Written by Scott Bair at CSNBayArea
The Raiders had problems covering tight ends last season. The best on the schedule wreaked havoc. The unheralded caused problems, too.
Martellus Bennett was virtually unstoppable against the Raiders. They practically kick started Gary Barnidge’s career. Tyler Eifert torched the Raiders secondary in the 2015 opener.
The Raiders thought they had the issue rectified in 2015, and it was a non-story this preseason. Tight ends were again a major factor in Sunday’s 35-28 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Tight ends Jacob Tamme, Austin Hooper and Levine Toilolo got in on the action, combining for 10 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown. They’re receptions created chunk plays and were integral in the Falcons’ offensive effort.
The Raiders had mental and technical issues in covering tight ends.
“I don’t think there were any physical mismatches out there,” Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio said. “It was a matter of guys having their eyes where they’re supposed to be and knowing what the heck they’re doing.”
Strong safety Keith McGill and linebackers Malcolm Smith and Ben Heeney are generally charged with covering tight ends. Those efforts didn’t go well.
“There were just breakdowns,” Smith said. “Communication errors, things that are easily fixable. Hopefully we can take that next step (and correct those mistakes).”
No onside kick: Head coach Jack Del Rio chose to kick it deep after the Raiders got within seven points with 2 minutes, 12 seconds remaining. He considered an onside kick, but put his defense in position to get the ball back.
The Raiders had three timeouts and a two-minute warning left, but couldn’t force a punt. That allowed Atlanta to run out the clock and secure victory.
“At some point, you have to make a play if you’re going to win the game,” Del Rio said. “We felt that, with all three timeouts on the other side of the two-minute warning, it was setting up for us to get the ball back and have a shot.”
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