Raiders Unable to Overcome Early Deficit, Lose Third Straight to Ravens
By NBC Sports Bay Area ••
OAKLAND – This Raiders season started so well. The first two games went according to plan, easy victories that supported 2017’s lofty expectations.
Then the wheels came off. The Raiders got beat soundly by Washington. They couldn’t keep pace with Denver. And then got owned by the Baltimore Ravens at home.
Sunday’s 30-17 result had little to do with quarterback Derek Carr being sidelined with a bad back. EJ Manuel played well enough.
The Raiders defense got beat time and again on third down, and rarely kept the Ravens off the scoreboard.
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CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass during the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass in the first quarter during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter of the game at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Dexter McDonald #23 of the Oakland Raiders tackles Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers for a first down during the first quarter of the game at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers makes the catch for a first down as he is being tackled by NaVorro Bowman #53 of the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter of the game at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass during the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers fumbles the ball into the hands of Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers who runs the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers makes a catch for a touchdown past TJ Carrie #38 of the Oakland Raiders to take a 20-10 lead during the first half at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass during the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders makes the 87 yard catch for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders is sacked by Chris Long #56 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: DeAndre Washington #33 of the Oakland Raiders attempts to get past Mychal Kendricks #95 of the Philadelphia Eagles after making a catch during the second quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by Brandon Graham #55 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: Jay Ajayi #36 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 10: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders passes during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 10: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders carries the ball as outside linebacker Frank Zombo #51 of the Kansas City Chiefs defends during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 10: Tight end Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs powers through the Oakland Raiders defense after making a catch during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 10: Running back Kareem Hunt #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball as middle linebacker NaVorro Bowman #53 of the Oakland Raiders defends during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 10: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs is chased by defensive end Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 10: Cornerback Terrance Mitchell #39 of the Kansas City Chiefs intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 10: Running back Kareem Hunt #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball as linebacker Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Oakland Raiders defends during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 10: Running back DeAndre Washington #33 of the Oakland Raiders carries the ball during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 10: Running back Kareem Hunt #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 10: Cornerback Terrance Mitchell #39 of the Kansas City Chiefs breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson #84 of the Oakland Raiders during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 03: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders runs for a 51-yard touchdown against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 03: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders scores on a 51-yard run against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 03: Giorgio Tavecchio #2 of the Oakland Raiders kicks an extra point against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 03: Geno Smith #3 of the New York Giants is stripped of the ball by Bruce Irvin #51 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 03: Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders is upended by Calvin Munson #46 of the New York Giants during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 03: Evan Engram #88 of the New York Giantsruns after a catch against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 03: Sterling Shepard #87 of the New York Giants makes a catch at the one-yard line against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 03: Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders strips Geno Smith #3 of the New York Giants of the ball for a turnover during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders is walked off the field by Cordarrelle Patterson #84 after being ejected for fighting with Aqib Talib #21 of the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders has his helmet pulled off during a fight with Aqib Talib #21 of the Denver Broncos in their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Oakland, California. Both players were ejected from the game. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Paxton Lynch #12 of the Denver Broncos is sacked by Denico Autry #96 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders rushes with the ball against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders dives into the end zone for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders fights with Aqib Talib #21 of the Denver Broncos in their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Oakland, California. Both players were ejected from the game. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to pass against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 19: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders during the first half at Estadio Azteca on November 19, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 19: Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots during the first half at Estadio Azteca on November 19, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 19: Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots splits a tackle from Karl Joseph #42 and Reggie Nelson #27 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half at Estadio Azteca on November 19, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 19: Seth Roberts #10 of the Oakland Raiders attempts to break a tackle from Jonathan Jones #31 of the New England Patriots during the first half at Estadio Azteca on November 19, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 19: Dwayne Allen #83 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball after a reception against the Oakland Raiders during the second half at Estadio