OAKLAND -- The Raiders dropped another game and are 1-6 in a season that's lost before midseason. But, hey, at least they weren't blown out this time.
The Raiders couldn’t keep pace with the Indianapolis Colts in a 42-28 loss at the Coliseum. This game wasn’t all bad, though the defense certainly could claim that it was.
Derek Carr played like his vintage self, and the offensive line woke up after injuries sapped effectiveness in recent games.
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Let’s take a look at the Raiders' report card after another disappointing result:
Rushing offense
There were major concerns about how Doug Martin would fare as the featured back with Marshawn Lynch on injured reserve with a groin injury. He quelled those fears against the Colts, earning 72 yards on just 13 carries. Jalen Richard remains an impactful third-down back.
But … that Martin fumble was a killer. He knows that, and it cost the team dearly. It drops the overall grade as well.
NFL
Grade: B-minus
Passing offense
That was the Derek Carr with whom Raiders fans are familiar. The signal-caller had a 136.6 passer rating while working with Seth Roberts and Brandon LaFell in increased roles. He was able to operate well because the offensive line was on point, protecting the passer well throughout the day.
Grade: A-minus
Rushing defense
The Colts' rushing totals were so massive that we had to do a double take. They had 222 yards on 40 carries, with 132 coming from Marlon Mack.
The Raiders' run defense has been bad all season, but it was terrible Sunday and kept the Colts on the field far too long. They had possession a full 13 minutes more than the Raiders, preventing the offense from being able to keep pace in a high-scoring affair.
Grade: F
Pass defense
The Raiders mounted zero pass rush against the Colts -- a death sentence against someone with Andrew Luck’s talents and poise. He picked the Raiders apart with trademark efficiency, and found tight ends open all day long.
Grade: F
Special teams
Jon Gruden wanted touchbacks, and new kicker Daniel Carlson provided them all day. Johnny Townsend struggled again and cost his team in the field-position battle. He had a 25-yard punt that was as bad as it gets and set up an easy Colts score. Simply put: The Florida alum has to be better.
Grade: C-minus
Overall
The Raiders needed a win so bad, after all the controversy surrounding the Amari Cooper trade and talk of fire sales. The Raiders defense can’t get right, though Gruden brought in a solid offensive game plan.
The bottom line is the Raiders aren’t good enough to compete for four quarters.
Grade: C-minus