Raiders’ game grades

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Offense

Derek Carr and Amari Cooper set the table, and then Latavius Murray eats. The offense looked very good for a second straight game, even mixing in a 55-yard catch from fullback Marcel Reece. The offensive line took care of business. The only reason there isn’t a standing ovation is the failure to put away the game on two late possessions.

Defense

The five sacks and that goal-line stand were impressive. For all of his and the team’s issues covering tight ends, middle linebacker Curtis Lofton is a pit bull on the goal line. Defense crumbled late, and Charles Woodson’s performance aside, why was Travis Benjamin so open on that last play? The cornerbacks are still a scary bunch.

Special teams

This unit didn’t fall apart like the Browns’ did. There were no roughing-the-punter penalties or muffed punts. Bravo. Sebastian Janikowski made two field goals (he is 5-for-5 on the year), and Jack Del Rio almost had him try a 56-yarder late before changing his mind. Not sure about the Amari Cooper-returning-punts thing.

Coaching

Del Rio exudes confidence, and it’s rubbing off on his players, who not only won on the road but also have two wins in a row. Bill Musgrave had another nice offensive game plan (imagine when he sprinkles in some tight ends), and Ken Norton has his defense playing hard, at least. Tight ends are still running free, but …

Overall

This is a bottom-line business, and the Raiders are winning games they would have lost last year. The players believe in the staff and themselves, and the coaches are putting some elite, young playmakers in position to make plays. Hey, if losses snowball, then why can’t wins? Like Woodson said, “Don’t be afraid of success.”

— Vic Tafur