Azteca on November 19, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 19: Trey Flowers #98 and David Harris #45 of the New England Patriots tackle Seth Roberts #10 of the Oakland Raiders during the second half at Estadio Azteca on November 19, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 19: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders reacts against the New England Patriots during the second half at Estadio Azteca on November 19, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Logan Thomas #82 of the Buffalo Bills runs with the ball as Shalom Luani #26 of the Oakland Raiders, NaVorro Bowman #53 of the Oakland Raiders, and Justin Ellis #78 of the Oakland Raiders attempt to tackle him during the first quarter of an NFL game on October 29, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 29: DeAndre Washington #33 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball as Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills attempts to tackle him during the first quarter of an NFL game on October 29, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Leonard Johnson #24 of the Buffalo Bills forces a fumble while tackling DeAndre Washington #33 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter of an NFL game on October 29, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Buffalo Bills slides as NaVorro Bowman #53 of the Oakland Raiders and Shilique Calhoun #91 of the Oakland Raiders attempt to tackle him during the second quarter of an NFL game on October 29, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Mike Tolbert #35 of the Buffalo Bills runs the ball as Shalom Luani #26 of the Oakland Raiders and Mario Edwards #97 of the Oakland Raiders attempt to tackle him during the first quarter of an NFL game on October 29, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball as Shareece Wright #20 of the Buffalo Bills attempts to tackle him during the first quarter of an NFL game on October 29, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Jamize Olawale #49 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by Cedric Thornton #91 of the Buffalo Bills and Preston Brown #52 of the Buffalo Bills as he scores a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 29, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball as Leonard Johnson #24 of the Buffalo Bills attempts to tackle him during the first quarter of an NFL game on October 29, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 19: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a Giorgio Tavecchio #2 extra point is good to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 31-30 in their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 19: Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders makes a catch at the one-yard line of the Kansas City Chiefs in the final moments of their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 19: NaVorro Bowman #53 of the Oakland Raiders reacts during their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 19: Alex Smith #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs is rushed by Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 19: Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders is pushed out of bounds by Phillip Gaines #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 19: DeAndre Washington #33 of the Oakland Raiders scores on a four-yard run against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 19: Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders gets past Terrance Mitchell #39 of the Kansas City Chiefs to score a touchdown at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 15: Bruce Irvin #51 of the Oakland Raiders reacts to a play against the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 15, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 15: DeAndre Washington #33 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by his facemask by Darius Philon #93 of the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 15, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 15: Hayes Pullard III #50 of the Los Angeles Chargers intercepts a ball tipped by Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 15, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Don Feria/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 15: Head coach Jack Del Rio of the Oakland Raiders looks on during their NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 15, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Don Feria/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 15: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders reacts to a play during their NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 15, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Don Feria/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 15: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers dives for a 1-yard touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 15, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 08: EJ Manuel #3 of the Oakland Raiders slides after scambling with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 08: Head coach Jack Del Rio of the Oakland Raiders looks on against the Baltimore Ravens during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 08: Seth Roberts #10 of the Oakland Raiders runs after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 08: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Michael Crabtree #15 after scoring in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 08: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders catches a 41-yard touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Strong safety Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos intercepts a deep pass intended for wide receiver Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders as free safety Bradley Roby #29 covers the play late in the fourth quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Head coach Jack Del Rio of the Oakland Raiders has a word with quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders before Carr came out of the game with an injury in the third quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Trevor Siemian #13 of the Denver Broncos is sacked by defensive end Mario Edwards #97 of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders carries the ball in the first quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Tight end A.J. Derby #83 of the Denver Broncos crosses the goal line for a touchdown in the first quarter of a game against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 hands off to running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Wide receiver Johnny Holton #16 of the Oakland Raiders, under coverage by free safety Darian Stewart #26 of the Denver Broncos, looks over his shoulder before making a catch that would go for a 64-yard touchdown in the second quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders drops back to pass from his own end zone in the second quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Oakland Raiders players sit during the national anthem before they take on the Washington Redskins at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Oakland