Oakland Raiders Still Have High Hopes in Playoffs

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Dec 24, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) carries the ball in the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts during a NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Don’t Count Carr Out

Doctors, people that play one on TV and others are saying there’s no way he plays again this season. The earliest I’ve heard he could be back is just in time to miss the Super Bowl. However, the Raiders tried to originally have the surgery on Christmas morning.

That’s because they wanted to see just how fast he could heal in order to play in the playoffs. That may sound crazy to you but people heal at different speeds and the God he worships has no limits. Sunday will make almost a week after breaking that fibula.

And with a the bye-week after beating the Broncos it will be about three weeks. I’m not saying this is likely at all but it is possible for him to get back by the first playoff game (three weeks). Raiders legend Charles Woodson did it back in 1999.

And Woodson had to run, change directions, come off a cut-block and tackle. After surgery, it was reported that the bone was already healing itself back into place. So it might not be likely but it is not impossible for him to come back during the playoffs.

November 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) grabs the football on a fumble by Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1, not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The Defense

Because of the beginning of the season, the Raiders defense looks ugly in the statistical rankings. Right now, they’re No. 27 in yards allowed (377 ypg) and No. 19 in points allowed (24 ppg). But that is no indication of how they’ve been playing lately.

Over the last seven games, their 341 ypg would be good for No. 11 and 19.7 ppg would be No. 8. The Raiders are also No. 2 in the NFL behind the Kansas City Chiefs in total turnovers. Combine that with very little turnovers on offense and they have the best turnover ratio in the NFL.

The best thing about the defense now is it’s just starting to get healthy up front. Of course, Mack and Bruce Irvin have been around all year, making plays. But Mario Edward Jr. the 2nd-best defensive player on the team, will be require double-teams again.

And Stacey McGee, who was disruptive before his ankle injury, is practicing. McGee is underrated, leading the Raiders in sacks before the injury and he will also require double-teams. Like Edwards, he is good against the run and pass so the Raiders defense will be ready.

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