Eastern time zone, dating to December of 2009.
Veteran safety Charles Woodson set the Raiders up for a nice start with a first-quarter interception at the Jets’ 28-yard line. From there, Carr completed four consecutive passes, including a 12-yard touchdown pass to Rod Streater, that gave the Raiders a 7-3 lead.
But from that point on – until a late TD pass from Carr to James Jones narrowed the gap -- the Jets’ defense was dominant and the Raiders running game, which needed to be effective to take the pressure off Carr in his first official NFL start, disappeared. The Jets were able to sack Carr twice.
After a shaky start and two quick turnovers, the Jets offense controlled the game, rushing for 212 yards and outgaining Oakland in total yards 402-158.
Sports
Chris Ivory rushed for 102 yards, including a 71-yard burst that sealed the victory late in the fourth quarter, and Chris Johnson added 68 more yards rushing. Smith, the second-year pro who struggled as a rookie, settled in after a rough start to complete 23-of-28 passes for 221 yards.
Carr, meanwhile, completed 20-of-32 throws for 151 yards and two TDs, including the late 30-yarder to Jones to get the Raiders within five points. But Oakland couldn’t get the ball on the ensuing onside kick and the Jets ran out the clock.
Oakland, now 0-1, will come home to the O.co Coliseum next Sunday to try to get back on track against the Houston Texans, who beat Washington 17-6 in their opener.