Raiders players sit during the national anthem before they take on the Washington Redskins at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Tight end Vernon Davis #85 of the Washington Redskins scores a touchdown as cornerback Sean Smith #21 of the Oakland Raiders tries to stop him in the second quarter at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins makes a catch over cornerback David Amerson #29 of the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Tight end Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders scores a touchdown over strong safety Deshazor Everett #22 of the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders is taken down by tight end Vernon Davis #85 of the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raider tires to match a catch over strong safety Montae Nicholson #35 of the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at FedExField on September 4, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders is sacked by outside linebacker Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders breaks a tackle and rushes for a thirteen yard gain against the New York Jets during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders gets past Juston Burris #32 and Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets to score a touchdown at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Mario Edwards #97 of the Oakland Raiders tackles Josh McCown #15 of the New York Jets at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders dances on the sideline during their win over the New York Jets at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Marshall Newhouse #73 and he Crabtree scored a touchdown against the New York Jets at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to pass the ball against the New York Jets at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball against the New York Jets at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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NASHVILLE, TN- SEPTEMBER 10: Running Back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders carries the ball against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter against at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 In Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
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NASHVILLE, TN- SEPTEMBER 10: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders stiff arms linebacker Jayon Brown #55 of the Tennessee Titans in the first half at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 In Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) )
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NASHVILLE, TN- SEPTEMBER 10: Wide receiver Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans game at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 In Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) )
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NASHVILLE, TN- SEPTEMBER 10: Safety Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders deflects a pass intended for wide receiver Eric Decker #87 of the Tennessee Titans in the first half at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 In Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) )
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NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 10: Quarterback Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans rolls out away from Justin Ellis #78 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
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NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 10: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders drops back to throw a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
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NASHVILLE, TN- SEPTEMBER 10: Running back Demarco Murray #29 of the Tennessee Titans hurdles corner back David Amerson #29 of the Oakland Raiders in the second half at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 In Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) )
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NASHVILLE, TN- SEPTEMBER 10: Wide receiver Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders makes a catch against the Tennessee Titans in the second half at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 In Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) )
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NASHVILLE, TN- SEPTEMBER 10: Kicker Giorgio Tavecchio #2 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after making a field goal against the Tennessee Titans in the second half at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 In Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) )
The Silver and Black are below .500 following a three-game losing streak that has changed the course of season’s first half.
Sunday’s game was a ‘W’ on paper, especially after Baltimore got beat soundly the past two weeks. It didn’t play out that way.
The Raiders fell down two scores in a flash, and never recovered.
Joe Flacco hit Mike Wallace on a 52-yard bomb to start the game and never looked back. The Ravens scored on their opening possession and the Raiders’ first drive, thanks to a Jared Cook fumble Jimmy Smith returned 46 yards for a touchdown.
Baltimore scored on defense and its first three possessions to take a commanding 24-10 halftime lead.
The Raiders’ lone first-half highlight came on a broken play. Manuel bought time in the pocket and threw a 41-yard touchdown strike to Michael Crabtree. That cut the Ravens lead to 21-10.
Baltimore’s offense made it tough to catch up, with one scoring drive after another.
That didn’t stop the Raiders from trying. The deficit dipped to one score late in the third quarter with a Marshawn Lynch touchdown run. Manuel made that drive happen with two key third-down conversions using his legs.
The Ravens re-established their two-score lead with a field goal on the following drive.
The Raiders never got close, and lost their third straight contest.
Smith gets beat (early and often): The Raiders were down David Amerson and Gareon Conley heading into this one, leaving Sean Smith in a vital role at outside cornerback. He has proven vulnerable to speed in the past, and the Ravens capitalized on it. Mike Wallace beat Smith deep twice in the first half on drives that became Ravens touchdowns.
The Raiders couldn’t adjust much with so few defensive backs available, putting them at risk most of the day.
Cooper’s slump continues: Amari Cooper’s unproductive run continued against the Ravens. He had one catch for eight yards in this one, fourth-straight poor performance by the two-time Pro Bowler.
Carr a no-go: Raiders quarterback Derek Carr pushed to be available for Sunday’s game despite suffering a transverse process fracture the week before, but was ultimate ruled inactive as expected.
He should be back in time to play the Los Angeles Chargers next week.
Raiders shift to Manuel: EJ Manuel started in Derek Carr’s place Sunday afternoon, and wasn’t half bad. Buoyed by a strong running game, he was able to connect on some passes and finished 13-of-26 passing for 159 yards and one touchdown.
