MINNEAPOLIS – Raiders positives were tough to spot after Minnesota dismantled them 34-14 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
They were down three scores in three Vikings series, and results barely got better from there. The Raiders struggled in all three phases of the game, exposing some real weaknesses and showing they aren't currently on par with an upper-echelon NFL team.
This loss wasn't due to poor preparation or a litany of major mistakes. The Raiders just got beat, out-executed by a superior team.
Let's take a look at the Raiders report card from this loss to the Vikings:
Rushing offense
It's tough to run a ton when you're down so big so fast. Josh Jacobs only had 10 carries in this one, without much production beyond an 18-yard run. The offensive line had a rough time against Minnesota's defensive front, with few clean holes to work through.
The Silver and Black had 88 yards on 20 carries, but the backs couldn't make a significant contribution in this game. Jacobs needed to be a real factor to win this game, and a negative game script took him out of it.
Grade:C
Sports
Passing offense
Derek Carr's passing line isn't half bad. He completed 27 of 34 passes for 242, two touchdowns, a pick and a 103.7 passer rating. That doesn't look half bad. It also doesn't reflect the passing game's struggles. They weren't able to work the ball downfield, with most of Carr's passes thrown five yards or fewer in the air. Tyrell Williams wasn't a real factor, and Darren Waller played well as the primary target, but the Raiders couldn't protect Carr well – Kolton Miller had a rough game – and couldn't generate the explosive plays required to make a comeback attempt.
Grade:D
Rushing defense
The Raiders run defense walked into Sunday's game with heads held high. They left with tails between their legs after Dalvin Cook ran wild for 110 yards and a touchdown on just 16 carries. The Vikings churned out 211 yards on 38 carries, and never passed in the fourth quarter. That's how dominant the run game was throughout this game, which leaves the defensive front to do some soul searching heading into Week 4.
Grade:F
Passing defense
Kirk Cousins didn't have to do much to win this game, with Cook running strong and the Raiders unable to score points. The pass rush was non-existent, with Cousins hit just three times and never sacked. Adam Thielen had 55 yards and a touchdown, making safety Curtis Riley look bad on one big play. Free safety's a real issue for this team, and it might require a personnel change.
Grade:C-minus
Special teams
The Raiders never started a drive beyond their own 25-yard line, and lost the battle for field position. Former Viking Daniel Carlson was booed relentlessly in his first trip back to Minnesota, and it seemed to rattle him on a 51-yard attempt that hit the upright. Dwayne Harris is sorely missed in the kicking game.
Grade:D-minus
Overall
The Raiders just got beat, plain and simple. It was tough to excuse, showing real weaknesses that may crop up against quality competition down the line. There's plenty to fix but it has to happen fast. A prolonged losing streak could send the season down the drain shortly after it started.
Grade: F
